There are many fashion houses that create stunning purses and handbags that can provide the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. However, there are few brands that have classic pieces that are as timeless as Gucci.
The stalwart of designer fashion has perfected the art of creating handbags and purses that stand the test of time with classic aesthetics inspired by the horse riding world and the iconic Gucci monogram.
In this article, we will look at some of the best vintage and pre-loved Gucci handbags that you can buy to complete your collection.
History Of Gucci
Guccio Gucci launched the Gucci brand in 1906, working out of his own home. Gucci was inspired to start his own brand after seeing the luxurious trunks and suitcases used by the aristocrats staying at the Savoy hotel where he worked as a bellboy.
From the very start, the design of the Gucci brand was associated with all things luxury including high-society pastimes such as horseback riding.
By 1921, the Gucci brand had grown enough to open a small store in Florence, the city in which it was founded. By 1938, the brand was so popular that Guccio Gucci could open a store on a luxury shopping street in Rome.
Throughout these years of growth, Gucci developed a specially woven hemp material to sidestep a League of Nations embargo against Italy.
With the development of this woven hemp material, Gucci also created his first signature print that would become a key identifier of his products. The small, interconnected diamond pattern was used to create the brand’s first successful line of suitcases.
In the post-war period, pigskin and leather were reintroduced to Gucci products and became the signature house material.
The first version of the iconic bamboo-handled bag, inspired by the curved shape of a horse riding saddle, is thought to be produced during this period.
The crest of the House of Gucci was trademarked in 1955, cementing the brand as a significant driving force in the world of luxury fashion. Between 1961 and 1972, Gucci stores were opening all around the world including in London and Tokyo.
Best Vintage Gucci Handbags
Genuine vintage Gucci handbags can be incredibly difficult to come by because they are prized collectibles and tend to be passed from generation to generation.
If you are lucky enough to come across a genuine vintage Gucci handbag, it is likely to come with a significant price tag. Thankfully, there are plenty of pre-loved Gucci handbags that are available to add to your collection.
Below we will look at some of the best vintage Gucci handbags and why they are so special.
Vintage Equine-Themed Gucci Bags
One of the things that Gucci products are well-known for is a nod to the equine industry in their design. Below are some beautiful, vintage Gucci handbags that feature these signature equine details.
The Gucci Horsebit Bag is a classic design that can be purchased as a shoulder bag or a top handle bag. It was first introduced to the Gucci brand in 1955 and is still being made today.
This bag is available as a shoulder bag, a mini bag, and a jumbo mini bag. The outer material can be leather or canvas. The leather bags are available in brown, black, cream, mint green, pale pink, red, and cream.
The canvas bags all come with the Gucci Jacquard material in brown, black, cream, and white.
The shape of this bag is similar to a saddle bag which ties in with the horse-bit detail. The bag is structured and holds its shape when empty. Inside, there are three main compartments and one smaller, zipped compartment. All the bags are lined with canvas.
Gucci has been making hobo bags since 1975. These bags have a more relaxed style than some of the more structured bags from Gucci. All the bags in this range are available with the iconic Gucci Jacquard canvas in the traditional color scheme.
The horse-bit detail on the handle acknowledges the equine history of the brand.
Inside, the hobo bags are lined with a soft, dark brown, luxurious fabric. The majority of the interior consists of a single, large compartment that can hold a significant amount of belongings. There is also a small, zipped compartment for valuables.
Vintage Gucci Shoulder Bags
Some of the most classic Gucci bags are the shoulder bags that they produce. Not only are the bags super stylish, but they are also incredibly comfortable and convenient to wear. Below are some of the best vintage Gucci shoulder bags.
The Gucci messenger bag is structured and quite boxy for its size. Launched in the 1970s, it features a long strap to wear over your shoulder. This bag is available with a classic canvas exterior featuring the classic Jacquard GG print.
The strap can either be thin leather or canvas colored with the signature red and green stripes.
The interior of the bag is lined with leather that contrasts with the brown canvas or leather. There is a singular main compartment and a smaller compartment that does not close separately.
The Gucci Jackie bag was first made in the 1960s and was named after Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. The shoulder bag is available in a variety of finishes and colors. The leather bag is available in black, brown, red, and blue shades.
You can also get the Jackie in red velvet and the classic Gucci canvas with stripes.
The bag has a classic half-moon shape that is structured around the seams. The piston hardware makes the bag stand out. The interior of the bag is lined with tan suede and is made up of multiple compartments including a zipped area for valuables.
The Gucci Ophidia is a line of bags that debuted on the catwalk in 2018. All of the bags in this range feature the iconic Gucci canvas as well as a gold GG Marmont tab. Some of the bags also feature the iconic green and red stripes down the center.
This bag is available as a shoulder bag, a handbag, and as a tote bag. The inside of these bags is lined with tan suede and features one large main compartment. There is also a smaller internal pocket that doesn’t zip shut.
The Gucci Soho Disco bag debuted in 2012 and quickly became one of the most popular creations. The exterior of the bag is made from high-quality leather. It is available in multiple colors including black, brown, red, orange, and green.
The interior of this small bag is lined with high-quality canvas material. There is a main compartment and a smaller side compartment. The bag is very structured and boxy. The piped seams help it to keep its shape.
Vintage Signature Design Bags
Gucci is also known for its signature designs that are instantly recognizable. Below are some of the most iconic signature Gucci bags.
The Gucci Bamboo bag is a piece of cultural history. Debuted in 1947, the bamboo bag was created out of necessity when traditional materials were scarce. The bag is well structured and holds its shape on its own.
The handle is made from bamboo, as is the clasp. This bag is available in multiple finishes including crocodile leather, smooth leather, and snake skin.
There are multiple choices of colors including yellow, blue, green, orange, black, pink, and white. A long strap can be added to the bag in leather or canvas.
The Gucci Dionysus bag was launched in 2015 and is named after the Greek god Dionysus. The closure is made of a double tiger head clasp that really defines the bag.
The exterior is made from a mix of iconic Gucci canvas and leather. The leather parts of the bag are available in different colors including tan, rose, black, and pink.
The interior of the bag is lined with suede and canvas. There are three main compartments, two are open and one is closed with a zip. The bag is incredibly structured and holds its shape well.
Final Thoughts
There are so many incredible vintage and pre-loved Gucci bags available on the market. While these bags might be difficult to come by, they are truly timeless investment pieces that add nothing but style and value to your collection.
Many of these bags are understated enough to be used with everyday outfits, which is the true measure of an authentically classy luxury brand.
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