Does the Gucci Family Still Own Gucci?

If you’re a fashion enthusiast, the name Gucci is probably not new to you. The brand has been around for almost a century and has become a symbol of luxury and high fashion.

But have you ever wondered if the Gucci family still owns Gucci? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the brand and its current ownership.

The History of Gucci

Gucci was founded in 1921 by Italian businessman Guccio Gucci. The brand started as a small leather goods and luggage company in Florence, Italy. However, it didn’t take long for the brand to become popular among aristocrats and wealthy travelers, thanks to its high-quality products.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Gucci became an international sensation, with stores opening in major cities like New York and Paris. The brand’s signature double G logo became synonymous with luxury and sophistication.

The Turbulent Times

Despite its success, the Gucci family faced several internal conflicts that threatened to tear the company apart. In 1983, Maurizio Gucci, who was then the CEO of the company, faced financial troubles that led him to sell his shares to an investment group called Investcorp.

The sale of Maurizio’s shares marked the end of an era for the Gucci family’s ownership of the company. Over time, Investcorp sold their shares in Gucci to various investors until finally in 1999; French luxury group Kering acquired a controlling stake in the company.

The Current Ownership

Today Kering owns 70% of Gucci shares while other shareholders own smaller portions. The current creative director of Gucci is Alessandro Michele who took over from Frida Giannini in January 2015.

It’s worth noting that despite no longer being part owners of their family business, some members of the Gucci family still work for the company. For instance, Alessandra Gucci, Maurizio’s daughter, has worked as a jewelry designer for Gucci. Additionally, Maurizio’s cousin, Patricia Gucci, has written a book about her life growing up as part of the famous family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Gucci family no longer owns a significant portion of the company they founded, their legacy lives on through the brand’s success. Today, Gucci is still one of the most recognized luxury fashion brands in the world and continues to set trends in the industry.