
This retro classic has got a new look
Us bag fanatics are wrapping up the year with a Gucci revival. But this is not just any old Gucci bag reissue … this is a relaunch of the Gucci Blondie bag by the Italian label’s rockstar designer Sabato De Sarno. Since taking the helm as Creative Director last year, he can’t seem to put a foot wrong as far as us fashion folk see it.
Though his time at the brand so far has been short, De Sarno has already managed to establish a slew of signatures for his Gucci which have everyone excited for the brand’s new direction. His most attention-grabbing concept so far seems to be the ability to take a love for Gucci’s rich brand history and cherished archival designs, pay these their due homage and reinterpret them with his own twist that has fast propelled Gucci into a new era. Not only does it signal to us fashion lot that Gucci is in incredibly capable hands, but there are so many delectable designs to indulge in, and the Gucci Blondie bag is amongst my favourites.
First popping up under De Sarno’s helm on the Gucci Cruise 2025 runway, the Blondie bag is a curved top-handle flap bag that’s an updated version of a ‘70s classic for the house. It brings a sense of the 70s’ signature nonchalance and enviable casual flair to our handbag collections of today. And there are even whisperings of it becoming a new Gucci classic – not from me as I’m reveling in screaming it from the rooftops! I’ve scored mine in the large top-handle version on suede and it’s quickly becoming one of my favourites this season. So let’s get into my full bag review because I’m too excited to wait any longer. Except a complete breakdown of this new Gucci gem, from how the design ties into the brand’s history to the colour and material options available, plus how I’m loving styling it. Enjoy!
GUCCI BLONDIE BAG DETAILS AT A GLANCE
Slouchy curved shape
Single top handle (for large size this can be also carried on the shoulder)
Flap opening with magnetic closure
Statement interlocking GG logo at centre in leather or enamel
Removable and adjustable long leather strap
Leather trim
Interior zipped pocket
Cotton lining
Size options – small, medium, large
Colour & material options –
Leather – Rosso Ancora red, brown, black
Suede – blue, dark green, brown
Canvas – original GG monogram, beige
Made in Italy
Also available in – shoulder, tote and bucket bag variations

A Little Bit Of History
Gucci’s foundations date back to Florence in the ‘20s but if you want to know when the brand became very incredibly cool, look to the ‘70s. A decade defined by pivotal change for the world, as well as fashion more specifically, and, of course, Gucci. For the artisanal leather goods brand, it was the beginning of international recognition and allure, with fashion icons of the time like Jackie O and Grace Kelly wearing Gucci and propelling the Italian house to a new style stratosphere.
The original bag was released in 1971, an instantly recognisable design defined by the large interlocking logo at the centre (Gucci patented this now emblematic logo around this time – an exciting signal of where the brand was heading). De Sabato’s reintroduction of the Blondie bag is actually not its first revival in modern times. Back in 2019 under Alessandro Michele, the Blondie bag popped up at Gucci’s Love Parade show.
But the latest interpretation of this Gucci classic by De Sarno has been praised as having a bolder attitude than its predecessors, and I can see why. I think it has a lot more potential as an everyday bag and contemporary classic than what we’ve seen before. The noticeably slouchier silhouette and sturdy top handle that’s plenty versatile (particularly on the larger version where it can be carried on the shoulder, too) set it apart and give the design a kind of inherent practicality that’s synonymous with enduring bag favourites. What’s more, the fusing of nostalgia and modernity feels very fresh and exciting, and appeals to both fans of Gucci’s vintage handbag archives and those who love what the brand has become in modern times.

Features & Functionality
This is always one of my favourite topics to discuss for any new bag design that comes my way. Because, as any bag aficionado knows, the allure of flashy gimmicks and statement finishes can quickly fade but the true wearability of a bag is what keeps a design popular for seasons to come. It’s clear that De Sarno has really thought about this concept for his take on the Blondie bag.
I’ve got the large top-handle version so it makes sense that I’ve been loving the bag’s roomy size, but the true appeal and functionality of the design is about much more than this. The slouchy shape, complete with gorgeous rounded edges and a middle that curves slightly as you carry it reminds me a little of the largest version of the Bottega Veneta Jodie, notoriously praised for its practicality. And, there’s the added bonus of a longer strap that you can wear crossbody or on your shoulder, and this comes with any size (even the large). A message for other brands to take note, perhaps. I for one know that I would love the option of longer straps with all of my big bags.
Colour has been a VERY exciting part of De Sarno’s tenure at Gucci so far. From dreamy pastel lime shades and, of course, the colour that has defined 2024, Gucci’s deep burgundy Rossa Ancora hue. So it comes as no surprise that the colour offerings of the new Blondie are nothing short of perfection. I’m loving my brown suede option, it has a very of the moment feel but with the enduring appeal of a classic. The leather Rossa Ancora option is going straight on my bag wishlist (except I would love Gucci to offer this in the large size also). There’s also a gorgeous green colour that would go great with a lot of the pastel options from De Sarno’s Gucci SS25 runway for warmer dressing next season. And, a turquoise blue that’s reminiscent of Tom Ford era Gucci (if you know, you know), has also caught my eye.
The large size of the Blondie top-handle bag is currently only available in suede and canvas, so if I’m allowed to make wishes here, I would ask that leather be added to this size offering, along with some of the signature shades in De Sarno’s Gucci rainbow.

Outfit inspiration
