A Guide to Gucci Bags: Jackie 1961, Diana to Gucci Marmont – Everything You Need to Know

The Gucci effect is indeed very real, as only a handful of luxury brands have experienced the kind of resurgence Gucci has, especially when it comes to handbags.

Since the ’50s, Gucci handbags have been adored by celebrities and royalty alike—well before influencer culture was even a thing. Fast forward to a decade ago, Alessandro Michele’s bold revival brought a fresh wave of obsession with today’s youth. Today, Gucci bags aren’t just luxury staples; they’re collector’s items and cult favourites with serious investment appeal.

So, what are the stories behind Gucci’s most legendary bags?

The crescent-shaped handbag has an interesting story of its own. When it was first launched, the now-historic bag was named the Constance. But after Jackie O kept buying them (she bought six at first!), flaunting them everywhere, and getting photographed, the brand decided to rename it after her: The Jackie 1961. As history has it, Jackie O’s husband was already a fan of the maison’s signature loafers, and since then, the hobo bag has gone through several changes over the decades.

From Tom Ford to Frida Giannini, Alessandro Michele’s 2021 revamp gave it a modern edge with a sleeker structure, an adjustable strap, and a piston-lock closure. One thing is for sure: The Jackie bag’s timeless design hasn’t changed much, but now it comes in a variety of sizes and colours. It’s easy to see why The Jackie bag is a fan favourite — thanks to its quiet luxury façade and spacious interior, it can hold your daily essentials and is perfect for any occasion.

In the ’90s, Princess Diana was often spotted with a bamboo-handled Gucci tote, hers in soft suede and a rectangular shape, and it arguably became the ‘IT bag’ of the decade.

While the original piece was eventually discontinued, back in 2021 — on what would have been the People’s Princess’s 60th birthday — Alessandro Michele unveiled the revamped Diana Bag. It features the iconic double Gs facing the same way (a Michele signature) and a playful twist: a removable neon strap, a nod to the elastic bands used to maintain the bamboo handle’s shape.

The new Diana comes in mini sizes, medium totes, and a range of colours, from soft pastels to the bold Rosso Ancora hue and has since become a fan favourite, regularly spotted on Hollywood’s A-list.

Meanwhile, the beloved  Gucci GG Marmont is a modern icon with a vintage soul. First launched in 2016 under Alessandro Michele, the bag brought back the house’s archival “flipped G” logo and made it cool again. But what sets the Marmont apart? It’s the soft matelassé chevron leather, where its quilted texture gives it that plush, three-dimensional look, often finished in rich velvets or smooth leathers with a '70s bohemian roots.

While the collection includes totes, backpacks, and bucket bags, the chain crossbody remains the standout favourite. With its sleek back pocket and a mix of zip and open compartments, it offers just the right amount of space for your daily essentials.

As the legend goes, the genius Aldo Gucci got inspired by his family’s rumoured past as saddle-makers for nobility and added similar saddle-stitching on this handbag, turned the green and red girth strap stripes into Gucci staples, and made the Horsebit a defining feature as a stylish and functioning clasp.

The Horsebit, inspired by the metal hardware used in horse bridles, first appeared on a Gucci handbag in 1955 and has since become an instantly recognisable symbol. Past creative leads like Tom Ford, Alessandra Facchinetti, and Frida Giannini all put their own spin on it, while Michele reintroduced it in the Cruise 2020 collection. The Gucci Horsebit 1955 bag comes in totes, satchels, and shoulder bags—each one marked by those signature interlocking metal pieces that resemble double-D rings.

Did you know that Gucci’s iconic bamboo top handle bag was invented post–World War II’s leather shortage and restrictions? Guccio Gucci turned to bamboo and created a shape using an open flame. Each handle is bent, lacquered, and baked to perfection, making every piece one-of-a-kind. Over the decades, this legendary detail has become synonymous with the brand, evolving through the vision of different creative directors. Today, the Gucci Bamboo comes in a range of sizes and finishes, from polished leather to canvas monogram and exotic skins.

The Gucci Bamboo has also been seen in many iterations on our beloved stars—from Ingrid Bergman showcasing the original design to Lady Di with her bamboo tote—and it remains a versatile handbag that pairs effortlessly with both formal and casual wardrobe styles.

The latest addition to Gucci’s lineup of hallmark handbags is the Blondie. First unveiled in the fall 2023 collection, the Blondie revives yet another of its archival logo from the early 70s, featuring two overlapping Gs facing each other to form a circle.

Originally crafted in suede, the Blondie has since been redesigned in rich Tuscan leather and sleek enamel finishes. Interestingly, the leather uses minimal chemicals, allowing its natural finish to show—and over time, it develops an even more distinctive patina. With its rounded silhouette, saddle-style stitching, Blondie can be worn as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

Just like the Ophidia with its signature pattern, the Gucci Emblem handbag also reinterprets the GG monogram in a more luxurious way. The Emblem comes in various styles—from totes and crossbodies to small shoulder bags and minimalist satchels—all condensed in beige-and-ebony GG canvas trimmed with soft leather. With clean lines, sturdy silhouettes, and a softer sense of minimalism, the Gucci Emblem handbags are the perfect quiet luxury treat for anyone who wants a stylish yet understated icon.