With all this talk about Gucci and their products, it occurred to me that there may be people out there who don't know much about Gucci the company. Sure, it's all about the Gucci dresses, Gucci watches, and Gucci heels, but there's a company behind the mythos surrounding the name.

Most people know who Gucci is, or at least know that they're clothing and fashion related. You might know they're Italian. It's possible, though, that this is the extent of your knowledge of Gucci. Well, let's look closer then.

Gucci is actually short for the full name “The House of Gucci” and it's an Italian fashion and leather goods label. It was founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Italy, in 1921 and is now considered one of the most famous and most recognized fashion brands in the world. It's name is synonymous with style.

Gucci is the biggest selling Italian brand in the world and is the second biggest-selling fashion brand as well. The Bamboo Handle Handbag was one of the first notable products, being introduced in 1947. Shortly after that, the trademarked striped webbing arrived, based on a saddle girth with a suede moccasin with a metal bit. All were designed by Guccio.

In our next installment, we'll look at how Gucci rose to prominence under the guidance of Guccio's son Aldo. Until then, remember that Gucci is more than handbags and shoes. It's an icon.