Gucci's Different Animal Symbols, Explained

Some of the world's greatest masterpieces are littered with symbols and signs. Snakes, rabbits, dogs, crows, goldfinches, peacocks and parrots—with their hidden meanings —can be spotted in the works of Titian, Raphael, Goya, Hirst and Da Vinci. In the modern era, we have witnessed this kind of symbolism within another artistic form: Fashion.

Gucci, in particular, is a fashion house with animal symbols interwoven into many of their collections. The man behind these symbols and Gucci's design vision is Creative Director, Alessandro Michele. While symbols have appeared in Gucci collections for decades, Michele's fascination with "nature's physical and spiritual beauty" has undoubtedly taken these motifs to another level.

Michele was appointed as Creative Director of Gucci in 2015 and has since upturned the brand, bringing new life, invigoration, and an increase in revenue.

His appointment was considered a risky move by the fashion community, despite him being part of the fashion house since 2002. Michele climbed the ranks, becoming Leather Goods Director in 2006 and Associate to the Creative Director in 2011, before taking on the prestigious role of Creative Director.

His work aimed to breathe life into the brand while bridging the past and the present. One consistency is his use of flora and fauna throughout his work: "Appearing in every collection is a thriving world of animals and plants, including the snakes, tiger, cat and bee—first seen in Gucci ready-to-wear from the 70s." This love was incited by his father, who he described as a sort of shaman, deeply passionate about nature.

Michele's passion and connection to the brand runs deep. He often draws on the fashion house's archives and past collections, noting that "Gucci's historical archive is an incredible treasure: it is full of codes, images, icons and artifacts that created the glorious past of the brand."

Let's take a look at a few of the animals appearing across Michele's coveted collections and delve into what they all mean.

The Symbols Explained: Why Does Gucci Have Different Logos?

Why Does Gucci Have a Bee Logo?

The bumblebee made its first appearance for Gucci in the 70s and was used in Michele's debut women's Fall-Winter collection in 2015. The humble worker bee has appeared in family crests, paintings and tapestries for centuries and is "a sign of nobility in Europe."

gucci bee sneakers — gucci, Women's Ace sneaker with bee ($915)

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Why Does Gucci Have a Snake Symbol?

The black, white and red stripes of the Kingsnake are one of Gucci's most striking animal symbols. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed snakes symbolise wisdom and knowledge and elsewhere "signify a mixture of power, sensuality and seduction."

Flora Snake print silk scarf gucci — Gucci, Flora Snake print silk scarf ($675)

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About the Gucci Tiger Symbol

The powerful tiger, appearing across Gucci suits, bags, sneakers, jewellery and cushion covers, is referenced frequently in Asian cultures. The proclaimed "lord of the mountains" represents strength and bravery.

gucci tiger symbol pouch — Gucci, Gucci Bestiary pouch with tiger ($1,190)

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Gucci's Butterfly

Like a butterfly, Gucci underwent a metamorphosis when Michele became Creative Director. The butterfly, both colourful and beautiful, is known as a symbol of Gucci's past and present, appearing in its original flora print.

gucci butterfly symbol pillow — Gucci, Check wool cushion with butterfly ($1,650)

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What Does the Gucci Lion Mean?

The lion, appearing on patches and Gucci accessories, is heralded as the "king of the jungle" and symbolises authority and command—the epitome of strength.