50 Years of Gabicci
2023 sees Gabicci reach their 50th anniversary. To mark this milestone, Gabicci have released two limited edition collections - the 50th Anniversary collection and the return of the very popular Gregory Isaacs x Gabicci Vintage collaboration. Both collections centre around knitted polos and Yardi Cardi polo cardigans, the styles which make up the DNA of Gabicci.
Gabicci was established in 1973 by Jack Sofier and Alex Pyser, who wanted to bring Italian styling to British menswear. A holiday in the early 1970s to the resort of Gabicce Mare provided inspiration for the brand name and brought an Italian flair and feel to Gabicci’s range of knitwear and jersey polos. Within a couple of years Gabicci was a popular style choice on the Northern Soul scene and then the ‘Rudeboy’ subculture also took up the brand, attracted by the mod look, clean silhouettes and sharp styling.
Later 80s Casuals also picked up Gabicci, utilising it for smarter looks and dressier occasions. Gabicci was also worn frequently by David Jason as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, which helped propel Gabicci to the forefront of men’s fashion in the 1980s.
Gabicci has its own look and style that is uniquely Gabicci, incorporating the heavy gold ‘G’ badge which is fixed to the chest of almost every garment. Attention to detail is paramount, with specially selected buttons, linings and fabrics - not least the alcantara which is utilised in a lot of Gabicci’s more heritage and limited edition pieces. Alcantara is a faux suede with a soft handle and smart look, but with great durability - and it’s vegan friendly and machine washable too. Find it in many trims and accents on Gabicci’s polos and yardi cardis.
The Yardi Cardi (also spelled Yardie Cardy, Yardy Cardigan and lots of other combinations) is one of Gabicci’s most enduring styles. A long sleeve button through knitted cardigan with a polo collar, the name was coined for wearers in London’s East End in the early to mid 70s, (though the style was worn by modernists and jazz fans years before), who were immigrants from Jamaica and were referred to as “Yardies” within the Caribbean community.
Today, Gabicci continues to design sharp and original menswear with an emphasis on knitwear, polos and cardigans - items which echo the history and heritage of the brand under the Gabicci Vintage brand. The collection has grown to also include mens jackets and coats, t-shirts, trousers and more.
For the half-century celebration, Gabicci have designed a limited edition 50th anniversary collection of premium styles to sit along the main spring and summer range - all in stock now. Each 50th anniversary style comes in a special presentation bag, making them future collectors items. And to top it all off, the very popular Gabicci x Gregory Isaacs collaboration makes a return to the summer range too, with two Yardi Cardi polo cardigans (in 2 colours per style), which are sure to be in high demand. We do not expect restocks on either of the limited edition ranges so make sure you get your favourites early!
View the Gabicci 50th Anniversary Collection and new season range here.
