It bags may come and go, but when buying a designer handbag and parting with such a significant amount of money, you want to be certain that it’s something that is truly deserving of the title of “investment piece“. This is an item that you want to have by your side for years, if not decades. Yes, love is a big part of it, but this is also a purchase that requires a certain amount of research and consideration. There are certain heritage houses that are known to hold their value but that also create timeless, beautiful designs that ensure their key styles are continued for decades. Gucci is one of these very labels.
Looking through a Gucci collection is like diving into an eclectic dressing-up box—you’re met with more crystals, bold colours, wacky prints and feathers than you’d see at an Elton John concert. Gucci’s former creative director Alessandro Michele’s vision for the brand might have been flamboyant, but his appreciation of the history and love for the classic heritage pieces of the Italian house helped truly reimagine the brand. “I love this brand. It’s an amazing platform,” he told Another magazine. “It’s a brand that has the most amazing history and the most contemporary appeal. It’s like a very beautiful old lady that you can’t resist—every day, you discover something new.” As with any luxury fashion house, handbags are a significant part of the business, and Michele over his seven years at the helm of Gucci revisited neglected designs and styles from the archive. There is certainly a rich history, as the brand started creating GG canvas suitcases in the 1930s, and the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy all had Gucci handbags. There are six handbag styles, in particular, which we believe have true staying power. Especially since Michele’s recent departure and the subsequent appointment of Sabato De Sarno, the former’s styles are not just chic for today, but bound to become collectors items. So, keep reading for an introduction to their history and then shop the best Gucci bags below.
It was way back in 1921 when the first Gucci boutique opened its doors and the birth of a legendary brand was born. But, it wasn’t until the 40s that the now iconic bamboo-handle bag arrived on the scene, starting what would be a revolution in La Dolce Vita style around the world. The Horsebit followed in the mid 50s, followed by the Jackie and the Attache. Fast-forward to the noughties and it was the Soho Disco that really made waves, appearing on the shoulders of every influencer, celebrity and fashion editor in all the fashion capitals of the world. Now, styles like the Marmont, Dionysus and Aphrodite are among the most popular, as well as reimaginings of the Jackie and Horsebit, which nod to the original iterations but have added, chic modern twists.
Style Notes: The 1955 Horsebit Bag is one of the more recent launches from the house and is based on archival designs from 1955. It has a simple saddle-shaped silhouette, with an elegant flap and equestrian-inspired horsebit hardware. Thanks to its classic design, this is an It bag that has longevity. It comes in simple leather versions and printed versions with leather trims.
The iconic GG supreme canvas finish is so classic.
A true forever bag.
The one has such a Parisian feel, don’t you think?
The latest style new for winter 2023.
Style Notes: The Jackie is another archival piece from the ’60s. It was initially named after Jackie Kennedy and has been a hero Gucci item for years. Back in 2020, it was relaunched with a bit of a makeover—pastel leather options, as well as the classics, and cleaner lines with an additional strap and, of course, that iconic gold clasp. Years on and it’s still one of the brand’s bestsellers. Harry Styles has one in black.
The shiny black leather and gold hardware combination is incredibly luxe.
Perfect for the winter months with blacks and tonal hues.
The medium style will carry all your essentials, and look good doing it.
In true Gucci style, there’s always a statement option.
Style Notes: The Dionysus is one of Michele’s own designs for the house. Although a modern classic, it has a touch of his vintage, eccentric flair. The shoulder bag has a flap fixed with a tiger-head clasp, which is a nod to the Greek god Dionysus, who crossed the river Tigris on a tiger.
The structured design gives a vintage feel.
The cream leather version screams chic.
The Dionysus emblem is iconic to this bag.
Easily adjust to wear on the shoulder, cross-body or as a top handle bag.
Style Notes: Centred around the brand’s archival GG symbol, the Gucci Marmont line includes totes, shoulder bags, bucket bags, circular shapes and mini designs. Some of the line’s most popular models come in classic cream and black leathers, seen on the likes of @slipintostyle.
Note the exquisite leather chevron.
This version is for floral fans.
Made to go with everything.
Why not take the red colour trend to your handbag collection, too?
Style Notes: Ophidia is a line of bags that debuted on the Cruise 2018 catwalk at the Pitti Palace in Florence, and features the iconic inlaid ‘Web’ detail and a shiny gold GG Marmont tab. A great option for those who like the brand’s more retro-inspired pieces.
The vintage influence is seen through it’s square shape.
Combining two defining motifs—the GG supreme canvas and Web stripe—makes this instantly recognisable.
Embrace the 90s with this mini bag. Don’t miss the hidden Web stripe underneath.
A carry-all style you can always rely on.
Style Notes: One of the most recent re-imaginings from the brand, the Gucci Diana features a distinctive bamboo handle, which was first presented by the House in 1991. The bag was reimagined by Alessandro Michele in three different sizes with removable, neon leather belts, which is a nod to the functional bands that once came with the original bag to maintain the shape of the handles.
Petite in size, yet mighty in style.
Combining various Gucci emblems, this bag celebrates the House’s history in a modern reinvention.
I’ve hard fallen for this green leather version.
Style and function combined, with room for all the essentials.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
