In the world of fashion, few names are as iconic as Gucci. The Italian luxury brand has been a symbol of glamour and sophistication for nearly 100 years.
But in recent years, the company has undergone some significant changes. With new leadership at the helm, many are wondering who runs the Gucci empire now.
The Early Days of Gucci
The story of Gucci begins in 1921 when a young Italian man named Guccio Gucci opened a small leather goods store in Florence. The store quickly gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship and soon expanded to include clothing and accessories. By the 1950s, Gucci had become an international sensation, with stores in London, Paris, and New York.
The Fall and Rise of Gucci
After several decades of success, Gucci began to falter in the 1980s and 90s. Poor management and an over-reliance on logo-heavy designs led to declining sales and a loss of prestige. In 1994, the company was on the brink of financial ruin when it was acquired by a little-known French conglomerate called Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR).
Under PPR’s leadership, Gucci underwent a dramatic transformation. The company brought on new designers like Tom Ford and invested heavily in marketing and advertising. By the early 2000s, Gucci had once again become one of the most desirable luxury brands in the world.
The Current State of Gucci
Today, Gucci is owned by Kering, a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate that also owns brands like Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. The CEO of Kering is François-Henri Pinault, who is also married to actress Salma Hayek.
However, it is Alessandro Michele who currently runs the day-to-day operations at Gucci. Michele took over as creative director in 2015 and has since transformed the brand with his eclectic, maximalist designs. He has been widely credited with reviving Gucci’s fortunes and making it one of the most exciting brands in fashion today.
The Future of Gucci
With Michele at the helm, Gucci shows no signs of slowing down. The brand continues to innovate and push boundaries, with recent collections featuring everything from oversized glasses to crystal-encrusted sneakers. And with Kering’s backing, Gucci has the resources to continue its expansion into new markets and product categories.
In conclusion, while Guccio Gucci may have been the founder of the brand, it is Alessandro Michele who currently runs the show at Gucci. Under his leadership, the company has undergone a remarkable transformation and once again become a powerhouse in the world of luxury fashion.