DANGEROUS LIAISONS

The humble bamboo has enjoyed a bigname boost from Gucci since it has endowed the luxury house’s bags with sturdy yet lightweight handles. It debuted in the ‘40s, a time of supply shortages following World War II imposed rations on resources. Bamboo’s fast growth, strength and flexibility attracted Gucci’s artisans, who devised the technique of creating the distinctive curved handles with heat from a flame. Along with the bamboo turn-lock closure, this feature made Gucci’s bags instantly recognisable and established the plant as a cherished house icon. Creative director Alessandro Michele’s modernisation spawns new-gen versions to be launched this month. Among seductive iterations in the Gucci Aria collection that celebrate the house’s centenary, this kinky head-turner epitomises Michele’s erotic twist of the house’s equestrian roots with a fetishist horse-whip-incorporated handle.