You’ve definitely seen it on everyone from jet-setters to Hollywood icons, but do you know the story behind the now-iconic Gucci horsebit loafer? Here’s how it breaks down.
1921: Gucci is founded in Florence, Italy. Part of its DNA? Equestrian imagery symbolizing the wealth Guccio Gucci observed while employed at London’s Savoy hotel just after WWI.
1953: Guccio Gucci’s son Aldo expands the company to include shoes. The soon-to-be iconic loafer, with its signature double ring and bar, is born.
1960s and 70s: Hollywood gets on board. Spot the loafer on everyone from Peter Sellers in 1966 to Francis Ford Coppola in 1970.
1985: The Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (call it the shoe hall of fame) welcomes the loafer into its collection.
Today: The iconic shoe is still handcrafted start to finish by artisans working in a single workshop in Florence – wearing leather aprons over lab coats, no less. Start collecting now, then wear and resole for years to come.
By Chrissy Makkas, Staff Writer
