Nothing personifies luxury and high-fashion quite like Gucci. Established in Florence, Italy in 1921, Gucci was the brainchild of Guccio Gucci, a former hotel worker who fell in love with the opulence he experienced in the hospitality industry.

Starting out modestly as a small leather goods store, Guccio offered quality luggage, handbags, and accessories. His eye for detail and commitment to quality quickly saw the brand extend its reach to Florence and Milan, as Gucci added shoes and clothing to its repertoire.

As the brand stepped into the 50s and 60s, Gucci evolved into a fashion phenomenon, its allure captivating Hollywood A-listers like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Grace Kelly. Gucci’s iconic motifs - the interlocking G logo and the horsebit, became a language of luxury and sophistication.

During the 70s and 80s, Gucci dove into costume jewellery, its offerings mirroring the bold spirit of these fashion-forward decades. Its iconic double 'G' logo took centre stage in many of its designs, including oversized gold-tone pendant necklaces and chunky gold and silver-tone bangle bracelets. Vibrant enamel work and intricate metal detailing added a unique flair to Gucci's jewellery.

And in 1982, a dramatic turn of events within the Gucci family led to the departure of Paulo Gucci, Guccio’s grandson, who once held a key position within the family business. Paulo’s exit came after bitter family disputes and led him to establish his own jewellery line, in turn, adding a new, surprising chapter to the Gucci saga.

Fast forward to the 90s, and Gucci started to wrestle with retaining its exclusive allure as its designs started to lean more mainstream. 

In 1995, Gucci appointed Tom Ford as its Creative Director in an attempt to revive its flagging fortunes. Ford took a bold, daring approach introducing provocative designs like the infamous "Gucci G-string." His efforts revitalized the brand, reasserting Gucci’s position as a beacon of luxury and quality. Under Ford, Gucci reinvented itself, rising to become one of the world's most influential fashion brands.