Discover Gucci’s Beautiful Cruise 2016 Handbags

When you think of fashion brands making waves at the moment, Gucci immediately comes to mind, and not just for me. Creative director Alessandro Michele managed to build excitement quickly for his new interpretations of Gucci’s many traditions and icons, and only a handful of seasons after his appointment, Michele’s designs have become must-haves for fashion insiders.

Gucci Cruise 2016 has just hit stores, and it’s easy to see why Alessandro Michele is giving everyone something to talk about. When it comes to the handbags, this is the most extensive selection from the house since Michele’s appointment, offering a new take on the already much-adored Gucci Dionysus, along with an array of other bags.

We took some of our favorite Gucci Cruise 2016 bags out to photograph to give you a closer look at their beautiful details. From a floral-motif Dionysus to tiger head-adorned leather bags, this collection is my favorite thus far.

I was immediately drawn to the Gucci Dionysus Blooms Print Bags, as I had already played with the Dionysus bags up close and loved them. For those who were looking for an all-leather version of the Dionysus, this is your option. Made in Gucci Blooms printed leather, this shoulder bag has a textured tiger head spur closure and is available in both green and red in two different sizes. The chain strap can be worn multiple ways, so you can carry this bag as a shoulder bag or top handle.

While I love all of the bags we photographed, the Gucci Animalier Shoulder Bag might be my favorite of the bunch. Between the compact size and the cool tiger-head metal detail, this design is a winner. There is a very laid-back feel to the bag, with its double-knotted straps that go over your shoulder easily with a 10.5″ drop.

The interior of the bag features a Herbarium print linen lining and is split into three areas, with a zipper compartment as the center divider. Everyone knows I love interior compartments and separations (my Gucci Bamboo Shopper is one of my favorite bags for this reason), so it’s easy to see why this bag is so great. There are several colorways, but I love the brown and emerald green/pink options.

Another take on the tiger metal detail is the Gucci GG Marmont Shoulder Bag. This bag has a very easy-to-wear feel and easily played into the 70s vibe of Michele’s collection. I’m always looking for a bag that not only looks good, but also is easy to wear, and the Marmont Shoulder Bag provides just that. While sturdy, the leather is also soft, moldable and lightweight.

Before Michele was Gucci’s creative director, he was the head of accessories, and his attention to detail when it comes to bags is evident when you open the Marmont. Two main areas sit alongside pouch and zipper pockets, which make the interior just as beautiful as the exterior. Gucci offers this bag in black, brown and red.

As each of Michele’s new collections debuts, his understanding of the brand’s heritage melds with his fresh take on Gucci signatures. You can shop all Gucci items via the brand’s newly designed website online.