Gucci hosted a private cocktail party in San Francisco on   April 9, 2013, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Horsebit Loafer. Guests were encouraged to customize and design their own loafers as a part of their “Made to Order Loafer Program.” The luxury brand donated sales from the event to The Bay Lights project, which has yet to raise a remaining $1.2 million to pay for the iconic Bay Bridge LED light sculpture.

Gucci Horsebit Loafer

Even though artist Leo Villareal’s sculpture has captured the collective imagination of San Francisco, the project   has been   struggling to raise the remaining funds needed to pay for the seven-month installation process leading up to the Grand Lighting Ceremony on March 5th 2013. The private event, hosted by Gucci, was a much-needed boost for the Bay Lights project as it pulled in some of the city’s most lavish spenders.

The crowd was a mash-up of the city’s socialites; Bay Light’s project enthusiasts lightly sprinkled with a few Gucci loyalists who simply came for the party. It’s hard not to celebrate the  eponymous horsebit loafer that has been worn by everyone from Madonna to Brad Pitt.

Happy 60th to the Gucci Horsebit loafer- a truly comfortable unisex shoe….now if only Gucci could make a 6 inch heel that felt more like a loafer. Here’s hoping somebody at Gucci is working on it.

Susan Chokachi and Vanessa Getty supporting the Gucci Bay Lights party
Photos byDREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY