Gucci Ophidia GG Carry-On and Duffle Bag
Anyone who has seen House of Gucci knows that the 1970s catapulted the famed Italian label from its origins of luxury and heritage into the stratosphere of mainstream popularity, a clamor that bordered on outright lust among fashion fans and celebrities alike. Since early last year Gucci has been celebrating its 100th anniversary with collections and limited-edition pieces that pay tribute to its 1921 beginnings, but the brand’s half-century moment has been honored in almost equal measure—and why not? If not for the moves Gucci made in the 1970s to heighten its presence in the global fashion arena, we might still think of it as a stodgy brand steeped in history, instead of the seductive layers it achieved during the Studio 54 era.
Creative director Alessandro Michele surely recognizes the same, which is why his anniversary collections, collectively known as Gucci Love Parade, have been infused with an abundance of 1970s glamour. That extends to the just released GG Blue Canvas collection, which finds its roots in archive pieces from that decade, when the double-G print in navy and beige was introduced as a modern update to the ultra-classic GG canvas print. Shapes take their cue from Gucci’s wildly popular Ophidia line, in everything from handbags and messenger bags to backpacks and wallets. Luggage is also key to the new pieces, a nod to Gucci’s history of globe-trotting: Guccio Gucci was working at London’s Savoy hotel when he noticed that well-heeled guests had an affinity for expensive trunks and fine luggage, while in later years, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant became faithful fans.
Today’s GG Blue Canvas collection includes a trolley in small, medium and large sizes, as well as a duffel offered in medium and large, both in the homage print and adorned with a bluered-blue stripe that likewise updates Gucci’s iconic green and red web detailing. It’s the perfect mix of timeless and contemporary—and in a durable coated canvas, able to withstand everything from being crammed into an overhead compartment to the worst abuse of baggage handlers. gucci.com