Guccio Gucci was born in Florence in 1881. He moved to London in his 20's where he worked as an elevator operator at the Savoy Hotel. Important personalities that would frequent London's Savoy Hotel had the most exclusive accessories. The clientelle included aristocrates for all over the world. Guccio fell in love with their hand made suitcases and horse riding accessories.
Guccio returned to Florence from London after five years. He married seamstress Aida Cardelli. They began raising their family. Guccio landed a job for Luxury Tour Operator. 'The International Sleeping-Car (and European Great Expresses) Company'
After WWI Alda and Guccio move to Milan with their five children. Where Guccio becomes managing director of Franzi. One of the most imporant leather goods companies.
After his experience in London and Milan. Guccio and his family finally move back to Florence. The First Gucci store on Via della Vigna Nuova. Selling his luxury leather suitcases and articles for horse riding. The classic red and green stripe of Gucci came from the same style used to make English classic saddelry.
A second store opens on Via del Parione 11 and a third store on Via dei Giucciardini follows.
During Fascism the brand was only able to use products from Italy. This is when the accessories and clothing was born. Textiles like hemp, jute and wool were used to make fashion bags and gloves.
In 1947 the Bamboo Bag was invented, 1952 Mens Mocassin with iconic gucci symbol 'the horse-bit'. 1953 Guccio dies leaving a Dynasty. The last family member to own the company was Guccio's grandson Maurizio Gucci. Maurizio sold his remaining stock of Gucci in 1993 ending the Gucci family's association with the company. On 27 March 1995 Maurizio Gucci was shot by a hired hitman.
The Gucci Brand belongs to French Luxury Group Kering. Valued in 2019 at 10.9 Billion US dollars. The Brands current creative director Alessandro Michele created the Gucci Garden a museum in one of the most beautiful palaces in Florence. Palazzo della Mercanzia.
Enjoy our private tour with an expert guide to discover the Story of Gucci along with other Florentine Iconic sites.
Florentine Icons of Ancient Paper, Perfume, Sculpture and Fashion
Starting Time Options: 09.00am - 2.00pm Duration of Tour: 4 hours
Price: 125 Euro per person Group of 4 adults. (contact us for larger group pricing) Includes: Local Guide, SKIP the line tickets Accademia Gallery, Gucci Museum with Paper Marbling workshop. Lunch to be paid for separately
Meet your tour leader and guide for a wonderful morning. Arrive at local artisan Riccardo’s workshop. Riccardo is a fourth generation local book binder. He has mastered the art of Paper marbling. Make your own marbled paper at his workshop in a renaissance palace.
Arrive in the main square at Santa Maria Novella. See the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The basilica was designed by the great Renaissance Man 'Leon Battisti Alberti'. Continue to the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella. To Admire the many rooms of ancient perfumes, soaps and special potions. A beloved favourite is 'L'acqua della Regina' - created for Catherine dei Medici.
Arrive at the Accademia Gallery, skip the line ticket to see Michelangelo’s David.
Continue to the Gucci garden. Located inside the historical Palazzo della Mercanzia. Take a guided tour of the Gucci Garden followed by lunch at Gucci Osteria a contemporary Restaurant by world renowned chef Massimo Bottura. A one star michelin dining experience with head chef Karime Lopez.