THE BAMBOO HANDLE 1950 – 2006
Debut: In the Forties. At that time, bamboo was primarily used because it was less expensive and easier to find than fine leathers.
Manufacturing tidbit: It takes 127 elements to make a bamboo handle bag.
Evolution: From a white calfskin bag to Tom Ford’s lime green python version and Frida Giannini’s croc and printed pinecone combo, the bamboo bag is still alive and kicking.
Red-carpet allure: Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Vanessa Redgrave.
THE DOUBLE-G LOGO 1975 – 2006
Debut: Guccio Gucci’s initials began being used in the early Sixties — first the letter G, and then the double-letter version.
Evolution: In the late Sixties, the logo was printed on beige canvas bags and framed by brown or blue leather. In the Seventies, a waterproof incarnation was crafted into raincoats. Over the last decade, it got the glam treatment by appearing on everything from silk satin shirts to sunglasses.
Red-carpet allure: Jessica Alba, Katie Holmes, Sammy Davis Jr.
THE HORSE BIT 1956 -2006
Debut: In the Forties, and it was used on the loafer in 1953.
Evolution: From the roundish gold metal look of the Forties to the lean, sleek version offered by Frida Giannini in the 85th anniversary collection, the horse bit is still a Gucci constant — it adorns bags, shoes, belts, wallets and scarves. The horse-bit cocktail ring is now a bestseller in the fast-growing jewelry collection.
Red-carpet allure: Fred Astaire, Matt Damon, Paris Hilton, Jodie Foster, Madonna, Lindsay Lohan.
THE GREEN-RED-GREEN WEB 1962 – 2006
Debut: It originally was customized for Guccio Gucci’s chichi riding clientele who wanted personalized girths for their horses. Vasco Gucci then began to push the red-and-green version, which he initially applied to luggage. Blue-red and black-red versions followed.
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Evolution: A sure seller, on its own or matched with the double-G canvas logo. In 1979, it bordered the trunk of a Cadillac, while Tom Ford later applied it to denim.
Red-carpet allure: Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba.