S/S 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Blue and Black Zebra Print String Bikini
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Medium (US)
- Period:
- Material Notes:Fabric Contents: 80% Nylon; 20% Spandex (classic stretch swimsuit fabric) with 100% Nylon lining.
- Condition:In very good vintage condition with pink mark on interior (not noticeable when worn); otherwise in excellent vintage condition with original tags. Matching cotton top available in separate listing (not included with purchase).
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3084222531722
Tom Ford for Gucci
No one understands sex appeal quite like Tom Ford, who joined Gucci as a womens-wear designer in 1990.
At the time, the internationally renowned Italian label was better known for leather goods than luxury fashion. It was also nearly bankrupt. After creative director Dawn Mello left in 1994, following a Bahrain-based investment group becoming Gucci’s majority shareholder, Ford was named creative director. The American designer soon infused the brand with a fresh sensuality and bold style.
Ford's potent vision of sexed-up femininity spanned everything from shirts to shoes to handbags and other accessories at Gucci — he reimagined the house's iconic double-ring-and-bar Horsebit hardware, a reference to the brand’s equestrian history, as a seductive low-slung belt, worn by Madonna when accepting an MTV video music award in 1995. For his fall show during that year, in which Kate Moss walked down the runway in an unbuttoned satin shirt, velvet hip-huggers and tousled hair, heralded an exciting, glammed-up era for the once fusty brand. Vogue critic Sarah Mower called it “one of those hitting-in-the-solar-plexus moments.”
As Ford shot to fame, he continued to explore plunging necklines, such as in the black and white looks of the Fall 1996 collection, and sumptuous fabrics like leather and tweed, with the Fall 2000 ready-to-wear collection ranging from sultry silk evening dresses to plush belted coats.
Ford also cranked up the seduction in the provocative ads for Gucci, particularly with regard to campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, which the fashion house acquired in 1999 (Ford was also named creative director for YSL and designed the brand’s ready-to-wear collection). Gucci's Fall/Winter 1997 campaign featured Carolyn Murphy grasping Angela Lindvall in what looked like a video still; in another shot, a face pressed against a foot in a lipstick-red heel. Each promoted a vision of modern fashion where women were sexually confident, the materials were luxurious and the styles were fearless.
In 2004, Ford and Gucci president Domenico De Sole left the company after failing to agree on the renewal of their contracts. In 2006, with De Sole as chairman, Ford launched his wildly successful eponymous menswear label. Today Ford is also an author, film director and chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Find vintage Tom Ford Gucci day dresses, jackets and shoulder bags on 1stDibs.
Gucci
Long before trend-bucking creative director Alessandro Michele brought his hallucinatory “Utopian Fantasy” campaign to Gucci, it was a modest Italian leather shop. Today, it’s an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among high fashion's most covetable goods.
Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) admired the stylish suitcases he saw wealthy guests arrive with at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as a bellhop. So, in 1921, after a stint at Franzi, a luggage company in his hometown of Florence, he opened a leather goods shop of his own.
At first, Gucci’s Florence business specialized in equestrian accessories. But as its reputation flourished, particularly among the English aristocracy, so too did its footprint. In 1938, he brought three of his sons — Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo — into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan. In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand’s signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The material was first used on suitcases before finding enduring popularity on handbags. (No list of revered designer purses would be complete without Gucci.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags, another adaptation to material rationing. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was renamed for the First Lady. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.
In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York’s 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72. The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo’s son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family’s involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.
Ford’s racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with “jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there,” as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. The new millennium brought new ownership — Pinault Printemps Redoute in 2004 — and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward.
Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: North Hollywood, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1980's Stephen Sprouse Turquoise Sequin Above-Knee SkirtLocated in North Hollywood, CA1980's Stephen Sprouse turquoise fully sequined skirt. Concealed back zip closure and small center back slit. Boning at sides and wide hip creates subtle 'mod' silhouette. Fabric Con...Category
1980s Skirts
- S/S 2001 Maison Martin Margiela One-of-One Black Pleated Artisanal Maxi SkirtBy Maison Martin MargielaLocated in North Hollywood, CAS/S 2001 Maison Martin Margiela black pleated maxi skirt. A one-of-one artisanal creation utilizing used fabrics, with what appears to be black silk crepe, wool, semi-sheer silk chiffon crinkle, and silk-satin contrasting pleated paneling (silk paneling predominantly towards hemline, in line with runway imagery). Concealed back zip closure, with built-in button closure and exterior hook closures that form interior pocket-like structure. Fabric Contents noted are 100% Polyester. As seen on the runway and in the Maison Martin Margiela book...Category
Early 2000s Skirts
- 1980's Penelope Zagoras Pleated Ecru and Silver Floral Embellished Mini DressLocated in North Hollywood, CA1980's Pénélope Zagoras Paris pleated ecru and silver floral embellished silk mini dress. Heavily embellished jewel neckline leaf pattern upper, with ...Category
1980s Day Dresses
- S/S 2006 Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Ecru Mesh Fringe DressBy BalenciagaLocated in North Hollywood, CAS/S 2006 Balenciaga Paris by Nicolas Ghesquiere knee length ecru mesh fringe dress. Semi-sheer mesh round neck upper with gathered straps, with fully lined layered fringe lower. Conc...Category
Early 2000s Day Dresses
- 1990's Geoffrey Beene Ecru Striped Corset Strapless Cocktail DressBy Geoffrey BeeneLocated in North Hollywood, CA1990's Geoffrey Beene ecru striped corset strapless cocktail dress. Cream dress with full skirt, featuring large pleats. Can be styled with or without spaghetti straps depending on d...Category
1990s Day Dresses
- A/W 1994 Louis Feraud Haute Couture Embellished Embroidered Floral JumpsuitBy Louis FeraudLocated in North Hollywood, CAA/W 1994 Louis Feraud Haute Couture ecru heavily embellished embroidered macrame floral jumpsuit, with gold, pearl, rhinestone and sequin details throughout. Scoop neck long sleeve j...Category
1990s Jumpsuits
- Yves Saint Laurent Maillots de Bain SwimsuitBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Brooklyn, NYGorgeous YSL one piece swimsuit! Black and ivory white color blocking, plunging halter neck line, ruching at waist, high cut thigh, clasp closure at back neck. A beautiful one piece...Category
1970s French Swimwear
- Brigance Swimsuit CoverupLocated in Alford, MAA long beach coverup, c.1970s, by Brigance in sheer white nylon with a vertical striped pattern. Button-down shirt style with drawstring waist. Timeless. Size M.Category
Mid-20th Century American Beachwear
- 1980S Orange Terry Cloth Deep V Swimsuit BodysuitLocated in New York, NY1980S Orange Terry Cloth Deep V Swimsuit BodysuitCategory
1980s Swimwear
- Salvatore Ferragamo Flower BikiniBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Bilbao, ESHistory happens every day in the house of Salvatore Ferragamo. The idea of continuity, of an endless flow connecting the origins to the present, is particularly evident in Ferragamo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Bikinis
- 1980s Bill Blass Sz 12 14 Zebra Print Black White One Piece Swimsuit / BodysuitBy Bill BlassLocated in San Diego, CARoar in this 80s vintage BILL BLASS zebras animal print black and white one piece swimsuit / bodysuit ! Features a high neck for extra support wih an open back. Great for the beach, ...Category
1980s American Swimwear
- 1930S JANTZEN Cobalt Blue Wool Knit One Piece SwimsuitBy JantzenLocated in New York, NYvery stretchy, waist goes up to 30 in. 1930S JANTZEN Cobalt Blue Wool Knit One Piece SwimsuitCategory
1930s Swimwear
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Explore a Century of Gucci Fashion in London
The iconic Italian label’s traveling exhibition has just arrived in London.
The Stories behind the Most Famous Luxury Fashion Logos
From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.