Introducing Gucci Tiger to Celebrate Year of the Tiger

I’m starting off the new year with a new bag wishlist, and unlike last year in which I really didn’t feel the need for any new bags, I seem to be coming in hot this year. I shared last week how much I love the Bottega Veneta Teen Pouch and the minute I saw this Gucci bag, I felt this deep yearning, the kind where I feel like I am going to end up with this bag no matter what.

There are a few things to note here, in my bag buying insanity, and the most important one is just how much I love Gucci and my Gucci totes. There is this Flora one which I have used so many times (mine has green leather trim, however), and it quickly became one of my most carried bags, and while I don’t need another tote, I would happily take one. The bag I have my eyes on is the Gucci Tiger Medium Tote Bag which was released today as part of a much larger capsule collection, Gucci Tiger.

Gucci Goes Full Tiger

In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, Gucci released its Gucci Tiger selection which ranges from ready-to-wear and accessories to shoes and more. Alessandro Michele’s fascination with nature pairs well with a collection like this, offering an array of whimsical renditions of the tiger. As with many of Gucci’s releases, there is an archival revival here as well. The predominant print shown is a reinterpretation of a late 1960s design by Vittorio Accornero, the artist, and illustrator who created the House’s signature Flora design. This stunning print features tigers against a colorful pastel-hued backdrop of greenery and flowers. As with much of what Michele does at the helm of the brand, there is an inherent playfulness while connecting the past and future of the House.

I love the expansiveness of this collection, from all-over variations of the print on some iconic silhouettes (like this Horsebit 1955 bag) to this structured tote that I first fell in love with. A tiger and ‘Gucci Tiger’ wording is seen in a patch on jackets, jeans, and knitwear, along with the additional multicolor theme being reworked in the maxi monogram. Each item is quite different, and if you have your eye on something, be sure to read the description because some of the items in this collection feature the hand-paintings of the tiger.

Back to the bag that got me hooked on this collection, it’s this glorious tote that is available with off-white or light-blue leather trim details. Obviously the light blue may wear a bit better, or rather not show wear a bit better, but the off-white is the version I first fell for.

There are many reasons I love this bag; first and foremost is the Tiger and floral print, which is featured on both the front and back of the bag. The ‘Gucci Tiger’ in script lettering adds an interesting touch, and if you weren’t a Gucci or fashion lover, you might miss realizing that this is indeed quite a special new piece from the brand. The leather used on the bag is stiff to give the tote structure, which helps it maintain its shape and show off the print in a clean manner while keeping it easy to find items inside. I can always make a case for a more slouchy tote just as much as I can for a structured tote, and in this case, with the overall dimensions of 14.8″ W x 13″ H x 6.1″ D, I think it’s ideal that the bag is structured. The interior of the tote features a cotton linen lining and one zip pocket. If you’d like to secure the bag a bit, there is also a hook closure, but it is still an open-top. The shoulder strap is detachable with a 24.8″ drop to allow for over-the-shoulder or crossbody wear. Price is $2,700 via Gucci.com

I don’t specifically have a reason to celebrate the Year of the Tiger aside from the fact that I sure hope this year will be better than last year for us, and when it comes to reasons to buy bags, it feels like that is valid enough.

Shop the entire Gucci Tiger collection now!