Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Gucci Sterling Silver Round Crest Cufflinks
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci round cufflinks sterling silver with center crest design. Comes with booklet, original pouch and box. Made in Italy.
Sterling Silver
Vintage GUCCI Earrings. 18k White Gold Gucci Interlink Logo Studs
By Gucci
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Gucci Earrings. 18k 750k White Gold Interlocking Gucci Logo Condition: Little to no visible signs of wear. Details: 11mm by 8mm dimensions 1.2grams
18k Gold, White Gold
Gucci Sterling Silver Square Cufflinks
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci sterling silver square cufflinks. Excellent condition. Comes with original pouch and box.
Sterling Silver
Gucci Sterling Silver Logo Cufflinks
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci oval logo cufflinks in sterling silver. Excellent condition. Comes with original pouch, booklet and box.
Sterling Silver
Vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings, interlocking G
By Gucci
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stylish pair of vintage Gucci sterling silver dangle earrings with interlocking GG logo symbol. A classic and timeless design from the early 2000s, they feature a stylised GG styl...
Sterling Silver
Gucci Rectangular Sterling Cufflinks
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci rectangular logo cufflinks in sterling silver. Excellent condition. Comes original pouch and box.
Sterling Silver
Gucci Estate Mens Cufflinks Sterling Silver
By Gucci
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Gucci Estate Mens Cufflinks Sterling Silver G10 These elegant Authentic Gucci cufflinks are made of sterling silver and have a weight of 11.4 grams. MADE IN ITALY TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS! FREE SHIPPING!! DETAILS Style: Mens Cufflinks Weight: 11.4 Grams Metal: Sterling Silver The Gucci items have a natural patina as they are estate silver pieces. Many clients wish to purchase the items as is and have requested that they not be cleaned. We will be more than happy to gently clean the items before shipment so please let us know. Some of the listed Gucci items do come with their original box and packaging. If so the pictures of the box are in the listing. If they do not come with the original Gucci packaging...
Sterling Silver
Gucci Vintage Minimalistic Sterling Silver Drop Earrings
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
A Bold Yet Understated Nod to Italian High Fashion Infuse your look with the iconic Italian flair of Gucci through these vintage sterling silver drop earrings. Designed with minimalistic sophistication, they highlight the brand’s trademark craftsmanship while adding a subtle statement to your everyday or formal attire. Key Features & Design Sterling Silver Construction Marked “Gucci, Made in Italy, 925”, confirming both their authentic origin and the premium quality of the .925 silver. Sleek Modernist Aesthetic The refined drop shape measures around 0.65 inches in length and 0.20 inches in width, offering a streamlined silhouette that suits virtually any style—day or night. Comfortable Weight Weighing about 7.4 grams total, the earrings provide a reassuring feel without tugging or discomfort, ideal for extended wear. Timeless Versatility Whether paired with casual denim or a tailored suit, these Gucci drops bring an element of modern minimalism that adapts seamlessly across different outfits and occasions. Why Choose Vintage Gucci Earrings...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Gucci Sterling Silver Interlocking G Hoop Earrings
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Sterling Silver Interlocking G Hoop Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 155932 Listing Title: Gucci Sterling Silver Interlocking G Hoop Earrings Condition Description: Since its f...
Sterling Silver
Gucci Logo Cufflinks Sterling Silver
By Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gucci rectangular logo cufflinks in sterling silver. Excellent condition. Comes with velvet pouch.
Sterling Silver
Gucci Horsebit 18K White Gold 1.20ct Diamond & White Topaz Earrings GU04-042326
By Gucci
Located in Southampton, PA
On these Gucci Horsebit earrings, the luxury brands most iconic motif is expertly reimagined. Diamonds totaling 1.20 carats and dangling White Topaz gemstones allow them to effortles...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gucci Icon 18K White Gold Ring
By Gucci
Located in Southampton, PA
This Gucci Icon ring is chic and incredibly contemporary. The brands signature GG motif adds a touch of luxury to the sleek, stylish 18K White Gold band. It measures 5mm wide and fea...
18k Gold, White Gold
Chanel 18K White Gold 2.0ct Diamond Earrings CH08-031126
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
These Chanel earrings will continually impress. The rounded 18K White Gold settings include a delicate lattice pattern, organic motifs, and sparkling Diamonds totaling 2.0 carats. Ea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gucci Icon 18K White Gold Ring
By Gucci
Located in Southampton, PA
Designed with a universal appeal, this Gucci Icon ring in 18K white gold suits both men and women with its balanced form and understated presence. This ring features a 5mm band engra...
18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 0.45ct Diamond Oval Drop Earrings ER29997-W
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
These luxury earrings are poised to put the perfect finishing touch on any outfit. The detailed design provides plenty of movement, while sparkling Diamonds totaling 0.45 carats make...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 1.40ct Diamond Earrings
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Unique and artistic in design, these impressive earrings will continually make a stylish statement. The dramatic 18K white gold setting is elevated by sparkling diamonds with a total...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
