From The Straits Times    |
The bag Artisan Corner: Watch Gucci bags being made in Singapore

The bag Artisan Corner: Watch Gucci bags being made in Singapore
The Gucci New Bamboo in Gold Croco, available exclusively at the Artisan Workshop at Gucci Paragon.
Image: Gucci

Did you know that the Gucci Bamboo bag is made of a whopping 130 pieces? According to Gucci, this iconic handbag, which features the distinctive carved cane handle, takes up to two days to be completed, from start to finish.

Discover more fun facts about Gucci handbags and how they’re made at the brand’s artisan workshop being held from February 19 to 23, at the Gucci Paragon boutique.

Shoppers will get to see Gucci artisans ‒ specially flown in from the Gucci headquarters in Florence, Italy ‒ at work here in Singapore for this workshop.

For one week only, the Italian luxury brand has set up an artisanal workspace within the Gucci Paragon boutique, in order to demonstrate the sewing, lacquering and all the fine work that goes into the crafting of each Gucci handbag.

The bag Artisan Corner: Watch Gucci bags being made in Singapore
Close-up of the handles and purse clasps to be used for Gucci Bamboo bags. IMAGE: GUCCI

Everything from the initial sketches, moodboard and custom sewing table to all the tools needed have been brought in from Florence, specially for the artisan showcase.

Selected designs including the Gucci New Bamboo will be assembled by the artisans in store. Prices for these bags start from $2,080 for the Gucci Soho Tote bag in plain leather. Assembled on the spot by artisans, these bags are available for purchase and will be stamped with “Singapore AC 2014” in commemoration of the event.

Shoppers can choose from exclusive colours and exotic skins like ostrich, python, lizard, crocodile that have been brought in specially for the occasion; the bags will be assembled from parts that have been prepared earlier in less than two hours.

The New Bamboo in Gold Croco in particular (seen at the top of this story), is our favourite: This bag can be embossed with your initials in gold or silver too.

You’ll also get to have your initials hand-embossed on all Gucci leather bags purchased from February 19 to 23, 2014 at the Paragon boutique. The embossing service is complimentary for this period, while the artisans are still in town for the special demonstration.

Watch the Gucci artisans at work at The Artisan Corner, to be held from February 19 to 23, 2014 at Gucci Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, #01-38.

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