In 1947, in the midst of the post-war era, when traditional materials were hard to find, Guccio Gucci and the House’s Florentine artisans came up with the idea of using lightweight, durable bamboo for the handle of a new bag that immediately became a classic.

The bamboo handle bag is perhaps most memorably Gucci bag who beginning in 1947 when Gucci introduced its bamboo collection as a solution to leather shortages at the time.  Over 70 years later, it continues to evoke a unique feeling.

For 2022, a swath of designers have incorporated the bamboo handle into their accessory collections, with standout options coming from Loewe, Jil Sander, and of course, Gucci.

It’s also found its way into boutique brands that feel particularly well-suited for the summer months, like a raffia purse from Cult Gaia and a crochet tote from La Milanesa.