Gucci is one of the world's most beloved brands, known for its designs that are both innovative and timeless. Recently revived by a fresh new perspective courtesy of Creative Director Alessandro Michele, Gucci has taken center stage in the fashion world with a bold, maximalist aesthetic and must-have pieces. A lot has changed with the brand since Michele took the helm of the luxury label in 2015, yet its rich history is still mapped in the brand's iconic DNA.
These days, almost everyone is "obsessed with Gucci," but only true fans will know the facts and history of Gucci ahead. Are you familiar with Florentine fashion house's historic origins? Do you know why the brand's covetable mules and loafers have that metal detailing or how its famous Bamboo bag came to be? Want to find out just how you know about the brand fashion girls can't get enough of? We've assembled five facts we bet you never knew about the history of Gucci below. It's time to test your knowledge.
Guccio Gucci began his small leather goods and luggage company in Florence, Italy, in 1921. He had previously worked at the famed Savoy Hotel in London, and this experience inspired him to bring the taste of the English nobility into the goods he created.
Gucci's first big clients were, as the brand says, "horse-riding aristocrats," and they clamored for equestrian gear. This is where the brand's famed horse-bit detail comes from.
When Italy was under a fascist dictatorship in the 1940s, leather was difficult to come by, so the company experimented with other materials like linen and burnished cane. The burnished cane bag, also known as the Bamboo bag, became so popular that it's still produced today.
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The now-famous flora-print silk scarf was first made at the personal request of none other than Grace Kelly, in 1966. Gucci had artist Kris Knight reimagine the print for the Cruise 2015 collection, but its other iterations are still available.
Gucci loafers, with their signature horse-bit detail, were added to the collection of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1985.
Shop Some of Our Favorite Gucci Pieces
Calling all Slytherins, this belt is for you.Available in sizes Gucci 75 to Gucci 100.
The Italian fashion house's take on the windbreaker.Available in sizes XXS to L.
Disco dancing shoes for your next night out. Available in sizes 34 to 42.
The coolest cotton T-shirt of the moment.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Cheesy vacation shirts, but make it fashion. Available in sizes 36 to 46.
The very definition of party pants.Available in sizes S to XL.
These eclectic pair of sunglasses will take your look to the next level.Available in one size.
If you've been looking for a high-fashion fanny pack, your search ends here.Available in sizes Gucci 65 to Gucci 105.
Give me retro or give me Gucci (or both, ideally).Available in sizes 36 to 44.
For the cat enthusiast in your life.Available in sizes XS to L.
The semi-gaudy bling your fingers have been waiting for.Available in sizes S to L.
Your feet deserve to feel luxurious, too.Available in sizes 4 to 12.
The color of the season tempts us yet again.Available in sizes 36 to 46.
The Gucci Dragon is officially our new favorite.Available in one size.
The dreamiest dress you could possibly imagine.Available in sizes 38 to 42.
The signature Gucci stripes on these boots make them truly stand out.Available in sizes 5.5 to 12.5.
This shearling lined jacket features some of Gucci's most recognizable motifs.Available in sizes 36 to 46.
A bold satin pump to bring you into the spring season.Available in sizes 4 to 12.
Logos, logos, and more logos. Available in sizes 36 to 46.
The sleekest suede bag maybe ever.Available in one size.
This whimsical coat has a feminine silhouette that oozes new-age elegance.Available in sizes 36 to 42.Next up, check out the latest from the Gucci F/W 18 runway show in Milan.This story was originally published on November 22, 2015, and has since been updated by Lauren Eggertsen.
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