In this week’s episode of ‘The Chiefs’, Monocle’s editorial director Tyler Brûlé is joined by the CEO of Gucci, Marco Bizzarri. As the brand turns 100, we look at its evolution – and why embracing change is key to its future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Few brands deserve their iconic status quite like Italian powerhouse Gucci.
Born in Florence in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the label has become one of the world's most recognizable luxury brands.
And this year celebrates a centenary of innovative fashion and design.
To look at how Gucci sees its future as it turns 100, I was joined by its CEO since 2015, Marco Pizzari.
Down the line from New York.
Pizzari took the helm at Gucci after stints at Stella McCartney, Bottega, Veneta and Kering, where he was known for his sharp business acumen and talent management.
His lookout for both the Gucci brand and the industry today is one of determined optimism for Bizzare.
There is no option to lead without it.
He tells us why Gucci's core strategy is one of embracing change and how creative director Alessandro Michele is crucial to this.
Plus why brand Italy remains vital to Gucci's identity and why its most recent collaboration with the Savoy Hotel won't be its last.
From Zurich, I'm Tyler Brulee, and this is the Chiefs on Monocle 24.
Marco, very good to talk to you.
I'd like to start with a bit of a trip down memory lane.
Say it's 30 years ago.
I'm on Sloan street, and there's this Gucci loafer moment happening.
It was probably the first time I started to really relate to a luxury brand.
And there was, of course, there was a lot of heat surrounding this.
Everyone wanted this brown loafer.
It had this gold snaffle that had gone matte at that point.
And I'm wondering if you could maybe describe the evolution and tell us, what moment do you think you found within luxury.