Gucci

Gucci Bamboo Bags: An Iconic History

There are few elements of handbag history as recognizable and inventive as the curved handles of the famous Gucci Bamboo Handbags, and like innovations in every sector from astrophysics to candy-making, necessity was the mother of this particular invention. In the first of a three-part series in collaboration with Gucci, we’ll investigate the history of the company’s signature handle design and some of the famous hands that have held it since its inception.

In 1947, when the iconic Gucci bamboo handles first appeared, World War II was still in its final stages and countries the world over were rationing resources. That was especially true in Europe, where artisans at Gucci were being pressured to find materials that weren’t subject to restriction to use in their designs. Bamboo cane could still be imported from Japan, and Gucci craftsman developed a patented method to heat and bend the bamboo in such a way that it would retain its shape once cooled and affixed to a handbag.

The bamboo handles were so interesting and distinctive that the bags became an instant hit, sticking around well past the end of the war to be carried by some of the biggest celebrities and tastemakers of the 1950s and 60s. Under current Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, the iconic bamboo handles have been revived in a whole new way.

Shop Gucci Bamboo via Gucci.com

For images of Gucci Bamboo through history, as well as a selection of stars wearing Gucci Bamboo bags, check out the gallery below. Archival photos courtesy of Gucci.


Gucci Bamboo Bags Through History

A Gucci Bamboo bag from the 1960s

Gucci Bamboo Bag 1960s


Gucci Craftsman in Florence, 1953

Gucci Craftsmen in Florence, 1953


Gucci Advertisement, 1960s

Gucci Bamboo Handbag Advertisement, 1960s


Gucci Handbag Patent Documentation

Gucci Bamboo Patent Form


Gucci Advertisement, Harper’s Bazaar, 1970s

Gucci Advertisement, Harper's Bazaar, 1970s


Gucci Bamboo Bags Carried By Celebrities

Vanessa Redgrave

Vanessa Redgrave with a Gucci Bamboo Bag 2

Vanessa Redgrave with a Gucci Bamboo Bag 1


Lady Diana

Princess Diana with a Gucci Bamboo Bag


Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts with a Gucci Bamboo Bag


Florence Welch

Florence Welch with a Gucci Bamboo Bag


Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley with a Gucci Bamboo Bag


Beyonce

Beyonce with a Gucci Bamboo Bag

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