The Gucci Jackie 1961: What Makes It Special?

Although the famous arms that the bag was hung from have changed, its appeal has not diminished.

Are you seeing a flood of Instagram photos of Dakota Johnson, clad in Gucci head-to-toe and out and about in Los Angeles with Gucci Jackie 1961?These images are part of the latest campaign by the Italian house for the iconic bag. The sepia tone in these images invokes a sense of nostalgia. The Jackie 1961 was introduced in the 1950s and 1960s.The bag has remained popular and relevant throughout the years, despite many changes. What makes the Gucci Jackie 1961 so famous?

It was launched 40 years after Guccio Gucci founded the house that sold leather goods. The bag was a slouchy, leather hobo. It had a trapezoidal bottom that was rounded at its edges.The strap was short and buckled, so it could be carried in your hand or flung over your shoulder.The most sought-after feature was the closed piston-shaped design. The bag was first adopted by Lady Jackie Kennedy, nee Onassis. She is believed to have used it to protect herself from paparazzi. Gucci named it the Jackie 1961 after her frequent photos with her hobo.

The Jackie 1961 was brought to prominence by each of the Gucci creative directors. Each one of them created a version that was representative of the fashion trends of the era. In 1999 and 2009, Tom Ford and Frida Gianninni both reimagined this bag with a slightly more oval shape. Alessandro Michele was the Gucci creative director in 2015. He introduced the Jackie 1961 again and gave it its current form.

Michele's version was on display with his Men's Fall 2020 collection. The iconic trapezoidal shape was retained by Michele, who introduced the golden piston on bags in a variety of colours, including pastels. To make the Jackie 1961 a chic crossbody, the top handle can be worn over the shoulder. Jackie 1961 remains a timeless design.