Gucci's Horsebit Loafer Celebrates 60th Anniversary

The Gucci horsebit loafer is celebrating its 60th anniversary and in Honor of the classic shoe, an exhibit opened at the Gucci Museo in Florence. The horsebit loafer was introduced in 1953 when Guccio Gucci's son, Aldo, expanded the family business with the launch of footwear.

"The horsebit loafer has lived many lives since its creation 60 years ago, earning itself an important place as a wardrobe staple for both men and women alike. The double-ring and bar motif taken from equestrian hardware remains an icon linking Gucci's unique history with its modern-day attitude," said creative director Frida Giannini.

The exhibit shows the loafer's history with photographs from Hollywood's leading men in the Fifties and Sixties wearing them to archival shots of them becoming part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1985. Also featured is Madonna wearing them at the MTV Video Music Awards and Brad Pitt wearing them in the 1999 film "Fight Club."