The House of Gucci: Why Fashion Brands Get the Hollywood Treatment
The ‘House of Gucci’ is set to be one of the most anticipated movie releases of 2021. Coming out just in time for the holidays, it stars Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in a film that documents the downfall of the Gucci family.
While it’s based on the book ‘The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed’, it offers an interesting insight into one of the fashion world’s most beloved design houses. It poses the question of how much do you know about your favourite fashion brands?
We all have a fashion brand that is our signature. It might be Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, or Dior. Every fashion brand – without exception – has a backstory. Understanding the origins and history of brands enriches your experience when interacting with the brand, whether it’s as a customer or an attendee at Fashion Week.
Fashion houses given the Hollywood treatment
Gucci isn’t the first – nor the last – fashion house to be given the Hollywood treatment. While films like ‘The September Issue’ and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ are hailed as go-to fashion films, there are dozens made specifically about fashion brands and designers.
‘Dior and I’ gave viewers an insider's look into the world’s most famous atelier as Raf Simons prepared to present his first haute couture collection as Artistic Director. ‘Coco Before Chanel’ took a personal look at the life of fashion’s original first lady, Gabrielle Chanel – giving you a new appreciation for her lasting success.
In 2008, ‘Valentino: The Last Emperor’ followed the legendary Italian designer during his final two years as a designer. The list of fashion films goes on to include subjects like Yves Saint Laurent, Bergdorf Goodman, and Zac Posen.
Why it’s important to know the brand’s story
A fashion house’s story is what makes them the brand you love. Did you know that Coco Chanel is credited for making trousers popular for women? Have you seen how Christian Dior’s ‘new look’ still influences dresses today? Understanding the backstory of a brand and its heritage helps to bring the fashion house to life.
It’s easy to think that Tiffany & Co has always been there as an eternal jewelry brand that’s been handed down from generation to generation. When you look deeper into the brand’s origins, you’d see how their 1845 ‘blue book’ mail order catalogue would eventually evolve into one of the most recognizable icons in the fashion industry.
Deep diving into the history of your favourite brands can help you develop a greater appreciation for the items and designs that you know and love. Fashion is an intimate experience and creating a bond with a design house takes it to the next level.
Before you grab your tickets to see ‘House of Gucci,’ ask yourself how well you know your favourite fashion brands. While not every brand gets the Hollywood treatment, your research can help you fall even more in love with a brand and get an insight into how it works.