Gucci has just launched the new Bamboo 1947, an addition to the new line of handbags that have become a beloved Gucci signature. 

Creative director Alessandro Michele has taken his design inspiration from the historic Bamboo bag and has put it under a new contemporary lens with the Bamboo 1947. The classic and very historic bag connects the past, present and future for Gucci bags and brings a new representation of the heritage of Michele’s own legacy with the house. 

Gucci is known as one of the world’s most luxurious brands, as the house began in luxury luggage design, it has grown into a full circle fashion house with bags, footwear, clothing, jewelry, makeup and fragrance. Since 1921, Gucci has made a name for itself as one of the oldest fashion houses in operation today. 

In 1947, post-war Italy had a difficult time finding raw materials, so house founder Guccio Gucci and his house artisans took to finding alternative ways to make their handbags, but also make a fashion statement. At that time they decided to use bamboo which is lightweight and durable, and 75 years later the bamboo handle is one of the most historic and classic details Gucci has ever released. 

All these years later, the bamboo bag has become a fixture in Hollywood, with celebrities, jet setters and influencers alike have taken the bag with them everywhere they go, and the bag has given them a certain status among many. With the release of the new Bamboo 1947 bag, Gucci has invited 9 international creators to collaborate with the house on a very special digital project. 

The project entails each creator to share a vision of how they see the Gucci Bamboo 1947, and each will showcase the historic bamboo handle through photographs, illustrations, painting and many more forms of media, all sharing a version of this iconic material. 

Participating talents include photographers Maddalena Arcelloni, Lou Escobar, Katya Mayer, Theo Liu Xiangyu, Cho Gi-Seok, and Suzanne Saroff and artists Nico Ito, Samson Bakare and Everett Glenn. 

Article published by HOLR Magazine