Meet the new generation of bamboo bags by Gucci

The 75-year-old Gucci classic undergoes a timely update

By Margaux Levy - 28 Jan 2022

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It’s about time that Gucci is giving another of its classic bags a makeover. After upgrading well-loved bag designs such as the Jackie hobo and the Diana tote in recent years as part of the Gucci Beloved collection, Alessandro Michele is now turning his attention on the iconic Bamboo bag.

For starters, the bag boasts an incredible history that dates back to 1947, at a time when resources were hard to come by in post-War Italy. The enterprising Guccio Gucci and the house’s visionary Florentine artisans scoured for raw materials to form the handle of a new purse design. They discovered the lightweight quality and durability of bamboo and the rest, as they say, was history.

Nine visual creatives, including photographer Lou Escobar, were given free rein to interpret the Gucci Bamboo 1947 in their artworks.
Lou Escobar/Gucci

This month, Gucci is releasing a tribute to the 75-year-old icon, with the launch of an updated line dubbed Gucci Bamboo 1947. Available in medium, small and mini sizes, the new generation Bamboo bag also comes with interchangeable straps: a monochromatic leather strap and a sporty Web canvas strap in Gucci’s signature red and green colourway.

Another update for the Bamboo bag collection is the wide spectrum of fun colours it comes in – think acid orange, marigold yellow, pink, azure and bright green. If you’re considering something that bears a more vintage aesthetic, there are versions in crocodile and python varieties too.

To further celebrate the creativity of the bag, Gucci has tapped nine international photographers and artists to interpret the Gucci Bamboo 1947 through their own digital artworks. Scroll below to have a closer peek.