Part 15 - Gabicci Vintage x
"Lovers Rock" x
"Cool Ruler" x
It is 1973.
In a hospitably picturesque, Italian riviera resort, named Gabicce Mare, the minds, hearts and souls of Jack Sofier & Alex Pyser were captured forever.
On return from their dream holiday, Jack's wife Maureen made a famous quip about the name of the resort and from there on in, the designer label name Gabicci, was born.
The Maddox Street Massive, formed the knitwear brand, that not only combined vitally intelligent, street-wise knowledge but also, a distinctively passionate eye, for profusely sharp attention to clothing.
The Cool Cat Posse would all hang out together, in and around the urban back streets of London, oozing the classic style and world renowned quality of Italian chic, which they were heavily influenced by, on their aforementioned trip.
Casual Connoisseurs are no stranger to the iconic firmament of the Paninaro (as featured in Chapter One).
The twist in this particular narrative, for natty and tuned in customers, is that they would go on to use materials, such as Polyester for Spring/Summer pieces and Autumn/Winter pieces would marry Wool and Suede, with vast detail applied.
Paired with Farah Slacks and dapper shoes, Gabicci was to spark off a revolutionary premium lookbook, aesthetically tailored to perfection.
Those deemed to be in the higher echelons of Society, took to Gabicci like a duck to water.
(To be seen worn via sun, sand, sea, golf and a truly delectable club sandwich, washed down with a highly refreshing G & T, for afters, for good measure).
However, you'd be rudely mistaken, if the crisp label's representation, rested solely on their shoulders.
A sheer rush of Inner-City Lads & Lasses, fell head over heels for the brand's debonair/sassy look and fiercely took it on, as their own.
The label's staunch ethos, as a whole, displayed a plethora of enticing Subcultures, for this particularly wave of people, to excitedly showcase their newly discovered clothes to, within their underground worlds.
Yardies, (hence the Yardie-Cardie moniker), Skins, Suedeheads, Rudeboys/girls, Soulboys/girls, Casuals et al, will all attest to donning the serial class and the vital nature of Gabicci.
For the youth and the older generation, that came before; in the identity stakes, Gabicci was a must have item in their clothing collection, to fit in with their dressed to kill mindset.
Their immensely slick designs and dutifully colourful garments, would play a massive part, in providing the keys to opening many cultural doors, amalgamating Black & White/Working Class & Middle Class people, together, who have their own sentimental background stories to tell, in regards to what gravitated them to the vintage label from the offset.
Mods meeting for Pie & Mash & Northern Soul Ballrooms.
Rastas merging for Reggae Sound-System Dancehalls & Mutton, Rice & Pea.
All Dressers; all cut from the same ethical cloth.
Sophisticated and cool, the longevity of each highly considered, stylish design, has stood the test of time, via every discerning gent and lady to grace their ever diverse clothing line.
Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Don Letts, Norman Jay, The Specials, Maverick Sabre.
The powerful legacy speaks for itself and the Gold G emblem, alongside chains, pins and zips et al, are a striking representation of sweet luxury and loyal pride.
Only Fools & Horses. The Firm. Small Axe. A Town Called Malice. This Town.
In 2023, it was the brand's 50th Anniversary, establishing collaborations and limited edition pieces, to whet the appetites and quench the thirsts of avid Gabicci fans, who will always feel how cultly underrated, its history really is.
The Affectionate Revival of its Tribal Heritage never dies, for those that know, who continue to wish to be clean cut and turn out well, via their sterling designs.
Smart. Attractive.
Iconic. Special.
Feel like a West Indian Carnival -
Feel The Groove of Gabicci x