Gucci 1955 Horsebit Bag

For Cruise 2020 shown amongst the statues of deities and real characters of Ancient Rome in the Capitoline Museums, Alessandro Michele presented the Gucci 1955 Horsebit bag.

The bag is designed by the Creative Director studying the House’s archive piece under a new lens, carefully unifying original details with a modern spirit.

The renewed ideation of the accessories is inspired by a Neoclassical philosophy—the act of intentionally imitating an antique example. Historian Johann Joachim Winckelmann, a powerful influence on the movement, observed the idealism of Greek art and believed its values of “noble simplicity and quiet grandeur” should be championed. Passionate for the ancient worlds, Winckelmann advised the collection of Roman antiquities and ancient Roman sculptures for Villa Albani Torlonia. The Classicism style palatial residence and gardens constructed in the mid 18th century solidified Rome as a key destination on the ‘Grand Tour’—a period of foreign travel at the time commonly undertaken by gentlemen to finish off their education. Alessandro Michele, who shares the same passion for and recreation of the antique worlds as Winckelmann—chose the Leda Gallery in Villa Albani Torlonia as the location for the art book for the Gucci Cruise 2020 collection shot by Greek photographer and director Yorgos Lanthimos.

Weaving the ideas of neoclassicism through the collection, Alessandro Michele has given key accessories from Cruise 2020 the same lines and form of their archetype. The Gucci 1955 Horsebit bag features the equestrian-inspired code from the House composed of a double ring and bar and is modeled on the same shoulder style shape when it launched over six decades ago.

Considered details set the design apart, a sophisticated internal organization and mechanism to adjust the length of the shoulder strap so it can be carried on one shoulder or cross body. Other 1955 Horsebit styles include a bucket and a soft messenger. 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Without doubt, pre-eminent among the lexicon of Gucci’s historic motifs is the Horsebit hardware, which speaks of the House’s association with the world of equestrianism. The new Gucci 1955 Horsebit shoulder bag has an extremely feminine and chic silhouette and combines this elegance with functionality thanks to the internal design that allows for practical organization of possessions. A sophisticated mechanism allows for the adjustment of the length of the leather shoulder strap so the bag can be carried on one shoulder or cross-body.

As well as the central Horsebit on the front of the model, the shoulder bag features - a half Horsebit on the side, adding a point of distinction. The semi-rigid construction and flap closure make the bag feel substantial. It is offered in GG supreme with a cuir or red trim for those who seek something immediately identifiable. For those who prefer something more understated, it also comes in plain leather in basic colors. There is also a special blue version with a blue-red-blue velvet Web stripe on the flap. Thus the Gucci 1955 Horsebit will appeal to many different types of customer.

The 1955 Horsebit also comes as a bucket bag in a fashionable silhouette. This was showcased on the Cruise 2020 catwalk in many different materials and colors. The distinctive construction of the bucket bag features a semi-rigid circular base and a very soft leather top with a drawstring closure. These styles in solid colors and bi-color combinations are small but roomy enough to store essentials and thus are well suited for use from day to night. 

Then there is a brand new shape in the form of a soft messenger bag, which possesses the functionality of a hobo. This too is characterized by the ‘50s Horsebit hardware. The details, materials and color palette of this model give it a fashionable, vintage spirit, and is extremely functional due to its large capacity and softness. The messenger comes in four colors of leather and in two Original GG canvas versions with contrasting leather trim. Drawstring leather laces on the top of the bag add to the aesthetic appeal, but are also practical. An internal magnet secures the closure.