Pressing pause on the world and taking a moment for ourself isn’t easy in our 24/7 culture, but it has never been more important. From a solo visit to a gallery or hotel to eating alone at your favourite restaurant, stepping out accompanied only by your handbag presents an empowering prospect and a unique opportunity for self-discovery.
It’s this idea of connecting with one’s self that’s explored in Reservation for One, a portrait series starring a cast of Gucci style talent alongside Alessandro Michele’s latest archival reimagining the Jackie 1961—a bag that transcends eras, style and gender.
The origin of the Jackie 1961 bag is as storied as they come. Created in 1961, the elegant hobo bag caught the eye of trendsetters in the ’60s and ’70s with its elegant curved shape, and the connotations of a free-wheeling, high-flying lifestyle that accompanied the stars that carried the bag.
Fast forward almost 40 years, and the iconic handbag has been reinvented by Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele to reflect the house’s inclusive, non-binary ethos. Launched in the men’s autumn/winter 2020 show, the new incarnation of the Jackie features three new sizes for the modern sophisticate—medium, small and mini—while keeping its recognisable silhouette and unique piston closure. Styled with both men’s and women’s looks on the runway, the protean handbag paired perfectly with looks that ran the gamut from the smartly tailored to grunge.
Deftly melding the house’s historical roots with a contemporary spirit is something that Michele has mastered completely, and in creating the Jackie 1961, he took a personal approach, as well. Looking to his personal archive, the designer drew inspiration from a vintage Jackie bag that he owned, giving it new proportions and a character that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the 21st century. Whether it’s the artistic androgyne hanging out at the art galleries downtown, the preppy princess sitting down for a spot of tea, or the dapper rake heading out for a business meeting, the Jackie 1961 is the consummate accessory for a modern lifestyle.
The Jackie 1961 is best described as a contemporary classic: Its shape and bag closure bring the nostalgia of vintage objects, while its treatment and design give off a neoteric air. As one of the oldest Italian leather luxury goods houses, it comes as no surprise that the Jackie 1961 is offered in various leather options and colourways. From a luscious red to buttery black leather, the bag also comes in ambrosial shades of lilac, light blue and soft pink. Of course, the instantly recognisable GG Supreme canvas with the Web stripe is also on the menu for lovers of the fashion classic. What’s more, the Jackie now has a longer, removable shoulder strap that reflects the adaptable yet practical nature of the bag, giving its wearers the flexibility that they need in a fast-changing world.
To showcase the global appeal of the new Jackie 1961 bag, Gucci tapped a plethora of trailblazers from Asia to express their personal style together with the bag. Shot across some of the hottest style capitals in the region—Bangkok, Beijing, Seoul and Shanghai—top celebrities Hwasa, Rain, Liu Wen, Nini and Davika Hoorne and more star in a stunning portrait series that showcases their personal style with the Jackie 1961.
Here, accompanied only by the Jackie, the Asian stars share how they style the signature Gucci bag as they indulge in a moment of exhilarating solitude in a place that enriches and inspires them.
1 / 5
Hwasa
The Mamamoo singer pairs her Gucci Jackie 1961 Mini Hobo in Mystic White leather with a look that radiates preppy charm.
2 / 5
Jung Ji-hoon (Rain)
Korean pop star Rain opts to carry his Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Hobo in Dusty Azure leather with a long strap to finish off his pastel blue sweater and tailored pants.
3 / 5
Liu Wen
Chinese supermodel Liu Wen styles her Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Hobo in black leather with a polished outfit and statement accessories.
4 / 5
Nini
The Gucci Jackie 1961 Mini Hobo in GG Supreme is all actress Nini needs for a relaxed day out.
5 / 5
Davika Hoorne
Thai actress Davika Hoorne takes in the summer air with the Gucci Jackie 1961 Mini Hobo in GG Supreme.
