The Top Five Most Iconic Gucci Bags And Why You Should Own One

Introduction

Gucci is a beast to tackle as a luxury fashion expert. Not simply because of the plethora of styles and long history, but because each new line the brand puts out is like an esoteric puzzle, requiring far more than fashion knowledge to pull apart. 

Gucci’s recent creative director Alessandro Michelle may seem like an innovator to incorporate esoteric, mythical and historical references into his designs, but if we take a magnified look to lines predating him, you’ll quickly see he’s simply following tradition, and doing so marvelously. 

This reflects well in this list, as you’ll see his name more than once. However, let’s start with an older design to set the stage.

Jackie

The Jackie is always the first bag that comes to mind when I think of Gucci. It’s one of few lines that is so closely tied to a specific shape and particular elements in Gucci’s repertoire that once you know it, the image never leaves your head.

The shape is slim, sleek and easy to both flaunt og wrap under your arm for quick movement.

Perhaps, was it this feature that captivated the lady the bag takes its name from, namely former first lady of the United States of America Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Mrs.Kennedy quickly became a global fashion icon during her husband's presidency in the early 1960’s. It’s hard to forget her iconic Chanel dress, but the Gucci bag she’d frequently be seen carrying was eye-catching, and became synonymous with her.

While the bag was incepted in the 1950’s the name would obviously not come until later. Among other details to note is the iconic horsebit piston closure, a nod to the house of Gucci’s equestrian roots, something you’ll see in most of their designs if you keep it in mind. 

As mentioned, mystery and wonder is an important part of the Gucci magic, and while a bit perverse, it’s no secret that her husband's murder absolutely helped keep this design's notoriousness alive through the years. 

It has been brought back in many collections over the years and has seen very few changes, with the biggest one perhaps being the more geometric lock you see today which was introduced by Tom Ford in 1999.

GUCCI  shoulder bag 2-way Jackie 1961 GG Supreme 636706  [pre-owned] on ZenPlus

Why should you own one?

This elegant piece works as an everyday bag, whether you’re a nurse or the first lady!

Diana

Another iconic bag many will argue should take the top spot, is the Diana bag. In an almost poetic sense this beautiful structured bag, large and present, yet easy to play off as a travel accessory, took the torch from the Jackie bag.

With its large sheets of pebbled leather, golden GG logo and that bamboo handle Gucci invented in 1947 during a leather shortage, this bag was carried with dignity by the beloved Princess of Wales, Diana. 

Princess Diana was perhaps the most beloved figure of royalty during her time, not just because of her activism of charity work, but because she did it all with style! 

Seeing a member of the British royal family only discuss her relationship and ultimately divorce in public media, makes her children Prince William and Harry pale in comparison, considering this was in the 90’s. And yet through all of this, she made it look effortless with her fashion and confidence, a true breath of fresh air in an old institution. 

And once again, a death would forever mystify one of Gucci’s timeless bags, as she famously passed away in a car accident when her chauffeur was speeding to avoid the paparazzi. 

The bags core shape and style remains the same over the years, but is frequently released in fresh limited designs, always reinventing itself, much like its namesake.

[Used] Gucci Bamboo Leather Double G Diana Small Tote Bag on ZenPlus

Why should you own one?

Not only is it spacious and can add a strap, it’s fit for a princess so you better treat yourself like one!

Dionysus

Let’s move forward in time. The year is 2015, Alessandro Michele has been named creative director of Gucci. In the 7 years he would remain in this role, Gucci’s revenue tripled(!!) and put Gucci on the top of the fashion world, after some time in the background. Within a year, he launched his first IT bag; the Dionysus.

Named after the Greek god of pleasure, wine and excess, it was big, sturdy and monolithic. The buckle shaped like a horseshoe features intricate carvings and 2 iger heads on each end.

It’s no surprise that this design shook up the fashion world that to this point was obsessed with tiny, minimalistic bags. This maximalism would define fashion all the way till today.

[Used] GUCCI Dionysus Chain Wallet Shoulder Bag GG Supreme Beige 401231 on ZenPlus

Why should you own one?

A modern classic that shows intelligence not just in fashion, but gives you a mystical allure that’s impossible to resist.

Queen Margaret

A design that perfectly collects all the aforementioned design philosophies is the Queen Margaret bag. With its maximalist bee design first used in the 1970’s, inspired by the historical Queen Margaret Tudor of Scotland who reigned in the 14-1500’s this bag has it all. The allure of this piece is quickly felt by a glance, and once you pick it apart it’s easy to fall in love.

The bee design is not just a symbol of the house, but also adorned with the iconic green and red web-line as well as pearls and colored stones to represent royalty. 

The bee also represents harmony, diligence and work spirit, all qualities needed to be a strong willed queen bee but also to afford this beauty.

Gucci Queen Margaret Bee 2way handbag shoulder bag leather tricolor gold metal fittings 476541 multicolor

Why should you own one?

A bag that displays the dignity of a queen! Perfect for wearing on occasions like graduations, weddings and such when you want to carry yourself in all your glory.

Marmont

Rounding off the list, we have a bag that could only exist along here thanks to the other pieces on the list. The marmot bag is perhaps the most iconic piece here for younger Gucci aficionados as the allure of its luxurious quilted leather has an appeal that captures all generations with its effortless loungy feel. With these qualities you can see this bag with its big GG logo on a gala dress or in a sports car. Currently this bag is enjoyed by many celebrities and is released in many different materials and designs all paying homage to some part of Gucci's history or paving way for new legends. 

[Used] GUCCI Shoulder Bag Crossbody Leather GG Marmont Black 447632

Why should you own one?

A bag that balances leisure and luxury in the most effortless way. Carrying this one will make you feel just like that, leisurely and luxurious.

Conclusion

Gucci’s lasting appeal is largely thanks to its consistent ability to reinvent its history. Unlike Louis Vuitton who came from the luggage world where function trumps form, Gucci came from the equestrian world where image is everything. 

With strong choices of creative directors like Alessandro Michele who manages to repeat this act, much like the esoteric mysticism Gucci likes to shroud itself in, they draw us in with their charms again, and again.

About the Writer

Magnus Paslawski has three years of professional experience as a re-seller and auctioneer of luxury goods. He currently does marketing for ZenPop.jp but is always up to date on the designer world.