Gucci’s Bamboo bags: reimagined for the 21st-century collector

The year 1947 was a special one for Gucci. It marked the launch of the Gucci Bamboo bag, one of the brand’s most recognisable and enduringly popular designs. The original saddle-shaped flap-bag made of pigskin, a signature Gucci material in the post-war period, featured a bamboo top-handle and turnlock closure.

The structured silhouette was an instant hit, becoming a favourite with style icons in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, it has graced many a red carpet and been reissued in a range of sizes, materials and colours. In recent years, the model has enjoyed an uptick of interest on the secondary market.

‘The timeless, elegant design of the classic Bamboo 1947, also known by its product number, “0633”, makes it one of the most distinctive and sought-after Gucci bags,’ says Rachel Koffsky, Christie’s International Head of Handbags & Accessories.

Offered in Handbags Online: The Paris Edit, which runs from 31 October to 14 November 2023, are three reimagined Bamboo bags from Vault, Gucci’s online concept store featuring one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, collaborative ventures, and collector’s items that have been reconditioned and reimagined by Gucci ArtLab artisans in collaboration with the house’s archivists.

Each unique bag features a unique version of the brand’s signature bamboo handle. The original linings have been cleaned, and Vault tags with serial numbers have been added.

‘We are delighted to partner with Gucci to present three of the rarest and most eye-catching Gucci Bamboo bags ever produced,’ says Koffsky, noting that each bag has been selected and reworked by Gucci’s Florentine artisans exclusively for auction at Christie’s. ‘The sale is an opportunity to introduce a new generation of collectors to a style that represents the ingenuity, artistry and heritage of Gucci.’

The 1960s Bamboo bag above is crafted from Gucci’s original GG monogram canvas, a trellis design punctuated with reversed double GGs woven into a sandy taupe jacquard fabric — a tribute to founder Guccio Gucci created by his sons. ‘Gucci filed for the patent for this signature motif in 1969,’ says Koffsky, who notes that it is an update of Gucci’s original 1930s Diamante design: a repeated geometric diamond pattern in dark brown on tan canvas. ‘The canvas has been treated and reconditioned to enhance its original beauty,’ she adds.

The GG monogram canvas is paired with the bag’s original bamboo handle and turnlock closure. ‘The now-iconic burnished bamboo handle was introduced as a result of leather shortages in the post-war period,’ Koffsky explains, adding that the original manufacturing technique is still used to this day. ‘Guccio Gucci and his artisans began experimenting with alternative materials, eventually discovering that bamboo canes could be shaped over an open fire and fashioned by hand into a curvilinear handle.’

The durable yet lightweight handles are then lacquered and toasted to achieve their glossy, golden-brown finish. ‘Gucci’s spirit of innovation sets the tone for the experimental approach that has shaped the house’s narrative to this day,’ the specialist adds.

According to Koffsky, it is extremely rare to find a classic Bamboo bag made from GG monogram canvas from the 1960s on the secondary market, let alone one in such excellent condition. ‘It’s also the right size to hold personal belongings, so it’s the perfect accompaniment for any day-to-night look.’

Originally released in the 1990s, the Bamboo bag above is executed in brown leather and features a glass handle and turnlock closure, which have been meticulously hand-painted with Gucci’s Herbarium print. ‘It took one Gucci artisan around 30 hours to complete the paintwork,’ explains Koffsky. ‘It’s a wonderful expression of the house’s creativity and high-quality craftsmanship.’

The handle was produced in Murano, an island in the Venetian lagoon, which has been a centre of exquisite glass craftsmanship for centuries. For Koffsky, this bag is the ultimate celebration of Italian artistry. ‘The secrets of Murano glassmaking have been closely guarded and passed down through generations,’ she says. ‘Likewise, Gucci is dedicated to preserving its heritage codes and expanding upon them for future generations. It’s a match made in heaven.’

It also echoes how Gucci integrates ideas of sustainability into its designs. Not only is glass recyclable, but it is also an extremely durable material that does not deteriorate over time. ‘It’s very unlikely that this handle will ever need replacing,’ says Koffsky. ‘It’s exceptionally pure — the light just dances off it.’

The example above, which was originally released in the 1960s, is the most valuable Bamboo bag ever created. It is crafted from black leather and features an 18ct yellow gold handle and closure encrusted with more than 900 diamonds.

‘This is a truly spectacular collector’s item that doubles up as a precious piece of jewellery,’ says Koffsky. ‘A standout piece, it will enhance even the most impressive of collections.’

Not surprisingly, Koffsky expects these three handbags to attract great interest from collectors all over the world. ‘It will be so exciting to see the past, present and future of Gucci style coming together so harmoniously in Paris.’

Explore Luxury at Christie’s in Hong Kong, Geneva, London and Paris, November and December 2023