Gucci Bamboo:
Decoding an Icon

The House unveils an immersive exploration of the legacy of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag, tracing its history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.

Opening at Sunke Villa in Shanghai, the House’s latest exhibition—curated and designed by 2050+—traces the origins of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag, from its equestrian-inspired craftsmanship to its signature curved bamboo handle, still hand-shaped over an open flame by artisans in Florence. In Chinese culture, bamboo symbolizes resilience, elegance, and adaptability. Honoring this legacy, the exhibition reinterprets bamboo’s transformation from a natural element into a defining feature of Gucci’s design language, seamlessly bridging heritage with contemporary artistry. Through archival materials, immersive installations, and visionary collaborations, it offers a deeper look at the bag’s enduring influence and the meticulous craftsmanship that shapes its identity.

Spanning seven immersive rooms, the exhibition invites visitors to explore bamboo’s symbolism in The Whispering Grove, dissect its craftsmanship in Anatomy of a Bag, and trace its evolution in Bamboo Codex. Crafting a Legacy spotlights the artisans behind its creation, while Threads of Connection examines bamboo’s broader influence within Gucci’s design language. Looking ahead, Metamorphosis and The Shape of Tomorrow envision the bag’s future through conceptual and digital reinterpretations. Alongside these narratives, contemporary artists Sybil Montet, Francesco D’Abbraccio (aka Lorem), Christian Kondić, and Chen Yanran present visionary takes on the Gucci Bamboo 1947, underscoring its enduring presence in art, fashion, and design.

Discover the exhibition from March 28 to April 6, 2025, at Sunke Villa in Shanghai.