Gucci Bamboo 1947 Ultimate Review: Sizes, Prices, What Fits, Pros & Cons

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Gucci Bamboo 1947 full review including sizes, what fits inside, pros & cons and more

Although Gucci’s first bamboo-handled bags came as the result of post-war leather rationings, these bags have become a status symbol for celebrities and fashion lovers alike. 

In particular, the Bamboo 1947 is well-loved for its hand-crafted bamboo handle, saddle-shaped body, and vibrant colors. To learn more about the 1947, see our complete guide here. By the end, you’ll know if this is an investment-worthy piece. 

Gucci Brand History 

Former luxury hotel porter and leather craftsman Guccio Gucci founded his label in Florence, Italy in 1921. For the first few years, Gucci sold mostly leather goods for travel. 

Later on, Gucci started to diversify into equestrian goods in order to serve the British aristocrats who were quickly becoming fans of the brand. 

Over the years, Gucci introduced items like woven canapa fabric, bamboo-handled bags, and green-red-green stripes that would later become synonymous with the brand.

Nowadays, the company is making strides to reduce its environmental impact by removing fur from its collections and pairing down its shows from five to two per year. 

Gucci Bamboo 1947 History 

Like many great inventions, Gucci’s first Bamboo Bag was the result of necessity. Indeed, it was the product of World War II materials rationing. 

Looking for a leather substitute, the brand discovered bamboo was a great stand-in. It could be heated and bent to create a curve handle resembling a horse saddle. 

The first Bamboo Bag was released in 1947. At that time, it was referred to simply by its product number, 0633. 

Within a few short years, the bag rose to popularity thanks to endorsements from celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly. 

In February 2022, Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele unveiled an updated model of the 1947 Bamboo Bag. The contemporary style comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It also includes two crossbody straps, one in leather and one webbed. 

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Gucci Bamboo 1947 Description 

Gucci’s 1947 Bamboo Bag is defined by its bamboo top handle. Shaping the bamboo requires the skill of master artisans who hand-bend, lacquer, and shine the handles to perfection. 

As an homage to Gucci’s equestrian heritage, the 1947 has a curvy, saddle-inspired shape. It opens with a flap and turn lock closure (also made of bamboo). Inside, there are card slots, a zippered slot pocket and a large open compartment. 

Newer versions of the bag come with two detachable shoulder straps, one webbed in the brand’s signature green-red-green stripe and one leather. 

Gucci Bamboo 1947 Sizes 

The Gucci Bamboo 1947 is available in three sizes: mini, small, and medium. In addition to the classic saddle-shaped bag, the collection also includes a backpack variation. 

See the table below for the exact dimensions of each size. 

Gucci Style	Dimensions (inches)	Dimensions (centimeters)
Bamboo 1947 Mini	6.7" x 4.7" x 3"	17 cm x 12 cm x 7.5 cm
Bamboo 1947 Small	8.3" x 6" x 2.75"	21 cm x 15 cm x 7 cm
Bamboo 1947 Medium	10.2" x 6.7" x 3.5"	26 cm x 17 cm x 9 cm
Bamboo 1947 Backpack	8.6" x 8.6 x 2.7"	22cm x 22cm x 7cm

What Fits in the Gucci Bamboo 1947?

Mini: A phone, a small wallet, and keys OR a phone, a cardholder, keys, and a small makeup bag with a few products. 

Small: A phone, a small wallet, keys, and several makeup products (lipstick, eye drops, nail file).

Medium: An eReader or book, a phone, a full-sized wallet, keys, a makeup bag filled with products, earbuds, a phone charger, and a pen. 

Backpack: An eReader or book, a phone, a full-sized wallet, a small makeup bag, and earbuds. 

Gucci Bamboo 1947 Materials

As the name indicates, the top handle and turn lock closure are made out of bamboo. Both are set in antique gold-toned hardware. 

Leather is the most common material used for the body of the bag. That said, some models are made out of canvas, crocodile, ostrich, or python. 

Inside, the bag is lined with cotton linen. The detachable crossbody straps are made out of webbing and leather (one of each). 

Colors

The Bamboo 1947 comes in several neutral colors like black, brown, and white. More colorful options include marigold yellow, bright green, and sky blue. 

Gucci Bamboo 1947 Prices

See the table below for the most current prices of the Gucci 1947 bag. Prices have been taken directly from the Gucci website, so we recommend checking there in the event of any future price increases. 

For the sake of simplicity, we’ve listed prices for Bamboo 1947 bags made of leather. Canvas and exotic skin bags (python, crocodile, or ostrich) cost significantly more. 

Gucci Style	Price (USD)	Price (Euros)
Bamboo 1947 Mini	$3,400	€2,900
Bamboo 1947 Small	$4,300	€3,600
Bamboo 1947 Medium	$5,000	€4,300
Bamboo 1947 Backpack	$3,980	€2,950

Gucci Bamboo 1947 Outfits & Inspiration

Where To Buy A Gucci Bamboo Bag?

Surprisingly, the Gucci Bamboo is not available at the usual online stockists, but you can easily buy it at Gucci.com or at your nearest Gucci boutique.

Alternatively, you can check out pre-loved websites such as Fashionphile, Rebag or 1st Dibs to try to score a bargain.

On eBay you can find lots of vintage Gucci Bamboo bags as well, just make sure you do your due diligence and authenticate your bags when you receive them.

Pros and Cons of the Gucci Bamboo 1947

Pros:

• Versatile options for wearing (in hand or with crossbody strap)
• Unique, yet classic style 
• Comes with a small cosmetic mirror 
• Competitively priced compared to other classic bags 

Cons: 

• Leather gets indented around the turn lock 
• No feet to protect the bottom of the bag 
• Strap squeaks 

Is the Gucci Bamboo 1947 Worth Buying? 

We’ve long been fans of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag and the most recent version is no exception. From its beautifully-crafted handle to its vibrant colors, this bag is sure to make a statement wherever you go. 

At the same time, its simple shape and clean lines make it basic enough to be an everyday bag. If you’re hoping to use it for carrying daily essentials, we recommend the medium size. It’s large enough to fit everything you need without becoming too bulky or heavy.