The son of a leather craftsman, Guccio was reportedly inspired by the luxury luggage carried by guests at the Savoy. In 1921, he opened his first shop in Florence, a small store that sold imported luggage. When Italian trade embargoes in the 1930s made it difficult for Gucci to find leather, he diversified the business using a variety of other materials such as wicker and linen.

By the time Guccio died in 1953, the fashion house had stores throughout Italy and a newly opened store in New York. His sons rapidly expanded the family fashion empire, opening stores in London and Paris during the 1960s. Today, Gucci is a global powerhouse and one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

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