Ava Gilchrist
Cult accessories 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 truly deserving of the title '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 classic bags that are known to hold their value, but also a plethora of heritage houses that also create timeless and beautiful designs, ensuring their key styles are continued for decades. Gucci is one of these very labels.
Style Notes: The Gucci 1995 Horsebit bag, pictured here, is a rectangular bag with a half flap and gilded hardware. It's named after the bag's resurgence during Tom Ford's tenure at the house from the mid-90s to the early 2000s.
Looking through a Gucci collection or campaign 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. In his footsteps, the most recent incumbent, Sabato De Sarno, distilled this vision down into a more refined and minimalistic take reminiscent of Tom Ford's era at the house. Now, with the appointment of former Balenciaga artistic lead Demna, all eyes are on Gucci to see what's next in the brand's 104-year history.
Style Notes: Fashion influencer Aimee Song wears the Gucci Diana Tote bag, a design named in honour of Princess Diana, the late Princess of Wales.
But given Gucci's origins as a luggage company, it's truly their accessories that spark the most intrigue, appeal and desire. As with any luxury fashion house, handbags are a significant part of the business, and over Gucci's entire existence, the brand has crafted countless icons toted by royals, aristocrats, celebrities and style luminaries. Indeed, there is certainly a rich history considering the brand started creating instantly recognisable jacquard canvas suitcases in the 1930s. And with a century under it's interlocking 'GG' Marmont belt, the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and Daisy Edgar-Jones have all owned and love Gucci handbags.
Style Notes: The Gucci Jackie 1961 bag, seen here, is one of the brand's most revered and iconic designs, named in honour of the former First Lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
There are several handbag styles, in particular, which we believe have true staying power as classic bags. Especially in the wake of Michele's departure, subsequent absence of Sabato De Sarno and upcoming term of office from Demna, 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.
The History of Gucci Bags
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.
Style Notes: Spotted—a luxuriate shops for a jacquard Gucci bag on January 3, 1979.
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 celebrity and fashion editor in all the fashion capitals of the world. Now, styles like the Softbit, Marmont and Blondie are among the most popular, as well as reimaginings of the Jackie and Horsebit, which nod to the original iterations but have chic modern twists.
The Best Gucci Bags
- The New Signature: Gucci Giglio
- The Legacy Investment: Gucci 1955 Horsebit
- The First-Lady Tote: Gucci Jackie
- The Alessandro Michele-Era Icon: Gucci Dionysus
- The Celebrity Endorsed: Gucci Marmont
- The Princess Carry-All: Gucci Diana
- The 70s-Inspired Starlet: Gucci Blondie
1. Gucci Giglio
Style Notes: While Demna is yet to present his first collection for Gucci, every drop of his sleaze-ridden design aesthetic was injected into every molecule of the Italian brand's Resort 2025 collection—the pinnacle for the brand ahead of his debut. A homecoming that was 100 years in the making, Gucci returned to its roots by staging the show in Florence for a rebirth or 'renaissance' of their own kind. Eschewing any of Michele's maximalism, Ford's sensuality and De Sarno's minimalism, the brand was quite literally blooming with new ideas. So it only makes sense that in front of the likes of Paul Mescal, Gucci ushered in their newest signature: the Gucci Giglio.
The name is derived from the Italian word for 'lily', serving as both a metaphorical representation of how Gucci is sprouting a new beginning for itself and an homage to the Fleur-de-lis symbol that defines its hometown since the Middle Ages. The bag itself its a wide shopping tote made of GG monogram canvas. The strap is the brand's signature two-toned 'web trim' and is currently available to shop.
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A true evolution of the brand's heritage and history.
This blue iteration is my favourite by a small margin.
2. Gucci 1955 Horsebit
Style Notes: The 1955 Horsebit Bag is one of the more recent launches from the house and is based on archival designs from 1955. Since the reprisal debuted in the 2020 cruise collection, it's been carried by countless A-listers, including Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller and Halle Berry.
No wonder—it has a simple saddle-shaped silhouette, with an elegant flap and equestrian-inspired Horsebit hardware in silver and gold tones or made of palladium. The Horsebit has become so synonymous with the brand that even a logo-free version is instantly recognisable as Gucci. Thanks to its classic design, this is an 'It bag' through and through with proven longevity. It comes in simple leather versions, textured leather and printed versions with leather trims.
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The iconic GG supreme canvas finish is so classic.
The one has such a Parisian feel, don't you think?
A true forever bag.
This style made waves in 2023 and is still a major statement to have on hand.
3. Gucci Jackie 1961
Style Notes: The Jackie 1961 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. Kate Moss modelled the hobo-shaped back in 2014, and a decade later, it's been given the seal of approval by pop star and style icon Harry Styles, who has one in black. You can even shop it in the iconic red Gucci Ancora leather.
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The smooth black leather and gold hardware combination is incredibly luxe.
Carry all your essentials, and look good doing it.
Burgundy is practically a neutral among the fashion set.
Opt for the GG canvas for a classic statement.
4. Gucci Dionysus
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 Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and excess who crossed the river Tigris on a tiger. While it's available in textured and patent leathers, as well as velvet and jacquard fabrics, its rectangular structure also looks utterly chic wrapped in the monogrammed GG canvas. A sliding chain strap in silver or antique gold allows it to be worn cross-body or as a shoulder bag. Either way, it's a beacon of the fashion house's masterful blend of art and style.
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This suede bag screams chic.
The structured design gives a vintage feel.
The lustrous pale blue colour is to die for.
The Dionysus emblem is iconic to this bag.
5. Gucci Marmont
Style Notes: Centred around the signature GG symbol, a reinterpretation of Gucci's 1970s-era archival motif, the Marmont is a timeless emblem of the designer's heritage. The Marmont line includes totes, shoulder bags, bucket bags, circular shapes and mini designs. Typically, the most popular models come in matelassé leather with a soft, quilted texture. It has a snap-button closure and a clean silhouette with gently rounded corners, making it a versatile style to complete both everyday and event outfits. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Dakota Johnson and Kylie Jenner are among its celebrity fanbase.
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Made to go with everything.
Why not take the Brat green colour trend to your handbag collection, too?
Note the exquisite leather chevron.
This pop of cherry red elevates simple looks like jeans and a white t-shirt.
6. Gucci Ophidia
Style Notes: Ophidia is a line of bags that debuted on the Cruise 2018 catwalk at the Pitti Palace in Florence. It features the iconic inlaid 'Web' stripe, inspired by traditional saddle girths, alongside antique gold double G hardware. Both of these details honour archival designs from the fashion house, making it a great option for those who admire the brand's legacy pieces. It is also the bag to own in Gucci's coated microfibre GG canvas—although leather and suede iterations are also available.
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The vintage influence is seen through its square shape.
This crescent-shaped carry-all style you can always rely on.
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.
7. Gucci Diana
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. It was named after the late Princess of Wales who carried the style throughout the decade, as seen here leaving Caffè Greco in the central Via Condotti during a private visit in Rome on June 16, 1996.
The bag was reimagined under Alessandro Michele's creative direction. Now, it comes in three different sizes with removable, neon leather belts, which nod to the functional bands that once came with the original bag to maintain the shape of the handles. Featuring a structured, boxy silhouette, it has an open top with a central snap closure or magnetic fastening. The iconic double G hardware was added by Michele to modernise the Diana, along with a detachable shoulder strap.
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Sleek style and function combined, with room for all the essentials.
Petite in size, yet mighty in style.
Not as structured as the rest, this softer version of the Diana is perfect for your everyday.
I've fallen hard for this cream leather version.
8. Gucci Blondie
Style Notes: Fans of '70s style had their ears prick up when Gucci announced the relaunch of its Blondie bag. Seen at the brand's 2022 Cruise runway show and again at the 2025 Cruise runway show (which was presented by the Tate Modern), it signalled the beginning of a revival. It was originally released in 1971, and its comeback, ignited by Gucci's newest creative director Sabato De Sarno, features several models of handbags and accessories that are adorned with an iconic rendition of Gucci's logo. The line of shoulder bags, crossbody designs and clutches are made of pillowy Tuscan leathers, suedes or the GG canvas material, in a range of bold and classic colourways. It has been wholly adapted for contemporary wear, complete with handy inner compartments and adjustable straps.
Shop the Bag:
Soft leather suede and the historical jacquard print gives this bag a retro spin.
A bucket style always feels fresh, especially with these tasselled drawstring ends.
This burgundy version in a boxy silhouette is a statement you'll want hanging up in your closet.
It's hard to beat having this bag in a gorgeous olive green.
9. Gucci Horsebit Chain
Style Notes: Like the Horsebit 1955 before it, the Horsebit Chain bag is a style that derives its name and shape from equine motifs. Taking inspiration from the bridle that adorns horses, this bag was first introduced during Tom Ford's reign when it took the runway at Gucci’s autumn/winter 2003 show.
20 years later, it returned on the autumn/winter 2023 runway during a time when Gucci was between creative directors.
Now, archival pieces are just as coveted as new season buys. Kendall Jenner is known to tote her vintage style as part of her model off-duty uniform.
Celebrities Wearing Gucci
Style Notes: An image of Bella Hadid wearing Gucci spring/summer 2024 with a Bamboo 1947 Medium Bag while out in New York in May 2024.
Style Notes: An image of Cara Delevingne wearing Gucci spring/summer 2024 with a Gucci Blondie bag while attending W Magazine's Annual Best Performances Party at Chateau Marmont in January 2025.
Style Notes: An image of Hailey Bieber wearing vintage Tom Ford-era Gucci from spring/summer 1998 while out in New York in May 2025.
Style Notes: Kate and Lila Moss attend Gucci's Cruise 2024 show at London's Tate Modern in May 2024.
Style Notes: Julia Roberts attends the Leave The World Behind special screening at The Curzon Mayfair on November 2023 wearing Gucci spring/summer 2024.
Style Notes: Kaia Gerber wears custom Gucci to the 2024 LACMA Art+Film Gala in November 2024.
Style Notes: Miley Cyrus wears custom Gucci with a Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024.
Style Notes: Jessica Chastain wears Gucci to the autumn/winter 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week.
Style Notes: Julia Garner wears Gucci to a Grammy after-party at Bar Marmont in February 2024.
Style Notes: Paul Mescal attends the Gucci Men's spring/summer 2025 fashion show during Milan Fashion Week in 2024.
Style Notes: Dua Lipa attends Gucci's Cruise 2024 show at London's Tate Modern in May 2024.
