26 Jan, 2023

Gucci Jackie 1961 Review – With Different Outfits

Eclectic out, timemeless in – Gucci’s Jackie 1961 is just that

Designer handbags, or ‘It bags’, truly are a constantly evolving trend in the fashion industry. However, some styles have stood the test of me and have become iconic, classic designs. One such handbag is the Gucci Jackie bag 1961, which has maintained its popularity and timeless appeal over the years and is now revived by the House as the ‘perfect’ handbag. The stunning piece, really is It.

As a lover of fashion and its history, a marker of societal changes, I was thrilled to hear that Gucci had reissued the iconic Jackie bag. The stunning pouch, which has withstood over six decades and comes with a fascinang backstory since being Jackie Kennedy’s non-negoable accessory, had to be a part of my collecon.

I could not resist trying out the small hobo creation in a creamy white colour.

Gucci’s iconic style was revived by Tom Ford in 1999, then – Creative Director, with sharp lines and luxurious leather and then updated by Frida Giannini in 2009 with a larger structure and experimental materials. But the pouch wasn’t truly brought back into trend until the Italian fashion house’s former creave director Alessandro Michele freshened the staple, yet again, for its Fall/Winter 2020 collection.

With the inspiration for Gucci’s Autumn/Winter 2023 menswear collection being rooted in quiet minimalism as the brand bid farewell to its maximalist designs ahead of Michele’s successor – so tailoring in pastel hues, such as lilac and ivory, took centre stage as well as the unmissable monochromatic looks evoking a timeless aesthetic.

The white Jackie was a clear-cut choice as I envisioned myself pairing the pouch with delicate knits from the runway collection, undoubtedly adding a hint of sensuality to my Autumn looks.

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A piece of history? I’m sold!

The Jackie 1961 was released in the 1950s as the ‘Constance’ hobo-style bag and quickly became a hit in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and it truly became iconic when former first lady Jackie Kennedy was photographed carrying the discernible pouch everywhere – including as a shield from paparazzi. Gucci eventually renamed the style after her, and just like that, a timeless design was born.

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The leather is sturdy but not too supple, which means it won’t scuff easily and will retain a firm shape – a bag to be passed down generations. As Aldo Gucci famously said: Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten – in this instance, the good-sized icon is a hit for anyone, especially in nude hues such as the classic white.

The small size definitely accommodates the prerequisites (wallet, phone, keys and spare room for my favourite lip combo). Its unequivocal versality is what makes the Jackie a must-have bag for anyone looking towards more perennial pieces. The signature ‘piston’ clasp is the only real hardware on the bag, resulting in a clean and classic design.

The bag is equipped with a removable and adjustable strap, so it can be worn several ways: handheld, tucked under your arm, as a crossbody bag and as a shoulder piece – making it extremely versatile. It ensures I am able to let it do all the talking on days I don’t feel like transferring my essenals more than once… we all know too well the struggle of having to swap bags mid-day and forgetting a face mask, or wallet on worse days.

Having a bag that can brilliantly accompany a work are or suit a hands-free type of day, or even wear on a night out while sll making for a polished accessory, is just the breakthrough I needed for 2023. It is no surprise that the Jackie ‘It bag’ has remained a popular silhouette ever since it received Kennedy’s seal of approval, and it’s been a Gucci staple in the decades since.

Details:

Push-clasp fastening

Piston closure

Size options:

Mini: W19cm x H13cm x D3cm

Small: W27.5cm x H19cm x D4cm

Medium: W35.5cm x H25cm x D4.5cm

Made in Italy

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If you’re somewhat bohemian and a vintage-lover through and through, do not fear – I’ve got you covered. You can score your own Vintage Gucci Jackie by tapping into retailers such as Vesaire Collecve and Farfetch which offer a wide range of styles, including my personal favourite: a two-tone blue and red Jackie 1961 bag which offers more of a nonconformist-yet-abiding style thanks to its slouchy look.

Face the future – the Jackie is set to stay

The Jackie pouch is a meless piece that has been highly sought-after for nearly half a century and is not one to miss for Gucci enthusiasts – all the more so since the brand’s latest Men’s runway collection was all about archival revival which I predict will be one of the biggest 2023 trends.

It is a signature style at the fashion house and has been carried by many style icons as well as now celebrities including modern ambassador of the silhouette and Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson. The size is perfect for any occasion and the durable leather ensures that it will last for many decades to come. It’s a classic investment bag you should expect to see in another sixty years.

xo xo Tamara