19 Totally Gucci Facts About Everyone's Favorite Brand

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Ask any fashion girl what bag she's coveting this season, and we bet a Gucci design is on the list of contenders. With the help of Creative Director Alessandro Michele, the iconic label's sort of gone viral, modeled on the cover of magazines and toted on the arms of celebrities. I even pulled out my grandmother's vintage shopper that's big enough to carry my laptop. (Full disclosure: I've been wearing it almost every day.)

But with an iconic brand like Gucci in the spotlight, it's not just about the new and now. The fashion house's history begins in the early 1920s, and you've got quite the timeline to study. Read on for 19 little-known Gucci facts you've never heard, then study up on Chanel and everyone's go-to retailer, Zara, too.

01
Those double Gs? They stand for Guccio Gucci
Getty | Laurent MAOUS

Those double Gs? They stand for Guccio Gucci

Guccio founded the empire in Florence, Italy, in 1921. His specialty was luggage, since one of his first jobs was working in The Savoy Hotel in London as an elevator operator. There he welcomed the likes of Marilyn Monroe, who later carried his accessories.

02
Gucci Was Inspired by Horse Racing
Getty | Vanni Bassetti

Gucci Was Inspired by Horse Racing

That's where his signature hardware design comes from — it's crafted to look like horse bits and stirrups.

03
Gucci's First New York Store Was Opened in 1953
Getty | Mondadori Portfolio

Gucci's First New York Store Was Opened in 1953

It was the first-ever Italian luxury goods brick-and-mortar store opened stateside. This was also the same year Guccio Gucci died, and his four sons took over managing the fashion house. Today, the brand has over 550 stores. Here, Grace Kelly leaves a boutique in Rome in 1959.

04
The Iconic Gucci Loafer Was Created in 1932
Getty | Vanni Bassetti

The Iconic Gucci Loafer Was Created in 1932

While original models of the footwear are displayed in New York’s Museum of Modern Art, street style stars these days are all about the fur-lined looks.

05
Canvas Was Introduced During World War II
Getty | Edward Berthelot

Canvas Was Introduced During World War II

Due to a material shortage, the Gucci team resorted to cotton canvas instead of leather during World War II. This is when the signature red and green bands were developed.

06
The Bamboo Handle Dates Back to 1947
Getty

The Bamboo Handle Dates Back to 1947

It’s still around today and was originally made by a process of heating and molding.

Gucci Dionysus Leather Top Handle Bag ($3,500)

07
Gucci's Had Plenty of Automobile Collaborations
Getty | Kevork Djansezian

Gucci's Had Plenty of Automobile Collaborations

In the early 1970s, Gucci made over the AMC Hornet car, luxuriating the sportabout station wagon with Gucci stripes and the Gucci crest.

08
Tom Ford Was Artistic Director From 1994 to 2005
Getty | PAOLO COCCO

Tom Ford Was Artistic Director From 1994 to 2005

Ford modernized the brand through an American lens and brought major success.

09
Frida Giannini Was Appointed Creative Director in 2005
Getty | TIZIANA FABI

Frida Giannini Was Appointed Creative Director in 2005

At first, women’s ready-to-wear and accessories were under her watch, but she took control of the entire brand the following year. Giannini started working for Gucci in 2002.

10
The Genius Jeans Made the Guinness World Records Book in 1998
Gucci

The Genius Jeans Made the Guinness World Records Book in 1998

The style was the most expensive ever sold — for a whopping $3,134 in Milan. The record has since been surpassed by Levi’s in 2005, which sold a pair to an anonymous Japanese collector for $60,000. Styles since have been embellished and embroidered (this look is from the pre-Fall '16 collection) — denim is an ample part of the Gucci woman’s wardrobe.

11
Gucci Was Ranked the 38th Most Valuable Brand
Getty | Timur Emek

Gucci Was Ranked the 38th Most Valuable Brand

The Forbes World’s Most Valuable Brands list ranks Gucci at 38. The label is valued at $12.4 billion.

12
The "Gucci Group," Now Called Kering, Doesn't Only Include Gucci
Getty | George Rose

The "Gucci Group," Now Called Kering, Doesn't Only Include Gucci

Kering encompasses labels like Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen too.

13
Alessandro Michele Became Creative Director in January 2015
Getty | Catwalking

Alessandro Michele Became Creative Director in January 2015

Born in Rome, Alessandro was senior accessories designer at Fendi, then spent time at Tom Ford in 2002.

15
Gucci Had No Problem Collaborating With a Spinoff Graffiti Artist
Getty | Venturelli

Gucci Had No Problem Collaborating With a Spinoff Graffiti Artist

For Fall ’16, Michele collaborated with GucciGhost, aka Trouble Andrew, a graffiti artist who splashed his signature playful prints onto shoppers, crossbody bags, and even a midi skirt.

16
The Dionysus Is the Bag All the Fashion Girls Want
Getty | Christian Vierig

The Dionysus Is the Bag All the Fashion Girls Want

Many versions are covered with plants, birds, and insects and can be seen on the arms of celebs and street style stars alike.

17
This Is the Gucci Dress That Went Viral
NBC

This Is the Gucci Dress That Went Viral

This Spring '16 Gucci dress has already appeared on three magazine covers, and Jimmy Fallon took a liking to it when Dakota Johnson matched his yellow telephone on The Tonight Show.

18
Gucci Has Partnered With UNICEF Since 2005
Gucci

Gucci Has Partnered With UNICEF Since 2005

Gucci donates a percentage of sales to the fund, which promotes education, healthcare protection, and clean water for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. This particular ad featuring Rihanna spotlighted a new collection for the cause.

19
Gucci Opened a Museum in Italy
Getty | TIZIANA FABI

Gucci Opened a Museum in Italy

It spans 1,715 square meters and charts the brand's 90-year history. Gucci Museo is located within the Palazzo della Mercanzia in Italy.