Cover Photo: Getty Images

The Italian luxury brand pays tribute to Princess Diana by reviving a style that the late royal loved

On July 1, 2021, Princess Diana would have turned 60, a significant milestone by any means. Prince William and Prince Harry may have marked the occasion by unveiling a statue in their mother’s likeness in Kensington Palace, but Italian luxury brand Gucci is paying tribute to the royal style icon in their own way.

Looking to the late royal’s street style photos in the ’90s, the brand has revived the bamboo-handled bag that the former princess was fond of toting around—it was frequently spotted on her arm when she headed in for a gym session or for shopping excursions, no doubt due to its classic, elegant look.

Related: Commemorating Princess Diana’s 60th Birthday: 10 of Her Most Significant Moments

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Getty Images
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Getty Images

First launched in 1991, the bag has been given a very 21st century update by Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele: Firstly, the style has officially been christened the Gucci Diana; and secondly, the designer has added removable neon bright leather belts (in fluorescent yellow, orange or pink) on the handles, a clever nod to the functional bands that were once used to keep the shape of the bamboo handles. 

The tote bag will also now come in a range of sizes: mini, small and medium, with a classically chic palette of black, brown, white, powder pink and pastel blue. Monogramming options will also be possible, with the addition of letters and stars on the leather belts in metallic film colours.

Related: These Are the Luxury Bags That Korean Celebrities Love

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 4 The Gucci Diana
Photo 2 of 4 The Gucci Diana
Photo 3 of 4 The Gucci Diana
Photo 4 of 4 The Gucci Diana

It’s also quickly becoming a hot favourite among celebrities such as Elle Fanning and Alexa Chung, who have both been spotted out and about with the pink and black versions respectively. Fanning paired hers with a laissez-faire matching linen set, a bralette (the must-have item for a hot girl summer) and sandals, while Chung has opted for early aughts cool by strictly keeping her outfit in modern black and white.

Related: Tatler’s Haute List: Bougie Bralettes Are the One Trend You Need for a Hot Girl Summer

Tatler Asia
Photo: Courtesy of Neil Mockford
Above Elle Fanning (Photo: Courtesy of Neil Mockford)
Tatler Asia
Photo: Courtesy of Neil Mockford
Above Alexa Chung (Photo: Courtesy of Neil Mockford)

The new bag style represents Gucci’s message of fluidity, freedom and self-expression, plus, it’s a savvy move by the brand—connecting its rich history in leathermaking and fashion with a titan of style like Princess Diana—all but ensuring its rise as one of the hottest items to have this summer.

The Gucci Diana bag will be available from July 6 in stores and online.

Topics