Interview: Patricia Gucci and IN THE NAME OF GUCCI

The Gucci brand is world renowned for luxurious, modern, Italian-crafted leather goods, apparel and accessories for men and women. And it is Patricia Gucci who was named the first woman in the family to be elected to the Gucci board of directors. She ultimately became her father's sole universal heir. In her recent memoir, "In the Name of Gucci," Patricia tells the honest and compelling story of her life as the secret love child and only daughter of the brilliant businessman, Aldo Gucci and her mother Bruna Polombo.

Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Patricia about her memoir and some of her interests. Patricia is a charming, thoughtful woman whose story is truly fascinating.

In 2009, almost fifty years after her romance with Aldo Gucci began, Bruna shared with her daughter, Patricia the beautiful letters she received from Aldo during their time together. Their relationship began as an affair when Bruna was 18 and worked in the Gucci shop in Florence, but they experienced true commitment in the last 20 years of Aldo's life. Long after he had been estranged from his first wife Olwen, Bruna was considered his wife in the United States, with their legal marriage occurring in the 1980s.

Aldo was always very dedicated to Bruna and Patricia and provided for them very well. We asked Patricia what her life was like as a youth. She told us that both of her parents had an intense love for her and that she learned "a strong sense of honesty and integrity" from her mother and that she shares her father's "boundless energy and a love of life."

Now a mother herself, Patricia said that her own parenting techniques are different from parents. "I grew up much on my own and tried to be observant and engage whenever possible. My biggest objective as a mother is to be involved in every possible way with my children on a daily basis. Our communication is very important to me."

Patricia told us about some of her earliest interests in literature. She said that she always loved reading. As a child, she wrote poetry and enjoyed reading her works aloud to her mother. She still maintains an avid interest in poetry and commented, "I have always loved poetry. I mostly read spiritual books that teach me about understanding, insights and wisdom." She also said that she likes writers who can see the humor in life.

Patricia grew up with the influence of high profile fashion. While her father's business flourished, her mother was a true example of glamour and style. We asked Patricia if she currently has any favorite designers or design houses. "Of course, Gucci." She also stated, "I love all the designers but not all the things they do. A designer can have a great season followed by one that is not so great."

"In the Name of Gucci" is not only a fascinating family story, but an inspirational memoir that exemplifies hard work and success. We asked Patricia for advice for people who have personal and professional obstacles to overcome. She said, "Be true to yourself and have no fear. Fear is the worst thing that a person can have."

Patricia told us what she hoped to accomplish with the publication of her memoir. "I hope that readers will enjoy learning about the history of the company. It's a nice reminder of Gucci's origins. I also wrote this as a tribute to my father and his work." She commented that the book reflected very different times and it's nice to be able to read about an era that was more romantic and formal.

Bravo to Patricia Gucci for bringing this deeply personal and enthralling story to light.

To purchase "In the Name of Gucci" published by Crown Archetype, visit your local bookstore or on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Name-Gucci-Memoir-Patricia/dp/0804138931/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463102152&sr=8-1&keywords=In+the+Name+of+Gucci.

For more information on Patricia Gucci, visit her web site at www.patriciagucci.com and visit http://inthenameofgucci.com/. Follow Patricia Gucci on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #IntheNameofGucci.

You can also read the Broadwayworld.com book review of "In the Name of Gucci." /bwwbooks/article/BWW-Review-IN-THE-NAME-OF-GUCCI-by-Patricia-Gucci-is-Captivating-20160513.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Crown Archetype

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