SAPPHIRE WHISPER

  About:

 Gucci was founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. In 1938, Gucci expanded and a boutique was opened in Rome. Guccio was responsible for designing many of the company's products. In 1947, Gucci introduced the bamboo handle handbag, which is still a company mainstay. During the 1950s, Gucci also developed the trademark striped webbing, which was derived from the saddle girth, and the Suede moccasin with a metal horsebit. His wife Aida Calvelli had a large family, though only the sons—Vasco, Aldo, Ugo, and Rodolfo—would play a role in leading the company.

After Guccio's death in 1953, Aldo helped lead the company to a position of International prominence, opening the company’s first boutique in New York. Rodolfo initially tried to start an acting career as a matinee idol but soon returned to help direct the company. Even in Gucci’s fledgling years, the family was notorious for its ferocious infighting. Disputes regarding inheritances, stock holdings, and day-to-day operations of the stores often divided the family and led to alliances. Gucci expanded overseas, board meetings about the company’s future often ended with tempers flaring and luggage and purses flying. Gucci targeted the Far East for further expansion in the late 1960s, opening stores in Hong Kong and Tokyo. At that time, the company also developed its famous GG logo (Guccio Gucci's initials), the Flora silk scarf (worn prominently by Hollywood actress Grace Kelly), and the Jackie O shoulder bag, made famous by Jackie Kennedy. Gucci remained one of the premier luxury goods establishments in the world until the late 1970s, when a series of disastrous business decisions and family quarrels brought the company to the verge of bankruptcy. At the time, brothers Aldo and Rodolfo controlled equal 50% shares of the company, though Rodolfo contributed less to the company than Aldo and his sons did. In 1979, Aldo developed the Gucci Accessories Collection, or GAC, intended to bolster the sales for the Gucci Parfumes sector, which his sons controlled. GAC consisted of small accessories, such as cosmetic bags, lighters, and pens, which were priced at considerably lower points than the other items in the company’s accessories catalogue. Aldo relegated control of Parfums to his son Roberto in an effort to weaken Rodolfo’s control of the overall operations of the company. Though the Gucci Accessories Collection was well received, it proved to be the force that brought the Gucci dynasty crashing down.

Within a few years, the Perfumes division began outselling the Accessories division. The newly-founded wholesaling business had brought the once-exclusive brand to over a thousand stores in the United States alone with the GAC line, deteriorating the brand’s standing with fashionable customers. In the 1960s and 1970s, Gucci had been at the pinnacle of chic, thanks to icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Onasis. 

Frida Giannini: Creative Director of Gucci

Frida Giannini's unique talent and passionate disposition has fuelled her rise as an international designer for one of the most recognized luxury fashion brands.

Born in Rome in 1972, she studied fashion design at Rome's Fashion Academy before apprenticing in a small ready to wear house. In 1997, she landed a job at Fendi where she worked as a ready to wear designer for three seasons before being named designer for Fendi leather goods.

In September 2002, she joined Gucci as Handbag Design Director. Two years later, she was appointed to the unprecedented role of Creative Director of Accessories in charge of bags, shoes, luggage, small leather goods, silks, fine jewelry, gifts, watches and eyewear. She took on the position with her trademark confidence and conviction, and has brought a powerful point-of-view to the house's accessories.

By reinterpreting iconic elements from Gucci's past, such as the "Flora" scarf patterns and equestrian imagery, she has infused a rich heritage with new energy and modern sex appeal.

In March 2005, she was named Creative Director of Gucci Women's ready-to-wear, in addition to her responsibilities for all accessories. In January 2006, she also became in charge of men's wear, thus becoming the sole Creative Director of the label. Her fresh and joyous vision combined with her savvy interpretation of the Gucci legacy has delighted fashion followers around the world. She has also been embraced by Hollywood, where her designs frequently grace the red carpet.

Frida approaches her life as passionately as she does work. Her humor, intelligence and fine-tuned aesthetic instincts shine through all of her designs. She has the same appreciation for a 1950s Raphael arm chair as she does for a new wave David Bowie album cover.
Through her frequent travels she constantly expands her range of inspirations and cultural experiences. Her well-rounded lifestyle makes her appreciate the needs of the modern Gucci woman. She balances the demands of a brilliant career with the laughter and intimacy of family and friends. Crediting her warm and optimistic personality to the sunny Roman way of life, Frida is a true embodiment of Italian style.

Like the brand she designs for, Frida has chosen to base in Florence both her professional and private life. She works in Gucci's offices in the town and resides with her husband in a 15th century apartment in the centre of Florence.

Frida works under the creative direction of Tom Ford.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gucci

Store Hours & Location:

 Gucci 
 840 Madison Avenue  
 New York, NY 10021
 212.717.2619 

Monday to Friday:  10am - 6:00pm
Saturday:  10am - 7pm
Sunday:  12 - 5pm

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