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The Story Behind Gucci’s Iconic Handbags

In 1897, a young Florentine named Guccio Gucci moved to London and worked as a bellhop at the luxurious Savoy Hotel. Handling the luggage of wealthy guests inspired him to return to Italy and launch his own line of travel-focused leather goods. In 1921, he opened his first boutique on Florence’s Via della Vigna Nuova, selling imported suitcases alongside locally crafted pieces. His designs quickly gained popularity, turning Gucci into a sensation.

The Best Gucci Handbags to Shop Now
– The Softbit (2024)
– The GG Emblem (2024)
– The Gucci B (2024)
– The Woven Tote (2025, Cruise collection)
– The Raffia Bucket (2024)
– The Milano (2024)
– The Tote Bag (2024)
– The Ophidia (2024, a modern take on a 2018 style)
– The Chain Horsebit (2003)
– The Blondie (2022)
– The Gucci Horsebit 1955 (late 1950s)
– The Jackie 1961 (2021, inspired by the original 1961 design)
– The Diana (2022, a revival of an ’80s classic)
– The Marmont (2016)
– The Gucci Bamboo 1947 (late 1940s)

During Mussolini’s rule, Italy faced trade embargoes, making materials like leather scarce. Guccio and his sons—Aldo, Vasco, and Rodolfo—got creative, using wicker, raffia, and wood alongside cuoio grasso, a supple veal leather. Around the same time, they developed a woven hemp fabric with a diamond pattern, a precursor to today’s double-G logo.

In 1947, Gucci made history with its bamboo-handled bag, featuring a handle shaped by flame. By 1953, Ingrid Bergman carried one in Viaggio in Italia, sparking Hollywood’s obsession. The brand’s Florence boutique attracted royalty and stars, including Princess Elizabeth (before she became queen), Eleanor Roosevelt, and Elizabeth Taylor. Rodolfo, a former actor, brought in friends like Bette Davis and Sophia Loren.

By the 1950s, Gucci was dressing the elite in Rome’s dolce vita era and New York’s high society. Over the next decades, the brand expanded globally. Grace Kelly famously bought a floral silk scarf (now known as the Flora), while Jackie Kennedy Onassis favored a hobo bag—later reissued by Alessandro Michele, who also revived the Diana and Attaché bags. Michele’s designs, like the Dionysus and Marmont, remain iconic.

Sabato De Sarno, Michele’s successor, introduced the sleek GG Milano bag. As of March 2025, Demna Gvasalia has taken over as creative director, with his first collection set to debut in September 2025. Fashion lovers eagerly await his fresh take on Gucci’s legacy.

The Jackie, 1961
Like the timeless appeal of… (text continues)Gucci’s signature green and red stripes on girth straps became iconic, as did the horsebit detail. Aldo Gucci even updated the brand’s crest, replacing the bellhop (a reference to founder Guccio’s early career) with an armored knight. Since its debut on a handbag in 1955, the horsebit has become as recognizable as Chanel’s double C’s. Every Gucci designer from Tom Ford to current creative director Alessandro Michele has incorporated this element. Michele’s latest version, the Gucci Horsebit 1955 bag from the 2020 cruise collection, comes in multiple styles (tote, satchel, shoulder bag) all featuring the distinctive double-D rings. The hardware is so iconic that no logo is needed.

Horsebit 1955 Collection:
– Shoulder bag: $3,400
– Shoulder bag: $3,100
– Mini top handle bag: $3,190
– Mini bag: $3,400

The Diana Bag
In the 1990s, Princess Diana frequently carried a bamboo-handled Gucci bag in putty suede, making even gym outfits look elegant. This style has been part of Gucci since the beginning. On what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday (July 1, 2021), Michele introduced The Diana Bag—a bamboo-handled tote similar to the princess’s version. It features Michele’s reinterpreted double G logo (facing the same direction) and a playful neon elastic strap (removable, like the bands Gucci uses to shape its bamboo handles).

Diana Collection:
– Small tote: $3,700
– Small tote: $3,980
– Mini tote: $4,200
– Small tote: $5,200
– Python small tote: $7,100
– Python small tote: $5,500

The Marmont
More than a single bag, the Marmont is a family of styles under Michele’s direction. Introduced in 2016, these bags capture ’70s bohemian spirit and Château Marmont glamour. Signature details include chain straps, chevron quilting, and gemstone-colored leather or velvet. The collection includes totes, backpacks, and bucket bags, some with pearl-studded hardware.

Marmont Collection:
– Medium shoulder bag: $2,850
– Mini shoulder bag: $1,400
– Woven medium shoulder bag: $2,850

The Gucci Bamboo 1947
Bamboo is as integral to Gucci as its double G logo. Post-World War II leather shortages led Guccio Gucci to innovate with curved bamboo handles (shaped using heat). This patented design remains timeless, reinterpreted by every creative director from Tom Ford to Alessandro Michele in ready-to-wear and leather goods.

(Note: Prices and specific product listings have been retained as in the original text.)The current version of this iconic bag, now called the Gucci Bamboo 1947, remains largely unchanged since its creation. Elegantly understated without logos, refined but not fussy, it comes in medium, small, and mini sizes. You’ll find it in smooth leather, monogram canvas, and exotic skins.

– Gucci Bamboo Diva medium bag: $5,200
– Gucci Bamboo 1947 mini bag: $4,300
– Gucci Bamboo Diva medium bag: $5,200
– Gucci Bamboo Night clutch: $3,400