11 Things You Probably Do not Know About Gucci
Gucci is one of the most popular brands in the world. It is also the most expensive. If you ask any modern fashionist about her favorite fashion brands surely Gucci creation will be at the top of her list.
And the company is making huge progress. With the help of the new creative director, Alessandro Michele, Gucci has taken a good facelift with some interesting creativities. In this article you will have the possibility to discover some facts about this giant company, beginning in the early 20s.
Here is the list of 11 Gucci interesting facts
- GucciGhost
Gucci collaborated with a graffiti artist to make its bags so elegant and unique. For the fall 2016 collection, the company collaborated with the street artist Trouble Andrew, better known as GucciGhost, to create and put graffiti on the bags, and even skirts.
- The Double G in the Logo
Have you ever wondered what the double G in the Gucci logo means? In case you did not know it means Guccio Gucci, the founder who created the empire in Florence, Italy, in 1921.
Guccio’s first jobs had been in the London hotel, The Savoy, working as an elevator operator. Some of the famous people, such as Marilyn Monroe, he used to carry luggage later carried his creations. From ordinary to luxury, he faces all types of travel bags, which makes luggage his specialty.
- Inspiration from Equine Races
Although Guccio Gucci was working in the travel field it was not enough to inspire him the right designs and materials for his bags until during an equine race.
He loves horses and goes to races from time to time. This is during a race the metal tips found on all handbags come from; they are supposed to represent stirrups, each of a pair of devices attached to each side of a horse’s saddle, in the form of a loop with a flat base to support the rider’s foot.
- The First US Store, 1953
The very first US store opened in New York in 1953. It was the first Italian luxury store to open in the United States. Unfortunately, Guccio Gucci died the same year, did not have a chance to see the expansion of his brand in the country. His four sons then took over the company, and they indeed settle for success. Today, the brand has more than 550 stores. It is among the top favorite of the famous and wealthy people.
It is, however, important to note that the brand was already popular in the United States before the opening of the first store. For instance, Gucci Moccasin was created in 1932 and the very first models went on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York that same year.
- World War II, No Leather
Canvas was used for the first time during World War II. Due to a shortage of material, the Gucci team had to turn to canvas instead of the usual leather during the Second World War to produce their bags. This is where the red and green bands were created.
- Tom Ford Worked for Gucci
Tom Ford was the artistic director of the brand from 1994 to 2005. In 11 years, he has been able to modernize the brand and make it a huge success.
Frida Giannini then took her place. She was first in charge of women’s ready-to-wear and accessories before taking control of the entire company the following year. She started working for Gucci in 2002.
- The Most Expensive Jeans in the World
Jean Genius beat the world record in 1998. This style of jeans was then the most expensive in the world, having been sold for $ 3,134 in Milan. The record has since been defeated by Levi’s in 2005, who sold jeans to an anonymous Japanese collector for $ 60,000.
- Worth $ 12.4 Billion
Gucci was ranked 38th most valuable brand in the world in 2015. As of today, the company is estimated at $ 12.4 billion.
- Gucci Belongs to Kering
The “Gucci Group” is part of the giant global luxury group called Kering. Based in Paris, the international luxury group possesses under its wings many luxury houses such as Gucci, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, Boucheron, and Brioni.
In addition, Kering owns Puma and Volcom in its Sport and Lifestyle portfolio.
- Gucci’s Museo in Italy
To celebrate its 90 years in business, Gucci has opened their own museum in Palazzo della Mercanzia, Italy. Inside there is a café that serves local food to visitors, a bookstore, and many of Gucci’s greatest products, including some archives and modern displays.
- Gucci Partner with UNICEF Since 200
Since 2005 Gucci donates a certain percentage of its sales to the association. Since that year, the brand “has contributed more than US $20 million to UNICEF’s work, focusing on the ‘Schools for Africa’ initiative which helps the most disadvantaged children, including girls, orphans and those living in extreme poverty, gain access to quality education. To date, this partnership has positively impacted the lives of more than 7.5 million children living in sub-Saharan Africa and China.”
