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From Horsebit hardware to Guccissima leather, there are plenty of iconic signatures in store Wallet For Men
At a time when sustainable fashion has never been more important, the rise of consumer interest in buying vintage comes as no surprise. Pair this with the fact that the Nineties and Noughties revivals are in full swing – ballet flats, skinny jeans and even peplums are back – and it’s a no-brainer that everyone is rushing to purchase a throwback bag.
Investing in a pre-loved designer handbag not only allows you access to an iconic slice of fashion history that you can pass down through generations, but it's an investment that, should you choose to re-sell, will in most cases retain its value (if not exceed it).
One of the most popular brands on the vintage handbag circuit is, unsurprisingly, Gucci. The world-famous luxury fashion house is known for craftsmanship and designs that last well beyond fleeting trends.
Originally started by Guccio Gucci in 1921 as a fine leather-goods brand, handbags remain the jewel in the Gucci crown today. By 1947 the house had debuted its era-defining Bamboo bag and countless iconic designs followed suit – like the 1955 Horsebit and the 1961 Jackie, which has been reimagined and reborn multiple times under creative directors Tom Ford, Frida Giannini, Alessandro Michele and now, Sabato De Sarno.
From practical totes to ultra-rare vanity cases, below we’ve searched out the most brag-worthy vintage Gucci bags to invest in now and love forever. Which will you re-home?
A truly rare find, this diamond-jacquard tote dates back to the 1970s, and is remarkably well preserved considering its age. The supple brown leather, patterned canvas and bold logo plaque combine to create a piece that could have been designed by Alessandro Michele (but rest assured, you won't see anyone else wearing your rare treasure). Imagine it against a wide-legged grey suit, with a pair of aviator sunglasses for the complete Gucci effect.
Part of Tom Ford's debut collection for Gucci in 1995, this crocodile handbag is the stuff of designer dreams. Featuring a signature Gucci Bamboo handle and a sleek yet refined look, it's a true collectors' item that you'll be able to use for decades to come.
Crafted from Guccissima monogrammed leather in striking metallic silver, this medium-sized hobo design features an oversized bow buckle and single strap. It's the bag for you if you want to introduce a little nostalgic bling to your wardrobe.
A truly special find, this original Gucci vanity bag originates from the 1970s and combines a host of iconic house signifiers: the Web striped strap, double-G monogrammed canvas, and slick gold hardware. It's in remarkable condition – there are keys to all three locks – and sure to delight any serious collector.
Noughties classics are big collector business right now – and there's one bag in particular that has proven more covetable than the rest.
With a supersized silver signature across the front, Tom Ford's early-aughts bag is the ultimate vintage investment (so much so, the brand has resurrected it for the new season). Whether you treat yourself to a new design or a vintage original, carry it as the true insiders do: with your hand slipped through the Horsebit.
Named after Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility and ecstasy, this popular style is marked by its signature tiger-head closure. Created by then-creative director Alessandro Michele in 2018, this is just one iteration of the now-classic Gucci bag. It might not be strictly vintage, but its collectable status is undeniable.
If you're tempted by the original Horsebit but prefer a bag with more structure, consider this neat textured-leather iteration the perfect choice. With a boxy body sized to fit all the essentials, plus a neat, short shoulder strap, this one could easily be a new-season creation.
Another 2010s design, this statement shoulder bag is made from calfskin and features trademark stripes, an oversized engraved buckle and chain detailing. If you're a leopard-print lover, don't let it get away.
Gucci's Diana line may have recently been revived by the house, but it originally debuted in the 1990s as an ode to its late namesake. This supple black leather tote is a classic piece from the collection, punctuated simply with those iconic bamboo handles. We've also found an excellent condition iteration in tan leather.
Throwing it back to 1999 is Tom Ford's floral iteration of the 1961 classic Jackie bag. Previously called the Fifties Constance, Gucci introduced the style during the 1960s when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was photographed wearing it and it's since become one of the brand's most iconic designs.
Featuring the instantly recognisable interlocking GG logo, this classic handbag can be held or worn with a chain shoulder strap. If you're looking to smarten up your wardrobe, this is not an investment you'll regret.
The 2000's take on the original Jackie tote combines that instantly recognisable logo canvas with slick patent trims and a gold clasp. This slouchy tote style is large enough to qualify as a practical everyday purchase (if you really need to rationalise it) and, surprisingly, comes in brand-new condition. If you're tempted, don't hesitate on this one.
As classic as they come, this black leather bag features a signature lady lock and can be held or worn over the shoulder. It's a style that you can wear to work, lunch parties, events or weddings – and with eBay's new authenticity guarantee included, you can shop with confidence.
A swinging leather tassel and supersized embossed logo are the two calling cards of Gucci's Soho collection, which exploded in the mid-2010's. Brilliantly roomy, this supersized supple leather tote will see you through the busiest of weeks. Farfetch has a classic black iteration too, but we're imagining this warm orange against the new season's key brown hues.
With a bold pink stripe intersecting the black GG canvas, this Horsebit shoulder bag could have been plucked straight from an Alessandro Michele collection. Actually a Tom Ford design from the Noughties, it's a fresh way to reference the house's storied past.
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