Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Gucci Vintage 2004 Runway Tom Ford Black Jersey Wrap Bamboo Heel Sandals EU 36
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Eagan, MN
Gucci 2004 Runway Tom Ford Black Jersey Wrap Bamboo Heel Sandal Heels EU 36 C Women's size EU 36 C Shoe sizing is inconsistent across brands. It is recommended to know your sizing w...
Gucci Vintage S/S 1998 Tom Ford Black Leather Lucite Wedge Sandals Heels US 9.5
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Eagan, MN
Gucci Vintage S/S 1998 Tom Ford Black Leather Lucite Wedge Sandals Heels US 9.5 Women's size US 9.5 Shoe sizing is inconsistent across brands. It is recommended to know your sizing within a brand, or refer to the brand's website to determine fit. Vintage Gucci sandals...
Gucci S/S 2002 Tom Ford Black Bamboo Heel Lace Up Wrap Sandal Heels US 7.5
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Eagan, MN
Gucci S/S 2002 Tom Ford Black Bamboo Heel Lace Up Wrap Sandal Heels US 7.5 Women's size US 7.5 From the Spring 2002 Tom Ford for Gucci collection, these ankle wrap sandals reflect o...
Gucci Vintage Retro 2004 Tom Ford Black Jersey Bamboo Heel Mule Sandals 7.5
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Eagan, MN
Gucci Vintage Retro 2004 Tom Ford Black Jersey Bamboo Heel Mule Sandals 7.5 Women's size US 7.5 Shoe sizing is inconsistent across brands. It is recommended to know your sizing wit...
Gucci Riddle Black Brushed Leather Lace Up Buckle Platform Heeled Boots IT 39
By Gucci, Frida Giannini
Located in Eagan, MN
Gucci Riddle Black Brushed Leather Lace Up Buckle Platform Heeled Boots IT 39 Women's size IT 39 Gucci Riddle knee-high boots from the Frida Giannini era, crafted in black brushed ...
Gucci FW 2007 Runway Frida Giannini Dahlia Black Leather Platform Boots IT 38C
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in Eagan, MN
Gucci FW 2007 Runway Frida Giannini Dahlia Black Leather Platform Boots IT 38C Women's size IT 38C It is recommended to know your sizing within a brand, or refer to the brand's web...
Gucci by Frida Giannini SS2010 Black Leather & Suede Cage Heels Sandals EU 39
By Frida Giannini, Gucci
Located in Berlin, BE
Rare Gucci by Frida Giannini black leather and suede cage sandals from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. This striking architectural design reflects the strong futuristic aesthetic...
Gucci Black Strappy Heels Satin Ankle Strap Sandals 7.5 Tom Ford
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci black strappy heels in satin with a sleek ankle strap design, perfect for nights out, events, or dressy everyday outfits. These black ankle strap heels feature a slim high heel and minimal crisscross straps that create a clean, flattering silhouette. Lightweight and easy to style, they pair effortlessly with dresses, denim, or evening looks—making them a go-to option for versatile wear. A classic black heel that works across seasons and occasions. From the Tom Ford era at Gucci, known for its sleek, minimal, and high-impact designs that remain highly sought after in resale. Details: • Gucci strappy sandals • Black satin fabric upper • Crisscross front straps • Adjustable ankle strap • Slim high heel • Subtle Gucci logo detail • Made in Italy Size: • US 7.5 B Heel Height: • Approx. 3.75–4" Condition: Preowned condition with visible wear on insoles and soles. Structurally sound and wearable. Please review photos for details. KEYWORDS: gucci heels black, black strappy heels, ankle strap heels women, satin heels black, designer heels women, tom ford gucci heels, vintage gucci shoes, y2k heels...
GUCCI Size 8.5 Black Gold Suede Patent Leather Ankle Sandals
By Gucci
Located in San Francisco, CA
GUCCI sandals in a black mixed leathers (suede, leather, and patent leather) featuring a metallic gold tone stripe detail, and back zipper closure. Note: these shoes have been resole...
GUCCI Size 9.5 Black Leather Patent Leather Back Zipper Cage Sandals
By Gucci
Located in San Francisco, CA
GUCCI sandals in a black leather and patent leather featuring a cage design, stiletto heel, and back zipper closure. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 258343 3...
Gucci Tom Ford Bamboo Heels Spring 2004 Runway Black Silk Sandals US 7
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Gucci Tom Ford bamboo heels from the Spring 2004 runway, featuring black pleated silk wrap uppers and sculptural metallic bamboo heels. These vintage Gucci by Tom Ford shoes are an authentic archive design from Tom Ford's final year at Gucci and a rare collector-era runway style. The pleated black silk wraps across the foot and around the ankle, contrasted by the signature bamboo heel—a recognizable Gucci design element. An increasingly difficult-to-find example of Tom Ford era Gucci footwear with documented Spring 2004 runway provenance. Details • Gucci by Tom Ford • Spring 2004 runway collection • Tom Ford for Gucci • Black pleated silk upper • Wrap ankle design • Metallic bamboo heel • Open toe • Made in Italy Size • US 7 B Condition Preowned vintage condition with wear to soles and minor signs of use. Overall structure remains strong. Please review photos for condition. Keywords: Gucci Tom Ford bamboo heels, Gucci by Tom Ford, Gucci Tom Ford shoes, Tom Ford for Gucci, Tom Ford era Gucci, vintage Gucci by Tom Ford, Gucci runway heels, Gucci bamboo sandals...
Gucci Tom Ford 2002 Black Leather Bamboo Horsebit Sandals Heels 9B
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Gucci by Tom Ford 2002 black leather strappy sandals featuring signature bamboo hardware, gold-tone rings and slim stiletto heels. These archival Gucci heels combine the hous...
Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
