The symbols of Gucci clothing
High fashion houses function as universes in their own right. Within these, unique worlds and stories with their own mythology unfold. Brands like Gucci, with over a century of history, currently bear traces of their origins in the past. For those of us who love the industry, it's not difficult to recognize a brand through its symbolism. Details of all kinds, from prints, hardware, and colours, can speak without words and reveal clues about a fashion house. Gucci clothing and accessories, in their arsenal of traditional symbolism, tell us about their history through their icons.
Do you know the origins of the main symbols of Gucci clothing?
The Gucci Web
As one of its most recognized and emulated symbols, the Gucci Web is one of the industry's most famous icons. The original design was launched in the 1950s and consists of three horizontal stripes of colours: two in green and one in red.
The origin of this colour combination is inspired by the saddle ribbon used in horseback riding, reflecting the brand's heritage in crafting luxury items for equestrian sports. The passion for equestrianism among many of its early clients turned equestrian symbolism into a brand key. The Gucci Web Stripe conveys elegance and the tradition of the house, connecting fashion with the sophistication of equestrian aesthetics and its association with high society. Over the years and collections, the Gucci Web Stripe has been included in various Gucci products, from bags to clothing, and accessories, becoming an unmistakable emblem of the brand.
The Gucci Horsebit
That ubiquitous double buckle in Gucci bag collections, shoes, and coats takes us back to the world of horses. The Horsebit symbol is another unmistakable emblem of the brand.
The symbol was introduced in the 1950s in a famous pair of loafers and is once again inspired by the world of equestrianism. Horsebits are the bits used to control horses, as part of the rein structure. Throughout the collections, the Horsebit has appeared in a variety of Gucci pieces, from their famous Horsebit loafers that started their journey to bags and jewellery, among other accessories.
The Gucci Flora Print
Who can forget those iconic campaigns for the Flora by Gucci perfume, photographed by Inez & Vinoodh or Solve Sundsbø and starring Abbey Lee Kershaw? Well, before the perfume and the accompanying dresses, there was the famous print that bears its name.
The Gucci Flora Print is a creation for a scarf that arose from the collaboration between Gucci and artist Vittorio Accornero in the 1960s. The scarf with the print was created for Grace Kelly, the then Princess of Monaco. The design features a variety of flowers and plants in a palette on a salmon background.
The Legacy of Guccio Gucci: the Double G
The double GG logo represents the initials of "Guccio Gucci," the brand's founder. The intertwined two Gs have become an iconic symbol of Gucci and its legacy, appearing on bags, belts, footwear, and all sorts of Gucci pieces.
Among the products featuring the initials as a logo, perhaps the most representative is the Gucci Marmont bag. In different models, from camera bags to mini bags and shoulder bags, the Marmont collection pays homage to Gucci's rich heritage. Its image represents legacy and a mark of quality throughout the brand's history.
Greco-Roman Mythology
Gucci's relationship with Mediterranean culture has taken shape through its own history. From its establishment as a proper Italian luxury brand, the influence of Greco-Roman mythology on the brand has gained prominence in more recent collections.
In the collections of the Alessandro Michele era, classical myths have often manifested themselves in campaigns and runway shows, in prints, embroideries, and decorative elements in the collections. These historical references add a rich layer of cultural and intellectual depth to the brand's creations, bridging the new and old worlds and providing interest beyond clothing. Mythological figures and historical symbols from Greco-Latin culture open the door to a whole new universe of creativity for the brand.
The meaning of the symbols and logos of the house has had a cumulative effect, telling more stories as the years go by. From the founder's initials to designs for European royalty and clues from the brand's early clients, these renowned symbols reveal much about their own trajectory while giving small hints of their ideal universe. Often, historic fashion houses have their own mythology and symbolism, speaking to us about their own journey and providing small glimpses into their ideal universe.
