K-pop idol IUs choice of arm candy? Gucci classics: 4 of her most coveted bags, from the equestri
Recently, the 29-year-old star also made fashion news for fronting Gucci’s campaigns as one of the house’s global ambassadors, per Soompi, after having signed with them back in 2020.
She’s featured the brand in many of her music videos too, from “Blueming” in 2019 to “Celebrity” in 2021, and wore a stunning Gucci green sage tulle crew neck gown at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
The multitalented idol remains a formidable force in both the entertainment and fashion world. And while IU can definitely rock colourful and over-the-top looks from the brand, she also gravitates back to the classics … as with her bags.
Let’s take a look at her bag collection and the history behind the styles she owns …
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1. The Gucci Horsebit 1955
The Gucci Horsebit 1955, as its name suggests, borrows elements from the equestrian world and incorporates a traditional element distinct to the fashion house: its double ring and bar design.The vintage style has seen a variety of iterations, many of which are proudly owned and carried by IU. At the Twinsburg fashion show at Milan Fashion Week spring/summer 2023, the idol wore a suit paired with the Horsebit 1955 mini top handle bag in beige and white GG supreme canvas, which retails for US$2,390 on its website.
Her Instagram updates and airport fashion also offer clues into her Horsebit collection: she also appears to own the mini bag in GG supreme monogram canvas with a brown leather trim that comes with two strap options, the black and butter bucket bag version, the mini bag in black leather with a chain and leather strap, the small top handle bag in black leather, and the shoulder bag in beige canvas, to name just a few.
2. The Gucci Bamboo 1947
In post-war 1947, when materials such as leather were scarce, the house’s Florentine artisans took a chance on using bamboo for the bag’s handle, states the Gucci website. The bag’s bamboo handle was curved through the use of fire and has since become an emblem of the brand, currently priced at US$4,200.
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The K-pop star herself carried the small top handle version in white while attending the Gucci Garden Archetypes event last year. In 2021, she was spotted toting an edgy-looking, music-themed version of the Bamboo 1947 when she dropped by the Gucci 100 Collection pop-up store in Seoul.
3. The Gucci Sylvie 1969
Then Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele revived many of Gucci’s revered archives, and one of them is the iconic Sylvie 1969. Sold for US$3,200, per the brand’s website, the style is preferred by fashion fans for its ladylike appeal and chic contour that stays true to the signature Gucci shape from the 60s and 70s, and the distinct gold-tone metal chain that runs vertically across the front of the bag.
IU’s is the mini top handle version in patent black leather, a great LBB (little black bag). A version of Sylvie 1969 even made a cameo in her 2019 drama, Hotel del Luna.
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4. The Gucci Jackie 1961
The Jackie 1961 is likewise a blast from the past that’s seen a successful modern revival, and continues to find its way on the arms of the best dressed today. The style maintains its sleek piston hardware and its signature half-moon shape is not to be missed.
One of IU’s recent Instagram posts revealed her covetable mini Gucci Jackie 1961 in yellow leather, a design that definitely matches her cute and sunny personality. She’s been spotted with the medium shoulder bag version of the Jackie 1961 as well, which retails for about US$2,850, per the brand’s website.
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