II. Vocabulary in context. TEXT: Gucci: a family story

Guccio Gucci founded the company in Florence in 1921. He soon earned a reputation for high-quality handbags and other leather goods. He himself designed some of the firm's best-known products.

Following Guccio's death in 1953, his two sons, Aldo and his movie-star brother Rodolfo, took the reins. Aldo took Gucci global, open­ing stores in New York, London, and Tokyo. In just a short period of time, the company had risen to the summit of the fashion world, with film stars proudly wearing Gucci styles.

The Gucci brothers didn't always see eye to eye. In fact, they fought constantly over every aspect of the business. Their children joined in the battle, and Aldo's son managed to send his 81-year-old father to prison. By the late 1980s, the company was in financial trouble, and something had to be done. Rodolfo's son Maurizio sold the remainder of his um to a foreign group in 1993, taking the company completely out of the Gucci family's hands. But its revival was about to begin.

1995 was a year of triumph and tragedy for Gucci Group (its new name). On the plus side, Tom Ford, a young American designer, be­came the creative director. His first clothing line was a roaring success, making Gucci hip and hot again. 1995 was also the year the company went public. That very same year, Maurizio Gucci was murdered outside the Gucci office in Milan. His ambitious ex-wife, intensely angered by his decision to remarry, was later convicted of hiring a professional killer to do the job. Now that's drama!

The company grew with a series of purchases, including Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. In 2004, Gucci Group was bought by PPR, one of Europe's largest companies. Tom Ford also left Gucci that year, a decade after leading the company back to glory.

The Gucci brand continues to shine bright, with sales of US$7.7 billion in 2007. Over 400 Gucci stores and other dealers sell the label's watches, handbags, clothing, and other fine goods. Through all the drama, the luxury legend lives.