Never Quit Horsing Around :: Happy 60th Anniversary to an iconic loafer

In 1953 Guccio Gucci's son Aldo introduced the horsebit loafer when he expanded the family’s business to incorporate footwear. For 60 years the iconic buckle has been a footwear fashion favorite. This year, to mark the anniversary, Gucci is launching a global campaign in celebration of it's most noted shoe, including a special exhibition at the Gucci Museum in Florence, Italy. 

The horsebit was first into the Gucci line in the 1950s on heavy tan leather saddle-stitched handbags.  Since then, the horsebit has been luxuriously schemed into all of the company’s lines, and is perhaps most synonymous with the luxe brand’s loafer, a timeless design classic. This iconic bit of hardware was introduced as a decoration on the soft and comfortable brown or black moccasin in 1953, and soon graced the feet of such Hollywood legends as Clark Gable, John Wayne and Fred Astaire. In 1968 the women's versions made their first appearance and have long since become the choice of sophisticated women seeking both luxury and comfort. Over the years we've seen the line expand and evolve to keep up with the ever changing times and fashions to incorporate several new styles and more colors that can be found in the rainbow. We've also seen the addtion of materials such as canvas, patent leather, suede, calf hair, python and crocodile.

In 1980, the men’s horsebit loafer was added to the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, sealing its fate as a fashion classic.

Below are some more recent styles which include floral canvas and antique gold studs. 

What do you think about the latest syles added to the collection? I love the more colorful loafers, and the bamboo buckle. The purist in me just prefers the classic varieties.

All images via Gucci USA

What do you think of the new fangled versions?

XOXO,

Jessica