Biography of Guccio Gucci

Italian fashion designer (1881–1953) born in Florence. He opened his first shop in Florence, 1920, and became known for his leather craftsmanship and accessories. His four sons joined the firm and in 1953 the first overseas shop opened in New York.

The empire has had several corporate identities, and after Gucci's grandson Maurizio's (1949–95) presidency from 1989 to 1993, the company was sold to the multinational Investcorp.