Looking through a Gucci collection is like diving into an eclectic dressing-up box—you're met with more crystals, bold

colours, wacky prints and feathers than you'd see at an Elton John concert. Alessandro Michele's vision for Gucci might be flamboyant, but he also has a real appreciation of the history and love for the classic heritage pieces of the Italian house. "I love this brand. It's an amazing platform," he told  Another magazine. "It's a brand that has the most amazing history and the most contemporary appeal. It's like a very beautiful old lady that you can't resist—every day, you discover something new." 

As with any luxury fashion house, handbags are a significant part of the business, and Michele has revisited neglected designs and styles from the archive. There is certainly a rich history, as the brand started creating GG canvas suitcases in the 1930s, and the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy all had Gucci handbags. 

There are three handbag styles, in particular, which we believe have true staying power, so keep reading for an introduction to their history.