100 years of Gucci retraced through the most famous (and desired) accessories
Bags, scarves, belts, loafers and sandals: Gucci accessories that have become icons of desire
Accessories that have marked the history of Gucci's 100 years. Let's retrace this 'machine of desire' that every year offers bags, scarves, shoes and belts abreast of the new generations.
Fashion fetishes that have become objects of desire, iconic accessories that go beyond time and trends to customize the look. Gucci is a perfect machine of desire, a true Italian case which since its birth in 1921, has aroused dreams and aspirations. This and much more is the Maison with the double 'G'.
In a century it has developed precise symbols of recognition that take shape not only through the double letter and the monogram canvas but also with the small parts of bags, belts and shoes. The horse clamp and then the tiger head closure as in the Dionysus it-bag, are characteristic and authentic elements of the brand. In addition to this there’s the precise use of color: the company's flag is green-red-green, a rigorous rhythm born in the 1950s that personalizes clutches, wallets and even bikinis. More recent is the introduction of pink shades by Alessandro Michele who proposes pink clothes season after season, losing the connotation of gender.
In history we find great classics that have been revisited over time: the commonly known Jackie bag (shown several times by Jackie Kennedy) dates back to 1961, with a hobo shape, a buckle closure and reinforced edges; 1966 is the date of birth of the legendary Flora scarf, the motif was designed by Vittorio Accornero while the accessory is inextricably linked to another icon, Grace Kelly. Then there is an unsuspected fan, Queen Elizabeth II. How many times have we seen her wearing Gucci loafers? With a clean, tapered design and super soft leather, the innate comfort of these shoes has even convinced the discerning Her Majesty. She is joined by a young Jodie Foster (who wears them for skating in Freaky Friday) and the charming Alain Delon. The Italian style, with its 1953 loafers, goes as far as the New York MoMA. On the other hand, leathers have always been a family business.
In the 90s Tom Ford proposed the black leather shoelace tied around the neck as a choker (famous look by Kate Moss), while at the dawn of the new millennium he made designer handcuff bracelets and unisex wedding rings with the 'GG' logo that will completely change the conception of fashion jewelry. This is followed by the blossom years of the Flora print not only on scarves but also on the entire line of leather goods and clothing and re-proposes the iconic bags of the 60s, such as the Bamboo, in a minimal key and without logo, thus focusing on the heritage of Maison.
To give a new boost to the Florentine fashion house is the arrival of Alessandro Michele as Creative Director, who has become the King Midas of Gucci. His fashion vision has caused a revolution and an increase in profits, he has been able to satisfy the most indomitable fashion desires by overcoming the momentary critical issues of the judgments ( the slippers with fur lining have literally divided the fashion people in two). The arduous sentence was issued by posterity, acquitted for the creative audacity that found confirmation with success. Also by his hand are the bumbags: luxury pouches made up of a belt plus bag and cotton and cashmere socks with a monogram motif of crystals.
In less than ten years we’ve gone from exclusivity to inclusiveness, a value that takes shape and color in every accessory with varieties on the theme of bags, shoes, scarves, glasses, belts and socks. An idea about the world, many trends and the Made in Italy quality of collections that combine the new and reinvent the classic, the heart of the success of that desire machine called Gucci.
