Gucci's well unpacked experiment: The Gucci Bamboo collection

Gucci is well known for creating the most covetable it-bags every season. But the Gucci Bamboo collection is one of the most successful experiments. It was worn by famous people like Lady Diana, Carla Bruni, Beyoncé and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Futured in many movies like "Journey to Italy" (1954), "A Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" (1958) and "Blow up" (1966), this bag became an instant hit throughout history.

Lady Diana and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley with the Gucci Bamboo - Pinterest

In 1947, the Gucci Bamboo collection was introduced to the world by Guccio Gucci. It was the result of the leather shortage as an aftermath of the war. To save materials such as leather, designers had to experiment with other materials. So, Gucci came up with a brilliant idea: bamboo. A material that was abundantly available. Bamboo was extremely durable and easily imported from Japan at that time. The Bamboo Collection was innovative and refreshing in the world of designer bags. The original Gucci Bamboo bag was a small structured bag made of pigskin with the iconic curved bamboo handle and clasp. It also included an interior mirror.

The Gucci atelier in Florence and part of the Bamboo patent by Gucci - PurseBlog

The bamboo bags became very popular, so Gucci kept producing the bamboo bags after the war. In 1958, Gucci received its patent on the bamboo bag, which meant no other brand could copy the design. 

The craftsmanship of this collection

The artistic process that goes into the creation of the bamboo handles is one of the most interesting processes of any bag ever made. At first, highly professional Gucci craftsmen select the most perfect and unblemished pieces of the bamboo. The bamboo is then softened and processed by hand over an open flame to manipulate the material into a semicircular shape. During the next step, the handle is coated in multiple layers of varnish. After which it is roasted, to achieve a shiny golden-brown finish. Once cooled, the handles are attached to the top of the leather frame of a bag. Because of this handmade process, no bamboo handle is ever the same. Nowadays, the bamboo handles are still handmade by trained artisans at the Gucci factory, just outside of Florence.

Fun fact: The Bamboo Gucci bag requires 140 separate pieces and 13 hours of work to create this beauty.

Gucci New Bamboo on the Pre-Fall 2013 catwalk and a redesign with shoulder strap - Pinterest

In 2010/2011, the entire collection was redesigned by Frida Giannini, when she celebrates 90 years of Gucci. The collection, "New Bamboo", was expanded to give the classic bag a modern update. Different shapes, colors and leathers were introduced and shoulder straps to wear the bags cross body were a logical addition for the modern day women. During its Pre-Fall collection in 2013, Gucci makes an official appearance with the New Bamboo line on the catwalks.

Expanding the Bamboo Collection

Because of the success of the Bamboo Collection, Gucci decided to expand in different fields. Think of the introduction of timepieces in 2012 and Gucci eyewear and Gucci jewelry in 2013. In 2014, Bamboo high-heeled sandals are introduced and in 2015, Gucci Bamboo perfume was also launched. 

Gucci Bamboo sunglasses and jewelry - Pinterest

It is safe to say that the Gucci Bamboo Collection remains iconic. This collection of bags will never go out of style. Are you ready to steal the show with your preloved Gucci Bamboo bag? Visit our stores or shop them online via this link or send us a message via e-mail or Instagram. 

With love, Millie

Sources:
Designer Vintage
Purseblog
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