A Giant among Giants: The Story of Gucci

Gucci, an Italian luxury brand of fashion and leather goods, was founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence in 1921. Today, it is owned by the French holding company Kering, and is considered the biggest-selling Italian brand and one of the top 100 luxury brands in the world.

Gucci designs and produces women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, handbags, small leather goods, travel accessories, footwear, fine jewelry, watches, eyewear, fragrances and cosmetics, children’s clothing and other lifestyle items.

Headquartered in Florence, Gucci is ranked #42 on Forbes list of “The World’s Most Valuable Brands” as of 2015. According to Forbes, Gucci’s brand value is estimated at $12.4 billion, netting $4.5 billion in sales in 2015. According to Forbes, Chinese clients represent about one-third of Gucci product buyers.

British musician Florence Welch, lead singer of Florence + the Machine, has been appointed as Gucci’s new ambassador for watches and jewelry. At a press conference to elaborate on this new partnership Welch wore a bangle and a mix of rings from Gucci Jewelry’s Icon, Marche des Merveilles and Flora collections. On her hands she adorned rings in 18kt yellow and pink gold, each decorated with precious diamonds, or motifs like the honeybee.