Gucci
Replica Watches
Gucci,
the company, has been through some turbulent as well as prosperous
times in its 85 year history. Begun as a small business serving
the needs of horsemen in 1920’s it has grown to become
a huge international empire selling luxury goods such as
clothing, perfume jewelry and watches.
Initially
the company did well under the guidance of its founder Guccio
Gucci and his sons, Aldo, Vasco, Udo and Rodoflo. However
as the company grew sometimes violent disagreements began
to flair among family members as to how the company should
be run. As the company expanded its operations overseas meetings
some times became heated and objects thrown.
Following
the death of Guccio in 1953 Aldo played a key role in bringing
the company to new heights. By the seventies Aldo and brother
Rodolfo each owned 50% of the company shares. Aldo however
was of the opinion that he and his sons contributed more
to the welfare of the firm. He created a new division of
the company Gucci Accessories Collection, which eventually
destabilized the company and tarnished the Gucci name.
By the
mid 1980’s Aldo found himself convicted of tax evasion
in the US and the company found its name splattered across
the pages of gossip magazines. It was about this same time
(1983) that Rodolfo passed away. When he passed Rodolfo left
his 50% of the company to his son Maurizio. It was not long
until Maurizio allied himself with Aldo’s son Paolo
and an attempt was made to gain control of the Board of Directors.
In 1989
Maurizio hired Dawn Mello who had formerly been with New
York's Bergdorf Goodman and had been instrumental in the
revival of that company. He also added a young designer Tom
Ford. Ford was to play an instrumental part in the company
in the 1990’s
Over time
it became obvious that the company was suffering under Maurizio’s
leadership the company was suffering. After several years
of declining profits he was forced to sell his shares in
the company to Investcorp in 1993. It was at this point that
Tom Ford was named creative director. Ford remained with
the company until 2003 and during those years was instrumental
in rebuilding the company’s reputation. Sadly a contract
agreement could not be reached and he left the company to
launch his own label.
Gucci has a new team and has seen positive developments in the last three years
however at this time it is too soon to predict its future. Gucci owns and operates
several brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta and Sergio Rossi.
Gucci Replica
Watches - A Brief History
The brand name Gucci is
one that is recognized all over the world. The company first began with Guccio
Gucci a craftsman’s son born in Italy in 1881. His first establishment
was born in 1920 when he founded a company in Florence selling leather bags
to horsemen. As time passed and the era of the horse receeded he began making
luggage for those travelers who saw the era of the automobile as an opportunity
to travel. It was not long until Gucci and his sons Aldo, Ugo, Vasco and
Rodolfo expanded the family business to Rome and Milan.
Over the next several
years the company expanded its line of goods to include handbags, clothing,
perfumes and other luxury goods. By 1953 even New York has a Gucci outlet.
Following Guccio’s
death in 1953 the company reach new prominence under the guidance of Aldo
and others. They opened new outlets in Paris and London and then aimed their
market at the Far East. These time were far from happy however as infighting
in the family led to volcanic meetings as the family disagreed about how
the company should proceed. Still the times were prosperous and by the 60’s
Gucci fashion was seen on the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy
and and Grace Kelly.
The 70’s brought
a series of new difficulties to the company with family infighting, criminal
charges and a series of bad business decisions. It became obvious even to
the public that all was not well in the company. However the 80’s saw
new management and a rebirth of the brand name.
The Gucci watches division
was founded in 1997 when the company acquired the assets of the former Severin
Montres Group a company that had produced world class watches. The company,
officially known as Gucci Group NV, acquired of Boucheron International S.A,
another exclusive jewelry and watch company as well as the license rights
held by Cartier International for Yves Saint Laurent Couture watches and
jewellery.
Since that time they have
manufactured and sold fashion watches many of which have been wildly popular.
Like many companies they have struggled at times but indications are that
the Gucci watch is here to stay and has become a staple in the wardrobe of
the fashion conscious consumer.
Gucci Watches
Gucci is one of the world's
leading purveyors of personal luxury goods. In 2000, Gucci generated nearly
US$ 1.5 billion in revenues and over US$ 400 million in operating profit
before amortization of goodwill.
Through its Fashion and
Accessories activities, Gucci sells leather goods (handbags, small leather
goods and luggage, watches), shoes, ready-to-wear, ties and scarves, jewelry,
eyewear and perfume. The company manufactures and sources all products in
Italy and licenses the production and distribution of eyewear, perfumes and
men's ready-to-wear. The distribution network includes directly operated
stores ("DOS") and franchised stores throughout the world and doors
in select duty-free boutiques and department and specialty stores. In 2000,
Gucci Watches Fashion and Accessories generated over US$ 1.25 billion in
revenues and finished the year with 143 DOS and 43 franchised stores.
Through Gucci Timepieces, located in Neuchatel Switzerland, the company assembles
and distributes Gucci brand timepieces. Watches, which number more than
one dozen distinct models, are distributed in all major markets around
the world. In 2000, Gucci Timepieces and wristwatches generated approximately
US$ 240 million in revenues.
BRIAN BLAKE APPOINTED
PRESIDENT OF BOUCHERON AND GUCCI GROUP WATCHES
Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
February 07, 2003: Gucci Group N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: GCCI.AS; NYSE: GUC)
today announces that Brian Blake, Executive Vice President, Gucci Group,
has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Boucheron in
Paris and President of Gucci Group Watches in Neuchatel. Blake reports to
Domenico De Sole, Chief Executive Officer of Gucci Group.
Gucci Group N.V. is one
of the world's leading multi-brand luxury goods companies. Through the Gucci,
Yves Saint Laurent, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron, Roger & Gallet, Bottega
Veneta, Bedat & Co., Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Balenciaga
brands, the Group designs, produces and distributes high-quality personal
luxury goods, including ready-to-wear, handbags, luggage, small leather goods,
shoes, timepieces, jewelry, ties and scarves, eyewear, perfume, cosmetics
and skincare products. The Group directly operates stores in major markets
throughout the world and wholesales products through franchise stores, duty-free
boutiques and leading department and specialty stores. The shares of Gucci
Group N.V. are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and on the Euronext
Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
