This Designer Bag Has Reached Icon Status—Here’s Why It’s Worth the Investment

Posted on: November 11, 2023 Posted by: Comments: 0

If I’ve learned anything in my role as Who What Wear UK’s shopping editor, it’s the virtue of a good accessory. No matter how much time I spend searching for the perfect coat, flattering tailoring, versatile dresses or cosy knitwear, it’s invariably the accessories that really bring an outfit to life, and as someone with a penchant for bags in particular, I’m always on the look out for outfit-elevating styles that are really worth your hard earned money. Interesting then, that lately there is one bag in particular that has been doing the rounds on the street style circuit, and reaffirming its status as a certified icon. That’s right, it isn’t a brand new It bag, it’s one you already know and love. 

While the runways tried to convince us that the only bag trends that would matter this year are supersized XXL totes vs micro, slimline baguettes, the truth is, we all just want a practical, everyday bag big enough for all our our essentials but small enough to not have to lug around. It was only a matter of time then before simple shoulder bags started cropping up again, and everywhere I looked the same heritage style was tucked under the arms of influencers and editors everywhere, convincing me that the Gucci Marmont bag is back for good (that is, if it ever left). 

After making their debut on the Gucci runway in 2016, the Marmont family of bags were the brainchild of then creative director Alessandro Michele, who singlehandedly reinvented the look and feel of Gucci for an entire generation. Gone were slick, sexy days of the Tom Ford Noughties, and instead a focus on  the eclectic, bohemian ’70s, giving us a collection of bags inspired by the old Hollywood glamour of the Château Marmont. Immediately, this chevron-quilted, logo-embellished, strokeably-soft shoulder bag became an overnight success, available in a range of prints, leathers, and candy coloured velvet, and now extending to cover bucket bags, belt bags, top handle bags and even card holders, but it’s still the crossbodies and flap bags that are proving to be the enduring success. 

So what makes the Gucci Marmont bag such an enduring classic? Well, it certainly carries all of the hallmarks of the perfect designer bag: timeless design, practical sizes, premium fabrications, and of course, the instantly recognisable logo, and with even more pieces being added to the Marmont family, you’re guaranteed to find a style you’ll love. And frankly, after the year that gave us other smash hits like the Toteme T-Lock, the Loewe Puzzle Tote, and the Bottega Andiamo, Gucci has done well to grab and hold our attention with not only the buzzy Horsebit chain bag, but also this iconic classic that is as sure to stand the test of time as well the brand’s Jackie and Dionysus styles. 

So, if you’re looking for a bag worth spending a little extra on, here’s one that can meet any dress code, be styled as crossbody, shoulder, or a clutch, and comes in more colours, styles and shapes than any other I can think of. Not bad for a bag that’s been around for less than a decade.

The perfect “throw-on-and-go” size. 

I love this mini bag for evening outfits. 

Cream and gold is always such a luxe pairing.

This shade of blush is surprisingly versatile.

Introducing the top-handle gives us a whole new way to carry it.

Small but mighty.

Barbiecore, eat your heart out.

Such a fun jewel tone! 

There’s something sumptuous about black velvet. 

Ideal for the days when you’re travelling light.

This feels like the perfect example of Alessandro Michele’s legacy.

The fluffy finish is perfect for autumn/winter.

Oh, and it comes in candyfloss pink too.

The half-moon shapes are so elegant.

There’s no ignoring a statement style like this.

Just look at that intricate handiwork. 

A crystal logo? Take my money already! 

Effortlessly cool.

This would look so good on an all white outfit.

I’m convinced that postbox red always looks expensive.

Up Next, The Capsule Handbag Collection I’m Curating in My 30s

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