HOUSE OF GUCCI

Gucci is a brand recognized and admired the world over. It was created by Guccio Gucci, who opened his first luxury leather goods boutique in Florence exactly a century ago.

At the end of the 1970s, the Italian fashion empire was at a critical juncture in its history. Although the company now has an international reputation, it has been handicapped by rumors of financial malfeasance, sluggish innovation and brand devaluation. The group is run by the founder's two sons - Aldo, a wily, colorful character, and his brother Rodolfo, who is much more cold and traditional.

Pugnacious, Aldo has not the slightest intention of ceding control of the empire to anyone - and certainly not to his son Paolo, a whimsical boy who aspires to become a fashion designer. As for Maurizio, Rodolfo's shy, overprotected son, he's more interested in studying law than running a global luxury group.

Then Maurizio falls in love with the ravishing and manipulative Patrizia Reggiani and, against his father's advice, decides to marry her. When Aldo discovers his affinity with Patrizia, he succeeds, with the young woman's help, in convincing his nephew to give up his legal ambitions and join the company, of which he becomes, de facto, the likely heir. This feeds Paolo's resentment, as his talent fails to live up to his artistic dreams...