A century later, Gucci still remains a name that is revered in the ever-changing world of fashion. Clocking years of chic, glamour, and ritz, each piece crafted by the Maison brims with an artisanal touch fused with a charm that won’t tie itself down to time and space. Gucci began its shoemaking journey with the iconic Horsebit loafers that have enjoyed a long-standing legacy of being the it shoe for several decades and continue to savor the proverbial fame even today. So as we sift through our shelves for the Shoe Spotlight series, we can’t help but stumble upon one of our best-selling styles from the label — the Gucci Jordaan loafers!
An Undying Style and Enduring Asset: The Gucci Horsebit Loafers
Introduced by Guccio Gucci’s son, Aldo, the iconic Gucci Horsebit loafers hit the market in the 1950s. As horse-riding and polo were the hobbies of the elite at that time, the presence of the equestrian codes made sure its buyers were the people who lived a caviar-soaked lifestyle. In the beginning, the loafers were handcrafted by local artisans using heavy-duty saddle leather and metal to create the Bit hardware. Many fashion cognoscenti have remarked that the Gucci loafers became the de facto classic shoe because of their clever design — a minimal chassis crowned by the omnipresent Horsebit. As one of the foremost recognizable men’s shoes, many footwear designs can hardly reach the cachet of being immortally elegant like these Gucci loafers. Seen on the likes of Leonardo di Caprio in The Wolf of Wall Street, Brad Pitt in Fight Club, and one of the most venerated film directors in the world, Francis Ford Coppola, the loafers have adorned the feet of countless celebs. They are so popular that the shoe became a part of the MET museum’s permanent collection in 1985.
Reimagination at its Finest: The Gucci Jordaan Loafers
The Gucci Jordaan was named after an upscale locality in Amsterdam, where many contemporary art galleries are located. The collection is a modern take on the epochal design with sleeker lines, a streamlined silhouette, and slightly elongated toes. Every shoe is approached by hands and topped with the signature Horsebit. The style has been depicted in legions of exotic skins, materials, and hardware.
The Jordaan loafers are so versatile, that they themselves have stood the test of time and inspired designers to experiment with its elements that are loved by all — case in point, the Princetown collection. When our favorite tousled-maned Alessandro Michele took over the brand’s reins in 2015, he presented the world with this cult classic. The Gucci Princetown slippers look so much like the Jordaan loafers, only with the counters being absent. This signifies Michele’s caliber to innovate without losing sight of the original.
Indeed, Jordaan is the reimagined version of the Horsebit, but today they enjoy as much love and admiration as the classic design adding more value to the collection. They are better suited to cater to a vast audience — be it young, old, trendy, or classic as they retain the classical elements and bring forth designs that appeal to different palettes.
Many Versions of the Gucci Jordan Loafers
For the Minimalists
These Gucci Jordaan leather loafers are the kind of shoes you can trust with your eyes closed. For many years, they have been solving sartorial woes. Every element is as classic as it can get, and its look is closest to that of the original one.
For the Logo Lovers
Every inch of these Gucci Jordaan loafers is elevated by the quintessential GG logos laid all over the canvas exteriors. Thanks to the instantly recognizable monogram, now you know how to ace the logomania trend and make a statement even from a distance.
For Days You Want ‘Something Different’
Carrying forward the Maison’s aesthetic of extravagance and excess, these Jordaan Horsebit loafers give space for an interplay of whimsical elements that are dear to Gucci. These pairs might seem a little outré to some, but they will tingle your fashion senses so that you can style them in the most creative ways.
There is no paucity of classics in the fashion realm, but none have a well-potted history like the Gucci Horsebit loafers. As they metamorphose into the Jordaans, these loafers strike the right balance between formal and informal.
Years of Gucci’s trusted credibility, the excellence of Italian craftsmanship, and tinged with equestrian symbols, we see no reason why you should miss the Gucci Jordaan loafers offered by The Luxury Closet.
Also read: 6 Must-Have Gucci Shoes for Men
