Sara Gay Forden’s “House of Gucci” is a non-fiction book that delves into the inner workings of the iconic Italian fashion house, Gucci. The book explores the history of the Gucci family, their rise to fame, and the events that ultimately led to the downfall of the family empire. Forden’s meticulous research and extensive interviews with those closest to the Gucci family provide readers with an intimate look at the lives of the Guccis and the intricate web of betrayal, greed, and power struggles that ultimately led to the demise of the once-great fashion house.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: The Beginning
Forden begins her book by introducing readers to the Gucci family and their humble beginnings. Guccio Gucci opened his first store in Florence, Italy in 1921, selling luggage and leather goods. The store quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality products and soon expanded to include clothing and accessories. Guccio’s sons, Aldo, Vasco, and Rodolfo, were all involved in the family business, with each son taking on a different role. Aldo was the businessman, Vasco was the creative mind, and Rodolfo was the face of the brand.
Chapter 2: The Rise of Gucci
As the Gucci brand grew in popularity, so did the family’s wealth. They opened stores in major cities around the world and began producing clothing and accessories under their own label. However, the family’s success was not without its challenges. Guccio’s wife, Aida, was murdered in 1941, and her death had a profound impact on the family. Despite this tragedy, the Gucci brand continued to thrive, and by the 1960s, it was one of the most recognizable names in fashion.
Chapter 3: The Fall of Gucci
The 1970s and 1980s were a time of great change for the Gucci family. Aldo, who had taken over as head of the company, began to lose control of the family business. His son, Maurizio, was not interested in the fashion industry and wanted to sell his stake in the company. Meanwhile, Rodolfo’s son, Paolo, was involved in a scandal that threatened to tarnish the Gucci name. These events, combined with financial troubles and internal strife, led to the downfall of the Gucci empire.
Chapter 4: The Aftermath
In the years following the fall of Gucci, the family struggled to rebuild their reputation and regain control of the company. Maurizio, who had sold his stake in the company, was eventually found dead in mysterious circumstances, adding to the family’s woes. However, in recent years, the Gucci brand has made a comeback, thanks in part to the efforts of creative director Frida Giannini and the new ownership of French luxury group Kering. Today, Gucci is once again one of the most successful and recognizable names in fashion.
Conclusion
Sara Gay Forden’s “House of Gucci” is a fascinating look at the rise and fall of one of the most iconic fashion houses in history. Through extensive research and interviews with those closest to the Gucci family, Forden provides readers with an intimate look at the lives of the Guccis and the intricate web of betrayal, greed, and power struggles that ultimately led to the demise of the once-great fashion house. While the Gucci brand has made a comeback in recent years, the events of the past continue to cast a shadow over the family and the company they founded.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “House of Gucci” on Amazon
