The Gucci Zumi Is Fashion's Latest It Bag

There's a new arm candy in town

By Annabelle Fernandez - published 1 Apr 2019

A marvel in its design, Alessandro Michele’s latest bag for Gucci is totally lust worthy. Part architectural masterpiece and part physical manifestation of the eclectic glamour Michele’s known for, the Gucci Zumi bag is a wardrobe staple for the daring modern woman. And she is no wallflower either—the bag is inspired by one of Michele’s multi-hyphenated muses, Zumi Rosow, the Los Angeles based experimental musician, jewellery designer and the Italian luxury House’s latest model.

Just how covetable is Gucci’s new bag? Well, let’s just say that it has already been spotted on the Golden Globe winning wrist of the otherworldly beauty that is Saoirse Ronan (below); photographed hanging precariously off the shoulders of the incredibly sexy Mexican bombshell, Salma Hayek; and in the stylish embrace of sartorial muse to many, the inimitable Lou Doillon.

With its timelessly linear and ladylike silhouette, the Gucci Zumi marries two design hallmarks that we have come to quickly associate Gucci with: The enduring Horsebit clasp and the interlocking Gs. Understated in its elegance, the Gucci Zumi is a perfect contrast to the glittery offerings of the spring/summer 2019 collection, which was inspired by the sinewy enclaves of Paris’ legendary Monmartre Le Palace theatre and the stars who frequented it in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Available in a myriad of colours and finishes, the bag is an easy punctuation for any outfit. An emerald snakeskin version, for example, is just begging to be worn with a long sleeved leopard dress, because, let’s face it, when it comes to Gucci, print on print is de rigueur. But if the maximalist approach is not the solution to your sartorial conundrums, then pair a Gucci Zumi printed with strawberry motifs with your comfiest t-shirt and favourite distressed denims.

Rediscovered deep within the archival vaults of the hallowed Gucci headquarters in Florence by Michele, the Gucci Zumi is not the only cult accessory that the Creative Director has revived since he helmed the famed Italian luxury house in 2015. Having previously been the House’s head of accessories, Michele has reworked loafers and monograms to much fanfare since his appointment.

And under his artistic license, the House has flourished while managing to retain its storied legacy of design and premium craftsmanship – dominating the highest echelons of fashion with Michele’s often whimsical and and wide-ranging vision.

The Italian designer’s designs also cleverly captures the spirit of the times. Conflating seemingly incongruous elements of culture and humanity with his creations, the new, less rigid, Gucci celebrates even gender fluidity with beautifully bucolic imagery. These iconic masterpieces will bound to find themselves in the closets of any fashionable and politically-aware youth of today.