Gucci Novelty Bags

No list of iconic designer purses would be complete without vintage Gucci bags. One of the most recognizable fashion brands and the biggest-selling Italian label in the world, Gucci was founded by Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) in Florence in 1921. Today the brand is a giant in the fashion industry — it’s known for its eclectic, creative designs for handbags, shoulder bags, crossbody bags and other bags and accessories.

In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, produced with a pattern of small interconnected diamonds outlined in brown against a tan background — known as Gucci diamante — was a hit, and was first used on suitcases and other luggage before finding enduring popularity on handbags. Soon, Gucci found another solution for problematic leather shortages: bamboo from Japan.

Bamboo was easily available and could be formed into clever little horseshoe-shaped handles for purses and bags. It took 13 hours to make one Gucci Bamboo bag. But the slow process paid off. The purse, which launched in 1947, became Gucci’s first “It” bag. In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor carried one of Gucci’s bamboo-handled tote bags. After Jackie Kennedy was seen sporting a slouchy Gucci tote in 1961, it was quickly, officially (and wisely) rechristened the Jackie bag. Then Grace Kelly, on a visit to the boutique in Milan, inspired Rodolfo Gucci to work with Italian illustrator and Gucci textile designer Vittorio Accornero on the Flora print in 1966. Taking cues from Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera, with its pattern of flora and insects, it was painted entirely by hand and featured no fewer than 37 colors.

Vintage Gucci handbags are some of the most coveted purses on the market. They come in many different styles, but a recognizable marker is the GG Supreme canvas pattern. Some iconic Gucci bags are the canvas suitcase, the Dionysus bag — with its elegant chain and ornate tiger-head clasp — and the GG Marmont.

Designer Alessandro Michele, who stepped into the role of creative director at Gucci in early 2015, staged a revolution by scrapping the brand’s hyper-sexy jet-set vibe for a nerdy, flea-market-romantic, gender-bending cool. He brought back and updated the brand’s double G logo and used it on the much-sought-after Marmont flap bag. With its joyful ’70s vibe, the iconic piece pairs as well with jeans and T-shirt as with the mixed patterns and eclectic combinations of Gucci’s collections in recent years.

Long before Alessandro Michele first sent his youthful, fanciful visions down the Gucci runway, this heritage brand was a favorite of counterfeiters, and it's important to know how to tell if a vintage Gucci bag is real — read about how to determine if the accessory you're holding is an authentic Italian luxury item or a cheap knockoff.

Find a range of authentic vintage Gucci clutches, top handle bags, backpacks and other bags on 1stDibs.

Gucci novelty bags for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Gucci novelty bags available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of purple and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Tom Ford for Gucci, Fendi, and Moschino appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Gucci novelty bags from top boutiques around the world. Gucci novelty bags prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $476 and tops out at $2,600, while the average work can sell for $1,192.

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Questions About Gucci Novelty Bags

What kind of leather is Gucci Marmont?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Gucci Marmont is a collection of handbags crafted with matelassé leather. Matelassé is the stitching technique that gives Marmont bags their classic padded look. You’ll find a variety of Gucci Marmont bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is Gucci ophidia?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Gucci Ophidia is a line of handbags from a collection that premiered in 2018. Primarily crafted from canvas, the iconic stripe and webbed design exudes vintage charm. You’ll find a variety of Gucci handbags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Are Gucci watches good?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Gucci watches are more fashion than function, so if you want a super-stylish watch that simply tells time, a Gucci watch is great. However, if you're looking for a highly functional one, you may want to look at watch brands known for their functionality, such as Rolex.
How can you tell if a Gucci belt is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
You can tell if a Gucci belt is real by looking at the sticker on the Gucci belt that contains a serial number and phrase “Made in Italy”. The serial number should be 21 digits long and will typically begin with the numbers 223 or 114. Many knockoff Gucci belts have serial numbers beginning with 1212.
How do you know if a Gucci purse is real?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
The best way to distinguish whether or not a Gucci purse is real is by looking for the serial number tag. These are typically located on the leather patch on the top of the inside. Find a variety of authentic Gucci handbags and purses on 1stDibs.
Couture ClosetsMarch 21, 2021
Stitching Should Be Even, Interior Tag Should Be Intact, Monogram Pattern Should Be Clear and Symmetric, Hardware Should Be Top Quality, Body Made From Premium Leather, Check Dustbag and Authenticity Cards, Logo Should Be Clear & Precise.
What do I wear with Gucci mules?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What to wear with Gucci mules really comes down to personal preference! Boasting an open back and a sleek design, you can dress Gucci mules up with tights or pair them with jeans for a laid-back look. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Gucci footwear from some of the world’s top sellers.
Are Gucci shoes worth it?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Gucci shoes are well-made using high-quality materials. As long as you're careful with them, Gucci shoes should last at least a few years through regular wear.
Couture ClosetsMarch 23, 2021
Simply, Yes. From fit, craftmanship, to quality of materials, to comfort level...A Gucci shoe lasts, period. If cared for, a Gucci shoe is sustainable, a "staple", timeless, always in style and donated or resold when you have moved on.
Who did Maurizio Gucci sell Gucci to?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
Maurizio Gucci sold Gucci to Investcorp. Based in Bahrain, the organization is an investment fund that, at various times, has owned other luxury brands, including Tiffany & Co. In 1999, Kering purchased the majority share of Gucci. The French corporation has also owned Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent. Explore a collection of Gucci apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
Does the Gucci family still own Gucci?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
No, the Gucci family does not still own Gucci. Investcorp purchased the remaining shares of the Italian luxury fashion house owned by the family in 1993. Guccio Gucci originally founded the brand in 1921. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Gucci apparel and accessories from some of the world's top boutiques.
Did Paolo Gucci ever design for Gucci?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Yes, Paolo Gucci did design for Gucci. He took over the Italian luxury fashion house in the years following the death of his father, founder Guccio Gucci, in 1953. Paolo served as the chief designer for the maison during the 1960s. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of Gucci apparel and accessories.
Why is Gucci so expensive?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Gucci is so expensive because it is a top-class designer brand which creates their products from quality raw materials and high production methods while employing some of the top talent in the fashion world. The brand's innovative designs along with its creative marketing strategy make Gucci a highly coveted brand.
Couture ClosetsMarch 23, 2021
The craftmanship, quality of materials and time spent on every item is extensive. Simply watch a video on YouTube of a Gucci handbag being handsewn and you will see what goes into every item. Gucci items last for generations and are often passed down, for this reason. A good quality, well made item, lasts for decades...That is sustainable, and better for all.
Why is Gucci so popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 4, 2022
Gucci has always been one of the world’s most widely loved luxury brands. Its broad-reaching popularity today, however, owes largely to an upsurge of millennial interest in the company. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and while this meant that the storied brand began to reflect an integration of popular culture’s influence and streetwear like never before, Gucci has always had a penchant for provocative and eccentric designs that shirk the status quo of fashion, a characteristic that has captivated its lifelong advocates and garnered a new legion of enthusiasts for the luxury house. Celebrities and influencers have further popularized the brand through social media, and pop stars have integrated Gucci in lyrics of hit songs. Find a range of vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
What is the Gucci Marmont?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
A Gucci Marmont is a collection of handbags made by the Italian luxury fashion house of Gucci. Inspired by the 1970s, the line includes details like quilted leather and chain straps and debuted in 2016. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Gucci Marmont bags.
What is the history of Gucci?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
The history of Gucci begins in 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened a leather goods shop in Florence, Italy. In 1938, he brought three of his sons (Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo) into the business and expanded it to Rome and later Milan.

In the mid-1930s, a League of Nations embargo against Italy pushed Gucci to experiment with alternatives to imported leather. Its woven hemp fabric from Naples, adorned with the brand's signature diamond print, was a hit, especially among A-list celebrities. The use of bamboo for handles and locks originated after World War II, when leather and metal were in short supply. In 1947, the founder used the incredibly durable material for the first time in his Gucci Bamboo bag. In 1953, just 15 days after opening his first store on New York's 5th Avenue, Guccio passed away at 72.

The early 1970s saw store openings in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but by the late 1980s, Gucci was floundering. Rodolfo Gucci took charge in 1982, but family drama and lawsuits ensued. In 1993, Rodolfo's son, Maurizio, transferred his shares in the company to Investcorp, ending the family's involvement in Gucci. Dawn Mello, then-president of Bergdorf Goodman, joined as creative director in 1989. But it was Tom Ford, who took over as creative director in 1994, who ultimately revived the brand.

The new millennium brought new ownership and a more toned-down vision from Frida Giannini, who became sole creative director in 2006. Alessandro Michele was named creative director in 2015, and the storied brand took a giant leap forward. Michele exited Gucci in 2022 and was eventually replaced by Sabato De Sarno.

On 1stDibs, shop vintage Gucci bags, clothing and accessories.
Is Pucci the same as Gucci?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024
No, Pucci is not the same as Gucci. Although their names are similar, the two brands are actually separate luxury fashion houses. Emilio Pucci founded his eponymous brand in 1947, while Guccio Gucci launched Gucci in 1921. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Gucci and Pucci apparel and accessories.
How do you pronounce Gucci?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 20, 2024
Gucci is pronounced GOO-chee. Gucci is an Italian name -- the renowned fashion house’s founder was Florence, Tuscany-born businessman Guccio Giovanbattista Giacinto Dario Maria Gucci. In the Italian language, the double "c" in Gucci is pronounced with the '"ch" sound that you hear in the beginning of words such as chime or chalk. Find vintage Gucci clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Is Gucci for men?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, Gucci does have a men’s collection. High fashion knows no boundaries when it comes to eclectic contemporary pieces, and Gucci products represent the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship. Shop an array of Gucci looks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is a Gucci Rajah?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The Gucci Rajah was a collection of bags released by Gucci in Fall/Winter 2018 and consisted of a sleek oversized tote bag and a shoulder bag. The design also featured a large roaring tiger head emblem. Find an assortment of Gucci bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is Gucci's style?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
Although Gucci's style has evolved over the years, many experts use words such as “bold” and “dramatic” to characterize its innovative designs. The Italian luxury fashion house is well known for its unique prints and vibrant color schemes. Gucci also often uses unexpected materials or combines materials together in imaginative ways. Many pieces feature embellishments, such as embroidery, beads and sequins. Find a large selection of Gucci bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
What is Gucci famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
Gucci is perhaps most famous for its logo, a pair of interlocking Gs that pay tribute to founder Guccio Gucci. The motif appears on the buckles of the Italian luxury fashion house's belts, its jewelry pieces and its signature jacquard fabric. In addition, the logo features prominently on iconic Gucci bags, like the Marmont and the Ophidia. Find a variety of Gucci apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
Who designs Gucci?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
At Gucci, the creative director primarily designs the fashions and accessories. Alessandro Michele took on the role of creative director for Gucci in 2015. Previous Gucci creative directors include founder Guccio Gucci, Tom Ford and Frida Giannini. Shop a curated collection of Gucci apparel on 1stDibs.
Who were Gucci's designers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Many well-known names in fashion were once designers at Gucci. The original designer for the Italian luxury fashion house was Guccio Gucci. His sons Aldo, Vasco and Rodolfo began designing for Gucci during the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. Other designers who have worked at Gucci include Tom Ford, Alessandra Facchinetti, Frida Giannini, Alessandro Michele and Sabato De Sarno. Shop a wide range of Gucci apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
Who resurrected Gucci?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
Tom Ford resurrected Gucci. By the late 1980s, the Italian fashion house was floundering, but that changed when Ford took over as creative director in 1994. His racy ads, shot by photographers such as Mario Testino, stirred controversy. And his potent vision of sexed-up femininity — with "jewel-toned satin shirts unbuttoned to there," as Vogue described his breakthrough 1995 runway show — was wildly successful. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of Gucci apparel and accessories.
Is vintage Gucci worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
Many fashion aficionados believe that vintage Gucci is worth it. Gucci is an internationally renowned luxury house with an iconic logo, and vintage Gucci clothing, handbags and shoes are among the most covetable goods in high fashion.

Some of the Italian luxury fashion house's most acclaimed pieces include the bamboo-handled handbags from the 1940s, the horse-bit bags from the 1950s and the Jackie bag of the 1960s.

However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Gucci pieces is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection.

Find Gucci pieces and other apparel, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.
Do Gucci slides stretch out?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Gucci slides are true to size, but the leather can stretch as you break them in. On the other hand, Gucci jelly shoes don’t change their shape at all. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage Gucci slides.
Did Gucci collaborate with Balenciaga?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
Yes, Gucci collaborated with Balenciaga. In 2021, the sister fashion houses unveiled the Hacker Project as a commentary on rampant counterfeits in the world of luxury handbags. The collection features bags with the signature Gucci monogram print redesigned with the Balenciaga logo. Some even have faux spray paint lettering that says "This is not a Gucci bag." On 1stDibs, find a variety of handbags.
Did Gucci make watches?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
Yes, Gucci has made watches since 1972. A European watchmaking firm called Alexis Barthelay was slated to produce the company’s inaugural line of watches. Instead, when the task proved too monumental for the firm, a Belgian-born salesman for Alexis Barthelay, Severin Wunderman, broke off from the company to start his own firm in order to specifically make Gucci watches. The Severin Montres Group produced the Italian brand’s luxury timepieces until Gucci acquired the firm in 1997. Find a collection of Gucci watches from some of the best sellers in the world on 1stDibs.