The House of Gucci, better known as simply Gucci, is an Italian French-owned iconic fashion and leather goods label. It was founded by Guccio Gucci (b.1881 - d.1953) in Florence in 1906. Gucci is considered to be one of the most famous, prestigious, iconic and easily recognizable fashion houses in the world, according to this PR-type link.[1] Gucci generated 7.158 billion dollars worldwide in 2006, became the second biggest selling fashion brand (after LVMH) and the 46th brands in the world. [2] The House now belongs to the French conglomerate PPR. Gucci operates about 425 stores worldwide and wholesales products through franchisees, and upscale department stores.