Gucci Jackie is a leather handbag with bamboo handle designed by the Florence-based luxury fashion house Gucci. First introduced in 1961, it was popularized by and then named after First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. The bag is now an expensive status symbol. [1]
Type | Handbag |
---|---|
Inception | 1950 |
Manufacturer | Gucci |
Available | Yes |
The earlier version of the Jackie does not have a lock closure in front, and instead it has a metal hoop. Although the shape has defined the versions to come in the future. Known for his minimalist aesthetic, Tom Ford, who was the creative director at Gucci from 1995 to 2004, added the geometric buckle in 1999. This change reflected the era's focus on clean lines and a move away from ornamentation.Frida Giannini, who took the helm in 2009, reintroduced the classic piston lock. She also explored larger and slouchier silhouettes, a departure from the structured look favored earlier. This catered to a more relaxed and casual style that was gaining popularity at the time. [2] Alessandro Michele who was creative director of Gucci from 2015 to 2022, surprised many by reviving the Jackie in its most faithful form yet. In 2020, he introduced the "Jackie 1961". He offered it in both the standard size and a mini size as a response to the mini-bag trend; included a removable shoulder strap for the hands-free style of crossbody bags, and a vibrant color palette reflecting his love for bold statements. [3]
Most recently, in March 2024, Gucci introduced the "Gucci Jackie Shoulder Bag." This iteration marks a significant shift. It features a modern hook closure and a web strap extender, replacing the classic piston lock and detachable strap. This change reflects a move towards a more streamlined and contemporary aesthetic, potentially appealing to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. [4]
The material and detailing of the Jackie have also seen variations. Traditionally crafted from leather or canvas with canvas lining, the bag has been offered in various materials like suede and exotic leathers under different creative directors. Additionally, details like stitching and hardware have been subtly tweaked to reflect the overall design direction at the time.
First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis has been credited with bringing the handbag into the limelight. In the 1970s, she was constantly photographed by the paparazzi carrying the bag while trying to hide her face. Although the bag instantly became associated with Jackie, it was launched in the 1950s as the Fifties Constance