Collection: Gucci

Our Gucci selection: GG Marmont and Dionysus bags, bamboo-handle pieces, Jackie 1961, vintage GG canvas and small leather goods, each piece rigorously authenticated by our experts before being offered for sale in our boutique on Avenue Louise, Brussels.

The History of Gucci, from Florence to the World

Gucci was founded in Florence in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, who was born there in 1881 and had worked for several years as a porter at the Savoy Hotel in London. The experience of handling the fine luggage of wealthy British and international travellers gave him both the inspiration and the determination to create his own leather goods shop on Via della Vigna Nuova in Florence. The early Gucci aesthetic was rooted in equestrian culture: harnesses, saddles and riding equipment provided the design vocabulary for the first belts, bags and shoes.

In the mid-1930s, wartime trade sanctions cut off access to imported leather. Rather than compromise on quality, Gucci turned to alternative materials: hemp canvas from Naples, jute, cotton and bamboo from Japan. Bamboo, heated and bent to form curved handles, appeared on the first bamboo-handle bags in 1947, immediately becoming one of the house's defining signatures. The GG Diamante canvas, a repeating pattern of interlocked diamonds, was also developed during this period and became the ancestor of the later Monogram canvas.

On Guccio's death in 1953, his sons Aldo, Vasco, Ugo and Rodolfo took over. In the 1960s, Aldo's son Paolo introduced the double-G logo, designed to honour Guccio Gucci. This became the foundation of the GG Supreme canvas, the web stripe and the Horsebit hardware that define the house's visual identity to this day. Gucci's fame spread through its association with Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy (who gave her name to the Jackie bag) and Audrey Hepburn. In 1966, the Gucci boutique opened on Fifth Avenue in New York; the house expanded to Tokyo, London and Paris through the 1970s.

The 1980s and early 1990s were troubled by family feuds and brand dilution through excessive licensing. Tom Ford, appointed creative director in 1994, restored the house's cachet with a boldly sensual aesthetic. His first collection, shown in October 1995, was universally described as a turning point in fashion. Ford remained until 2004. His successors Frida Giannini (2006-2015) and Alessandro Michele (2015-2022) each left distinct imprints. Michele in particular engineered a cultural renaissance, replacing Ford's minimalist glamour with maximalist eclecticism, reviving the GG logo and introducing the GG Marmont and Dionysus bags. Since November 2022, Sabato De Sarno has served as creative director, returning the house to a quieter, colour-driven aesthetic.

Iconic Gucci Pieces

The Bamboo Bag: War-Born Innovation (1947)

First produced in 1947 from necessity rather than design intent, the bamboo-handle bag is Gucci's oldest surviving signature accessory. The curved bamboo cane is heat-treated and bent by hand, then attached to the leather body with a small metal pin. Each handle is unique. Ingrid Bergman was among the first celebrities to be photographed with the bamboo bag, and it has remained in continuous production in various interpretations ever since. Vintage bamboo bags from the 1950s to the 1980s represent the most collectible stratum of Gucci leather goods.

The Jackie 1961: A Presidential Favourite

Originally called the Constance bag after its designer, this rounded hobo with a gold-tone piston closure was renamed the Jackie in honour of Jacqueline Kennedy, who was photographed with it so frequently that the press began calling it by her name. Reissued by Alessandro Michele in 2020 under the name Jackie 1961, it remains one of Gucci's most enduring shapes and a strong performer on the secondary market, particularly in vintage versions from the 1960s and 1970s.

The GG Marmont: Alessandro Michele's Signature (2016)

Launched in 2016 under Alessandro Michele, the GG Marmont instantly became one of the defining "it bags" of the late 2010s. Its defining features are the chevron-quilted leather, the semi-turned double-G hardware clasp and the small heart embossed on the reverse. Named for the Hotel Marmont in Los Angeles, it reflects Michele's references to 1970s California bohemia. Available as a flap bag, camera bag, belt bag and tote in multiple sizes, the Marmont has already established itself as a collectible piece from the Michele era.

The Dionysus: Mythological Drama (2015)

Introduced by Alessandro Michele in his debut collection for Gucci in 2015, the Dionysus is distinguished by its aged-gold tiger-head closure clasp, a reference to the Greek god Dionysus whose chariot was drawn by tigers. The bag is available in GG Supreme canvas or suede with a chain-and-webbing shoulder strap. Its dramatic hardware and rich textures make it one of the most immediately recognisable Gucci bags of its generation.

The Tom Ford Era (1994-2004)

Tom Ford's tenure is the most prized era in vintage Gucci collecting. His collections from 1995 to 2004 are characterised by sensual minimalism, rich suede and velvet, 1970s-inspired cuts and the revival of the Horsebit hardware. Pieces from the Spring-Summer 1996 and 1997 shows, as well as early 2000s bag designs in GG canvas with leather trim, are among the most sought-after Gucci archive items.

The Horsebit Bag and Accessories: An Equestrian Legacy

The Horsebit, a double-ring-and-bar hardware motif drawn from equestrian saddlery, has been a Gucci signature since the 1950s. It appears on the Horsebit loafer (1953), the Horsebit bag chain, and across decades of leather goods. Vintage Horsebit pieces in good condition command strong premiums, particularly bags from the 1970s and 1980s in patterned or solid leather.

How to Authenticate a Gucci Bag

1. The Serial Number Tag

From the 1970s onwards, Gucci bags carry a serial number on a leather tag sewn into the interior. The format has evolved over decades but typically consists of a style code and a factory code separated by a period or dash. Modern tags also feature a Data Matrix code (similar to a QR code but with lines on the left and bottom edge) that can be scanned for verification. The absence of a serial number on any post-1970s bag is a red flag. Earlier vintage pieces may carry only a Gucci label without a numeric code.

2. The Interior Label

Inside every authentic Gucci bag is a label reading "Gucci" in a specific font, typically followed by "Made in Italy". The label is stitched cleanly into the interior lining. The typography must be precise, with the distinctive curve in the upper-right leg of the "G". Any irregularity in font, spacing or label attachment is a warning sign.

3. The Double-G Hardware

On bags featuring the GG clasp, the two G's should have clearly defined, sharp edges where they interlock, and both letters must face the same direction. The hardware should feel solid and be uniformly coloured, with no paint overlay or excessive shine. On the GG Marmont, the semi-reversed G's are a deliberate design choice but must still be precisely cast and free of casting marks.

4. The GG Supreme Canvas and Stitching

On GG Supreme canvas bags, the monogram should be centred and consistent across all panels. The stitching must be even, tight and in a thread colour that contrasts subtly with the leather. On the GG Marmont's chevron quilting, the stitch lines must be straight and parallel, with no puckering or misalignment across seams.

5. The Leather Quality

Authentic Gucci leather is supple, consistent in grain and colour, and carries a natural scent. The GG Marmont's chevron-quilted leather should feel dense and springy. Fake leather often feels stiff, smells chemical or shows uneven grain. Edge paint on genuine pieces is smooth and consistent.

6. The Bamboo Handle

On bamboo bags, the bamboo cane should be smooth, evenly lacquered and show natural variation in its grain. The metal pin and ring attachment must be firm with no wobble. Fake bamboo is often uniform in colour and texture, lacks natural grain variation and may be made of synthetic material that flexes differently from genuine bamboo.

7. The Zip Pull and Hardware Engravings

Zip pulls on authentic Gucci bags are engraved with the brand name or the GG logo. The engraving is clean and precisely formed. Zippers operate smoothly and firmly. Any blurring of the engraved text or stiffness in the zipper movement is a red flag.

8. Era Consistency

Every detail of a vintage Gucci piece must be coherent with its production era. The GG Marmont was introduced in 2016: a serial number format inconsistent with that period, or materials not used by Gucci at that time, are immediate disqualifiers. We cross-reference each piece against known production records before authentication.

Our method: at Les Enfants d'Édouard, every piece undergoes a three-stage examination: visual inspection, verification of technical markers (serial number format, GG hardware precision, interior label typography and stitching quality), and cross-referencing against our reference archive. Where any doubt arises, we consult a specialist partner in Paris. Every authenticated piece is delivered with our certificate of authenticity.

Size Guide and Gucci References

Dimensions of key Gucci bag models

Model	Size / Format	Approx. Dimensions	Use
GG Marmont	Super Mini	16 × 12 × 5 cm	Evening, minimal essentials
GG Marmont	Small	22 × 14 × 6 cm	Compact daily, most sought-after
GG Marmont	Medium	26 × 16 × 7 cm	Daily use
Dionysus	Small	28 × 17 × 9 cm	Daily, statement piece
Dionysus	Medium	30 × 22 × 9 cm	Large daily, versatile
Jackie 1961	Mini	19 × 13 × 3 cm	Evening, compact
Jackie 1961	Small	28 × 19 × 4.5 cm	Daily, iconic format
Jackie 1961	Medium	36 × 26 × 7 cm	Large daily, work
Bamboo 1947	Small	21 × 15 × 7 cm	Evening, collector
Bamboo 1947	Medium	30 × 20 × 8 cm	Daily, heritage piece

For Gucci ready-to-wear sizing, please refer to our general luxury size guide.

Why Invest in a Vintage Gucci Piece

Vintage Gucci has experienced significant appreciation in collector interest over the past decade. The Tom Ford era (1994-2004) is the most consistently valued: pieces from his 1995-1998 collections are regularly offered at specialist vintage fashion auctions. The Alessandro Michele years (2015-2022) are increasingly entering the collector market, with the GG Marmont and Dionysus bags from 2016-2019 showing early signs of premium positioning. Bamboo bags and vintage Jackie pieces from the 1950s to 1980s are among the rarest and most coveted Gucci items.

As the brand with the widest range of collectible creative eras among Italian houses, vintage Gucci offers exceptional breadth: from equestrian leather goods of the 1940s to maximalist Michele-era fantasy. If you are looking to value or sell a piece from your collection, we offer an expert consignment service with a complimentary valuation.

Our Gucci Selection in Brussels, on Avenue Louise

Les Enfants d'Édouard is located at 175 Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels. We receive new Gucci pieces each month: bags, shoes, accessories and ready-to-wear, each selected for condition and authenticity. Every piece is examined before display.

Our team is available Tuesday through Saturday. Private appointments are available on request for access to unlisted inventory.

Care and Maintenance of Your Gucci Pieces

Leather bags: store stuffed with tissue paper inside the dust bag. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which fades both leather and canvas. For the GG Marmont's quilted leather, avoid pressure that could flatten the quilting over time. Wipe gently with a dry cloth after use.

GG Supreme canvas: wipe with a slightly damp cloth. The coated canvas is relatively resistant but can be scratched by sharp objects. Avoid immersion in water.

Bamboo handles: keep away from moisture and extreme heat, which can cause the bamboo to crack or warp. Polish the bamboo gently with a dry cloth to maintain its lustre. Avoid applying any liquid products directly to the handle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vintage Gucci

How do I authenticate a Gucci bag?

Authentication requires examining the serial number format, interior label typography, hardware precision (GG clasp, zip pulls), stitching quality and leather feel in combination. The serial number consists of a style code and factory code; modern pieces also feature a Data Matrix code. At Les Enfants d'Édouard, all markers are verified before any piece is offered for sale.

Which Gucci eras are most collectible?

The Tom Ford era (1994-2004) commands the highest premiums for ready-to-wear and accessories. Vintage 1950s-1970s bamboo bags and Jackie pieces are the most prized leather goods. The Alessandro Michele years (2015-2022) are increasingly collected, particularly for GG Marmont and Dionysus pieces from 2016-2019.

When was the GG logo designed?

The double-G logo was designed by Aldo Gucci's son in 1960, after the death of founder Guccio Gucci, as a tribute to him. It was not designed by Guccio himself.

Is vintage Gucci a good investment?

Tom Ford-era pieces and rare 1950s-1970s bamboo bags have shown consistent appreciation. The Michele-era pieces are in the early stages of secondary market collection. As with all luxury vintage, condition, rarity and provenance are the primary drivers of value.

Where can I buy authenticated vintage Gucci in Brussels?

Les Enfants d'Édouard, at 175 Avenue Louise, offers a rigorously authenticated selection of vintage Gucci. Every item is verified before sale and delivered with a certificate of authenticity.

What is the average resale price for a Gucci GG Marmont?

A GG Marmont small flap bag in good condition typically sells for €600 to €1,200 on the secondary market. Limited-edition colourways, crystal embellishments or mint-condition pieces from 2016-2018 can command higher prices.

Is there a guarantee on purchases from Les Enfants d'Édouard?

Every piece sold in our boutique comes with our certificate of authenticity and a 14-day return window from the date of receipt.

Where is Gucci made?

All authentic Gucci products are made in Italy, primarily in and around Florence and Tuscany, where the house was founded. The interior label reads "Made in Italy" on all authentic pieces.

Can I try pieces in the boutique?

Yes, our boutique at 175 Avenue Louise is open Tuesday through Saturday. You are welcome to view and try pieces on display. Private appointments are available on request.

What is the difference between the GG Supreme canvas and vintage GG canvas?

The GG Supreme canvas, reintroduced by Alessandro Michele, features the double-G motif on a beige ground with clean, modern printing. Earlier Gucci GG canvas from the 1970s and 1980s often has a slightly different colour balance, a more matte surface and may show period-specific details in the print. Both are collectible; the vintage versions are rarer.

Who is the current creative director of Gucci?

Sabato De Sarno was appointed creative director of Gucci in November 2022, succeeding Alessandro Michele. He presented his first collection for the house in September 2023, marking a return to understated, colour-focused elegance under the name "Ancora" (Italian for "again").

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