The History of Gucci Bamboo
When Gucci’s Bamboo bag debuted in 1947, no one could have predicted what an instant and lasting hit it would become—especially considering its humble roots. To understand its origins, it’s important to know a bit of fashion history. During and after World War II, leather and metal were scarce in Italy. Gucci artisans had to come up with creative solutions to work around these raw material shortages while maintaining the exceptional craftsmanship for which they were well-known. Their solution came in the form of genuine bamboo, which was readily available for import from Japan at the time.
Always the innovators, the Gucci craftsmen forged ahead, developing a method to form a bent, semi-circular bamboo handle that has become the defining characteristic of all Gucci Bamboo handbags. Rigid, sturdy and singed a warm golden brown, these early handles were affixed to leather bags designed with similarly softly rounded edges. For more than 70 years, this enduring design has attracted admirers worldwide with its uniqueness and understated sense of luxury and elegance.
Materials and Craftsmanship of the Gucci Bamboo
The Gucci Bamboo curved top handle is still handmade by artisans using a decades-old, three-step process. They begin by selecting the best, most blemish-free portions of cut bamboo rods and passing each piece over an open flame to soften and bend it into shape. Once the bamboo is molded into a semi-circle, it’s coated with glossy lacquer for extra shine and durability. In the final step, the lacquered bamboo handle is toasted with a torch to bring out the natural warm tones of the stem. This same process is repeated for other bamboo hardware, such as the turn-lock closure found on many Bamboo purses.
Because they’re handcrafted, Gucci bamboo handles and hardware are one of a kind, making each Bamboo piece an original work of art.
Why the Gucci Bamboo Is so Popular
Contributing to Gucci Bamboo’s staying power is its celebrity following, which dates back to its debut in the late 1940s. Icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly carried the bamboo-handled bag, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis also had one in her luxury handbag collection. Even now, it remains a must-have piece and is frequently found on the arms of today's celebrities and fashion-forward tastemakers.
Timeless in its history and design, Gucci’s Bamboo purse holds the unique honor of being one of a few accessories to make a memorable impression in movies. Its filmography includes mid-century classics like Journey to Italy (1954), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) and Blowup (1966). Curious collectors may revisit these famous flicks to catch a piece of fashion history in the making.
Design and Features of the Gucci Bamboo
The early Bamboo bags featured an exterior crafted from smooth leather with a small top flap and bamboo turn-lock closure. Gently curved bottom corners echoed the bamboo handle's semi-circular shape and added exquisite polish to each bag.
Similar Gucci styles exist today, but the designs have evolved to include fresh silhouettes and new materials the luxury fashion house is known for, such as GG canvas, Blooms printed leather, crocodile, matelassé leather and more. Today’s shapes include shopper totes, backpacks and shoulder bags, among others.
Bamboo handles also adorn Gucci favorites like the popular Dionysus collection. A particularly stunning version is the Dionysus top-handle bag, a structured, trapezoidal silhouette defined by Gucci’s signature green and red color blocking, a Dionysus double-headed snake ornament and, of course, a bamboo top handle.
In 2010, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini introduced the New Bamboo collection. A reissue of this archival staple made its runway debut in Pre-Fall 2013. Later, Gucci expanded the bamboo design and started incorporating the iconic feature in sunglasses, fine jewelry, straps and luxury timepieces.
Gucci Bamboo’s Value and Collectibility
From wartime innovation to celebrity arm candy, Gucci Bamboo bags have endured for decades, indicating their long-lasting impact on the fashion world and beyond. As Gucci has experienced a recent resurgence in popularity, collectors can expect to find a plethora of Bamboo bags on the resale market. In early 2021, pre-loved large Gucci Dionysus Bamboo top handle bags fetched, on average, more than $1,700.