A free service has been launched on a dedicated section of the Christie’s website, accessible through both Gucci.com and Christies.com, the customized section will allow owners to upload photos of their vintage items and to submit an appraisal request. The quality and craftsmanship of Gucci’s products has ensured their value as investment pieces, while the innovative designs have rendered these items timeless. "Gucci Collector: Presented by Christie’s” has been designed specifically for those impassioned collectors who want to learn more about their vintage treasures, both in provenance and worth, and is destined to become the ultimate resource for vintage and interested novices alike.

Within a two to four week period, “Gucci Collectors” will receive an auction estimate, prepared by Christie’s Director of Fashion and Textiles, Patricia Frost and her team of costume specialists in collaboration with the Gucci Archive Department. Collectors will also be informed as to whether the product would be appropriate either for an upcoming Christie’s vintage sale, or if it might be of interest to either Gucci or Christie’s from an historical perspective.

Although all submitted product to the site will be appraised, both Christie’s and Gucci will be particularly interested in items which meet certain criteria. In order for the appraisal to take place, collectors will be asked to provide:  clear colour images of the front and back, and a close-up of the signature or identifying logos, dimensions, medium and other details available, such as history of the item or any literature relating to the item.
                    
The Gucci Collector initiative coincides with the House’s own plans to open a Gucci museum in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian brand in time of Gucci’s 90th anniversary in 2011.