Gucci is all set to dazzle with its newest exhibition, Bamboo 1947: Then and Now. Celebrating 60 Years of Gucci in Japan. As the name suggests, this year marks the 60th anniversary of Gucci’s arrival in Japan, a milestone that highlights the brand’s deep connection with Japanese culture. To pay tribute, Gucci launched a unique exhibition that pays tribute to its iconic Bamboo 1947 bag.
Under the creative vision of Sabato De Sarno, Gucci is bringing a fresh perspective. The Italian brand has joined forces with traditional Japanese artisans and contemporary artists for this new initiative. Together, they’ve reimagined 60 vintage Bamboo 1947 bags, infusing them with fresh artistic perspectives while celebrating themes of discovery and upcycling.
The exhibition will showcase 60 vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 bags from the ’80s and ’90s, each lovingly preserved by their owners. These iconic pieces will be reimagined by a prestigious roster of artisans and artists, including goldsmith Morihito Katsura, ceramist Nakazato Hirotsune, lacquerer Ai Tokeshi, photographer Daido Moriyama, and painters Nami Yokoyama and Yui Yaegashi.
This creative project not only honors the historical significance of the Bamboo 1947 but also shows Gucci’s commitment to sustainability and artistic expression. It features 400 Bamboo 1947 bags.
At a time when luxury accessories were predominantly made from leather or fabric, Gucci’s use of bamboo, an unusual material for luxury bags was both practical and distinctive. The bamboo handle was born out of necessity during post-war shortages. Leather was scarce, so Gucci’s founder, Guccio Gucci, turned to bamboo, which was both durable and aesthetically unique.
The use of bamboo as a handle became a hallmark of the brand, symbolizing Gucci’s creativity and resourcefulness. Since then, every Gucci creative director has reinterpreted the Bamboo 1947.
These unique contributions at the exhibition will enhance the Bamboo 1947’s timeless elegance and Gucci’s renowned craftsmanship. The revitalized Bamboo 1947 bags will be on display at Bamboo 1947: Then and Now, Celebrating 60 Years of Gucci in Japan at the Gucci Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, until September 23, 2024. Following the exhibition, each bag will be available for purchase as a one-of-a-kind art piece.
