Behind the brand: The Bankable bag

March 2, 2011

The supple yet durable Chablis calf leather is finished almost entirely by hand, from the initial daubing with aniline and wax, through to the final polishing with a soft cloth. The penultimate polishing phase happens in a tumbler, into which bags are inserted one at a time along with shearling skins to protect the leather.

The inside of the bag is suede, which is the underside of the hide (the leather is the topside). In this bag, a separate piece of suede has been attached as the lining for a luxurious finish.

A single, expert craftsman works on each bag from start to finish. All Gucci leather goods are handmade in Italy - most still in Tuscany, near where the brand was founded 90 years ago - and leatherworking skills are passed down through families in the region.

Since the leather is stained entirely by hand, giving a lightly-worn vintage look, the finish of each bag is slightly unique, adding character and ensuring that no two bags are exactly alike. After the colouring process, the lining and metal elements are attached by hand.

The basket weave handles and the woven detail around the bottom of the bag not only add style, but also ensure greater durability and strength. The hand weaving of the leather is characteristic of Gucci's immaculate attention to detail.

The bag fastens with a hook closure, and contains three pockets. The iconic double G Gucci logo is in metal, attached near the top of the bag, along with a leather luggage tag. Small feet are placed on the bottom of the bag to help preserve the leather.

Woven Leather Holdall BY GUCCI

Photography by Mr Thomas Brown

"For spring I wanted to create a collection
that represents timeless luxury, craftsmanship and fine detailing. The openwork basket weaves
in leather perfectly reflect these values and
also provide for a 'gypsy deluxe' feel for
the modern globetrotter."

Ms Frida Giannini,
creative director, Gucci

Founded in Florence, Italy, in 1921, Gucci has gone on to become a fashion powerhouse, internationally renowned for its clothes, shoes, accessories and, above all, its bags. Today, the brand is larger and better known than its founder, Mr Guccio Gucci, could possibly have imagined when he opened his small luggage atelier 90 years ago. Little has changed since then, thanks to the impeccable quality and 'made in Italy' craftsmanship which has made Gucci the brand of choice from the outset for the Florentine aristocracy and the international jet-set. Here we look behind the brand to see what makes a Gucci bag such a good investment.

THE GUCCI STORY

FOUNDED IN 1921

In 1921 Mr Guccio Gucci opened a small leather goods company in Florence, Italy, inspired by the sophisticated aesthetic of the English nobility which he had witnessed while working at the Savoy Hotel in London

THE FAMOUS LOAFERS

Gucci gained popularity among the aristocracy, many of whom sought equestrian leather goods. This led to the development of the now-iconic Gucci 'horsebit' motif, as seen on loafers, worn here by Mr Francis Ford Coppola

THE ICONIC MOTIF

In the 1950s Gucci's popularity with royalty and movie stars grew, and the famous red and green stripe (or 'web') adornment was developed, derived from a saddle girth. The double G monogram was created in the mid-1960s

Mr RINGO STARR

The 'jet-set era' of the 1960s and 1970s saw continued growth for Gucci. Fans included Ms Grace Kelly, Mr Peter Sellers, Ms Liz Taylor, Ms Rita Hayworth and Mr Ringo Starr (pictured)

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Mr Rod Stewart and Ms Britt Ekland with their Gucci luggage in 1975

Ms FRIDA GIANNINI

Ms Frida Giannini was appointed creative director of Gucci in 2006, attracting critical acclaim for her collections which fuse elements of Gucci's heritage with sophisticated modern design

HAND CRAFTED

The fine leathers that Gucci uses are stained by hand, giving products a distinctive, one-of-a-kind finish. 'Made in Italy' craftsmanship is a value which still lies at the heart of Gucci