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Gucci’s 1953 Horsebit Loafer turns 70 years old

GUCCI / OCTOBER 2023

Paul Mescal

Actor and brand ambassador Paul Mescal and Global Brand Ambassador Xiao Zhan star in Gucci’s new advertising campaign to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary 1953 Horsebit loafer.

Gucci’s “Horsebit” is one of the iconic emblems of the Italian fashion house Gucci and has become a distinctive design element of handbags, shoes and accessories. The origins of this symbol date back to the early years of the Gucci brand.

History

From an idea of Aldo Gucci, Guccio’s son, in the 1950s the Italian brand chose to make its own a symbol that was encased in the reins of horseback riding, a popular hobby among Gucci’s clientele in its early days.
In fact, Guccio Gucci began his career as a porter in a luxury hotel where he got a closer look at what high-ranking people wore. The hotel where he served was The Savoy in London, which has always been strongly close to the equestrian world, from which he drew much of his inspiration.


Xiao Zhan

First introduced in 1953, Gucci’s Horsebit Loafer has become an icon of the House and a wardrobe essential. Today, 70 years after its debut, Paul Mescal and Xiao Zhan are photographed wearing the original model, testifying to how the 1953 Horsebit Moccasini is linked to the Maison’s tradition and how it has evolved, thanks to ingenuity, continuing to inspire generation after generation.

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Con profondo dolore, ci uniamo al lutto della famiglia e di tutti i suoi collaboratori per la scomparsa di Giorgio Armani, maestro assoluto dello stile e dell’eleganza italiana, che ha trasformato la moda in arte universale.

La sua visione ha cambiato per sempre il mondo della moda, lasciando un’eredità che continuerà a ispirare generazioni.

“Per me Giorgio Armani è stato un punto di riferimento unico: un uomo di straordinaria misura, capace di dare voce all’Italia più elegante e autentica. Il suo stile e la sua arte sono destinati a vivere oltre il tempo.”
Paola Pizzighini Benelli, CEO di Galleria Cavour 1959

Con gratitudine e rispetto, custodiamo la sua memoria.
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With deep sorrow, we join his family and all his collaborators in mourning the passing of Giorgio Armani, the absolute master of Italian style and elegance, who transformed fashion into a universal art form.

His vision changed the world of fashion forever, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

"For me, Giorgio Armani was a unique role model: a man of extraordinary proportions, capable of giving voice to the most elegant and authentic Italy. His style and his art are destined to live on beyond time."
Paola Pizzighini Benelli, CEO of Galleria Cavour 1959

With gratitude and respect, we cherish his memory.

#giorgioarmani