Gucci Schmoochi
by Logan Steele
Founded by Guccio Gucci, the House of Gucci started in 1906 in Florence, Italy, as primarily a leather goods operation that catered to horsemen in the 1920’s. The house, as modern times progressed, began to make luxury luggage pieces as the world traded in their horses for horseless carriages. It was at this point that its founder opened up his first store in Rome on Via Condotti. By 1947 Gucci had become a buy-word amongst Europe’s upper echelon society. And, by the 1950’s had evolved the brand to also include handbags, shoes as well as ties. Unfortunately Guccio would pass away in 1953 leaving behind an empire for his family to maintain.
By the 1960’s the Gucci empire had adopted the “GG” logo and had branched out into the U.S, Hong Kong, Korean and Japanese markets. Gucci was now a status symbol and was widely seen on the arms of Hollywood’s A-listers and the affluent. However, its success would meet harder times as it journeyed into the late 1980’s market and would eventually be partially sold by Maurizio Gucci in 1993 to Investcorp in efforts to save the struggling house.
Now, when I personally think of Gucci my mind immediately references the 1990’s and the era of, my fashion hero, Mr.Tom Ford. Who had been recruited after an immense success as the Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent (in which Gucci had bought in 1999). Tom Ford, then, Gucci’s Creative Director, was accredited as single handily bringing the brand back into the forefront of designer fashion and luxury goods. And, out of near bankruptcy. By reinventing and rejuvenating the then dying label, Mr. Ford established his legacy. His accomplishments, even to this very day, cannot be replicated. Tom Ford finally went into business for himself and developed the highly anticipated self-titled line. (You may even want to visit Tom Ford’s Fan Page)
Although the Gucci Store in Toronto is beautiful without any question. I personally found it overrun with handbags, belts, shoes and accessories. And, had only traces of collection and ready-to-wear pieces. I guess it may have been an attempt at maintaining the original vision as developed by its founder. Who knows? Although I had received a half hearted greeting, the staff was, to be kind, unaccommodating and seemingly reluctant to approach. That was, if they did not feel your encounter would generate and guarantee a sale. Commission is a bitch but, you would expect a sales associate that can potentially make as much as they do at Gucci, would be a bit more receptive to acquiring a potential new client.
Just as a side note; I’ve been to the flagship store in Paris and was attended to far more conscientiously than I was here. There is absolutely no comparing that gorgeous architecturally superior retail environment, to the measly three thousand square foot, box of a set up, that we house here in Toronto. And, yes they did carry Gucci’s full line, women’s and men’s. That being said, the product is still fantastically inventive and classic.
Don’t let my jaded review stop you from experiencing it for yourself.
Gucci Toronto | 130 Bloor St. W. | (416) 963-5127
Hours: Mon–Wed 10–6, Thurs –Fri 10–7 Sat 10 – 6 , Sun 12 –5
[mappress]
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