A Brief Introduction to the Gucci Diana Bag

Gucci handbags with bamboo handles were launched in 1947 as a response to the post-war crisis. The Italian economy was going through a difficult path that made the Gucci family experiment with materials to reduce the cost of production. This is how the Gucci Bamboo bag was born to become instantly popular. It also inspired thoughts about traveling, which used to be is practically unavailable.

Gucci Diana bag, named after the People's Princess, is a very spacious, functional piece that can match any outfit. The bag, which has bamboo handles and bears the brand's double "G" logo, has a timeless style.

The iconic wooden handles are inspired by Gucci's "Bamboo" bag, released in 1947. Since it became difficult to find leather materials after the Second World War, the brand had to make some innovations in its designs and wrote a new page in fashion history by starting to produce bag handles from bamboo.

The Florence-based brand launched the design with this inspiration, but the bag gained popularity after it was photographed in the hands of Princess Diana. The model, which became his favorite in the early 90s, he took with him everywhere, from walks in Chelsea to the gym, and made an unforgettable combination of combining the bag with cycling shorts and a sweatshirt.

In 2021, Gucci’s then-Creative Director Alessandro Michele — who was known for dipping into the archives for inspiration — reissued the bag officially as the Gucci Diana. As an ode to the fashion house’s resourceful history, Michele included bold neon leather bands inspired by the ones that once held the bamboo in place. Timing the launch perfectly, Michele released the Gucci Diana on July 1, the late princess’ would-be 60th birthday.

The Gucci Diana bag comes up in three sizes: mini, small, medium, and seven colors. The classic cuir shade is the closest option to the one Diana fancied. The collection also features models in bright and pastel shades like emerald green or pale pink. The bag straps come up in three neon colors: yellow, pink, and orange. On the inside of the strap, you can engrave letters to customize an updated version of the princess’s bag.

If the structured square shape didn’t work for your style and a bit more relaxed shoulder bag shape suits your fancy, the new Gucci Diana Shoulder Bag may be right for you. Shown here are both the small and medium sizes of a bag that winds up holding more than you’d expect with the magnetic top closure. The bag also holds its shape really well, and the top has an ample opening to make it easy to reach the items you need on the interior.

Playing back to the bamboo leather belts on the Diana, these bags feature both an optional shoulder strap in the same color as the bag but also one in an offset color (the black has a grey leather strap and the white has a red leather strap). These shoulder straps are adjustable and allow the bag to be carried by the bamboo top handle, over the shoulder, or crossbody.

The Double G hardware is recognizable but subtle in how it sits atop this bag, and on the interior, you’ll find a microfiber lining with a single zip pocket. This shape has a casual elegance about it, and I expect this bag to be one of my go-to’s over the summer and beyond.