Gucci’s Cruise 2023 show was nothing short of groundbreaking. In true Alessandro Michele fashion, no detail was left out. Everything from the collection’s styling to the lovely backdrop of Italy’s historic Castel del Monte in Puglia, Italy, felt methodical and intricately planned.
Elegance Fusing Together Past and Present
Overall, the collection was a stunning presentation of archival elements mixed with modern components. Said to be inspired by a mixing of aesthetics, nods to House history were seen throughout, from the footwear and the ready-to-wear to the handbags as well. An array of new bags were presented, and one of Gucci’s newest bags, the Aphrodite, made its debut on the Cruise 2023 runway. Today we’ve got a detailed look at the latest from Alessandro Michele and the House of Gucci.
Introducing the new Gucci Aphrodite bag.
Gucci Aphrodite Medium Shoulder Bag, $2,290 and Gucci Cruise Belted Coat, $4,980
Gucci Aphrodite Medium Shoulder Bag, $2,290 and Gucci Cruise Belted Coat, $4,980
Inspired by the Past
Instantly recognizable as Alessandro Michele’s Gucci, thanks to the bag’s bold double G logo, it’s this emblem that fuses Gucci’s past and present all at once. Inspired by an iconic House code that was originally introduced in the 1970s, it was Michele who brought this motif back with the brand’s fall/winter 2016 collection. It has since become an integral part of the Gucci we know under Alessandro Michele’s direction. With his sudden departure, fans of today’s Gucci will want to get their hands on some of his iconic designs, and the Aphrodite is the latest of them.
The Details
The Aphrodite bag is a crescent-shaped shoulder that oozes elegance thanks to its clean, curved lines and minimal details. While simple in shape and design, the bag’s beautiful soft textured leather truly shines. There are a few color options, like this stunning bold green, as well as red, baby pink, and bright purple. There are also neutral versions, but the leather’s grain picks up color beautifully.
This bag is functional – a great option for every day thanks to its size and lightweight body. The medium size shown here features an internal zippered pocket and overall dimensions of 39cm X x 38cm H x 2cm D. The shape is versatile, with an additional, longer strap allowing for longer shoulder or crossbody wear. With the price of many bags increasing dramatically, the Aphrodite is fairly priced at $2,290. Purchase via Gucci.
Photos via Jessica Portillo for PurseBlog
I got this bag, in medium black, last week! It is so versatile, and holds more than you’d think with its slim profile, inside zip pocket is large so I can put chunky wallet and more in there and have been able to fit my work file, notebook and other stuff in the main compartment.
I need this immediately…no one does that stunning green like Gucci [insert heart-eyes emoji]!!!
It’s insanely gorgeous, truly!
That is a very nice bag! The color is amazing! Much like the Jackie but this leather looks like perfection. The shiny leather used on the Jackie is ok but this is better!
I too prefer Jackie in the textured-leather version.
Kaitlin’s feeling herself in that beautiful, chic coat, and she definitely should. The fabric, the collar, the cuffs—? Stop. It’s everything. I love outerwear so much. I like the bag, too. Cool color and a great, practical size and silhouette.
That bag in green is stunning!
I love it 💚💚💚💚
What a great color!!
The title photograph showcases both the coat and the bag better than Gucci’s own campaign. 👍
I have been wishing for a Jackie-esque messenger bag in beautiful green. OMG this is so perfect for me!
This definitely looks like the answer for you. I had to really delve in comparing the two upon seeing this.
I haven’t loved anything from Gucci in ages, but this bag is lovely.
That bag is a real beauty and I love that it can go crossbody as well if you want.
Don’t they have a bag that’s very similar to this?
I like the bag but I feel like the GG hardware is a design cop out.
I suspect this is done to ensure Jackie 1961 stays unchallenged, protecting the price premium.
Does anyone know how the large bag compares to the neverfull gm ?