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.
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 seven handbag styles, in particular, which we believe have true staying power as classic bags. 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.
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. 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 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 chic modern twists.
The Best Gucci Bags
See the Best Gucci Bags Below:
1. 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, Halle Bailey and Blake Lively. 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.
A true forever bag.
The one has such a Parisian feel, don't you think?
This style made waves in winter 2023 and is still a major statement to have on hand.
2. Gucci Jackie
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. 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 shiny black leather and gold hardware combination is incredibly luxe.
Carry all your essentials, and look good doing it.
The burgundy shade feels so fitting for winter.
Opt for the GG canvas for a classic statement.
3. 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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The cream leather version screams chic.
The structured design gives a vintage feel.
The red lustre finish is to die for.
The Dionysus emblem is iconic to this bag.
4. 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.
Note the exquisite leather chevron.
Why not take the red colour trend to your handbag collection, too?
Straight from the noughties.
5. 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.
Combining two defining motifs—the GG supreme canvas and Web stripe—makes this instantly recognisable.
A carry-all style you can always rely on.
Embrace the '90s with this mini bag. Don't miss the hidden Web stripe underneath.
6. 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. 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.
I've hard fallen for this green leather version.
Not as structured as the rest, this softer version of the Diana is perfect for your everyday.
7. 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, 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.
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Soft brown suede and the historical logo give 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 black.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
