DESIGNER 101
Gucci 101: The Dionysus
Collection
By Taylor M, Apr 30, 2021
The Dionysus is
a god among handbags.
Inspired by Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and general excess, and marked by its signature tiger head closure — the Dionysus immediately became a house staple when Alessandro Michele took the reins of Gucci in 2015. Since then, the Dionysus has been created in countless iterations made with everything from bamboo handles to embroidered embellishments.
When Alessandro Michele was promoted from head of accessories design to creative director in 2015, he introduced what would become yet another iconic Gucci bag — the Dionysus. With a design concept that speaks to his philosophies surrounding culture and extravagance, Michele chose the perfect source of inspiration. Referring back to Greco-Roman times — a period of intellectual advancement, artistic development, and mythological religion — the Dionysus Bag is somewhat of a god among handbags. Its versatility and elegance, similar to features of the Greek god for which it was named, are what made the design such a rapid success. The simplicity of the bag’s features allows it to be adapted in unlimited measures, solidifying it as a new classic to be desired by the masses.
The History Is in the Hardware
It is understandable that Michele would take inspiration from Hellenic times, given the opulent nature of his designs. The bag earned its name from the ancient Greek god, Dionysus, who was said to emulate a lavish lifestyle defined by fine wine, celebration, youthfulness, and a hint of madness. Accessorizing with a pine-tipped staff, a drinking goblet, and an ivy crown, Dionysus was a pinnacle of luxury to the Greeks. Michele’s choice to pay tribute to the god was no coincidence, given Gucci’s Italian birthplace in proximity to the origins of Greek and Roman mythology. The tiger heads on the hardware of the Dionysus handbag were fittingly adapted from a story in which Dionysus is said to have crossed a river on the back of a tiger, which is why that body of water was later named the Tigris River. The tiger became a sacred symbol of the god, standing for sophistication and power. There is no question that this is an allegory that aligns with Gucci’s identity under Michele as well.
Another historical element of the Dionysus bag’s hardware is the horseshoe shape of the metal hardware itself. Dating back to its founding in Milan in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, the brand has long stood in the equestrian arena. Previous creative directors of the house have also looked back at elements of the brand’s illustrious roots, markedly with the horsebit hardware piece. In creating the tiger horseshoe, Michele was able to point to both inspiration from ancient lore as well as the roots of Gucci as a brand.
Dionysus Sizing Breakdown
The standard structure of the Dionysus bag features a double flap and convertible chain strap that can be worn at shoulder length or across the body. The size offering of the original bag has been fairly traditional in a small and medium size as well as mini and super mini. It has also been adapted into small leather goods including a coin purse and a clutch.
Super Mini
Velvet Mini
Leather Mini
Small
Medium
Materials and Hardware
As far as fabrication goes, the Dionysus exists in both simplistic and striking materials. Across all sizes, the GG Supreme canvas is offered in the classic beige colorway, often with matching or contrasting suede on the inside flap. The bag has also been fashioned with solid pebbled leather as well as suede in an array of colorways. For more of a statement, one can opt for lizard, snakeskin, python, tweed, velvet, or leather with embroidery, among other options. The Blooms floral print is a popular variant of the style, and Gucci has since added elements such as novelty text and different embellishments. Given the flat construction of the design, there are countless options for materials.
The metal hardware of the Dionysus style is an element that yields instant recognition. The antiqued metal horseshoe piece with tiger heads on the ends has been jeweled with crystals of different colors and can appear in silver, palladium, and gold-tone.
Special Editions
Gucci Dionysus Bamboo Top Handle with Web Strap
The versatility of the Dionysus style is not only made evident through the many possibilities of materials but also in the ease with which it pairs with Gucci’s other key identifiers. The top handle Dionysus Bag has also meshed seamlessly with one of Gucci’s other symbols, a bamboo handle. This is a historically popular piece that was invented during the Second World War when materials were scarce. The bamboo element has been paired on the Dionysus shape with the famous Gucci web stripe as well, running down the middle of the bag, or making up an additional strap. The stripe is another identifiable Gucci trait brought over from the European equestrian society. Modeled after a “web,” which is a strap that holds the saddle under a horse’s belly, the striped fabric has become another significant Gucci detail. Perhaps the existence of not one or two, but three branded details on one single bag shows the silhouette’s well-thought-out design and purpose.
The many different styles of the Dionysus show a commitment to bringing the past to the forefront by combining the brand’s bones with modern twists. Some editions of the bag include novelty detailing such as logos of the New York Yankees and Elton John, as well as key collections marked by phrases such as “GUCCY,” “Willow Hall,” and “L’Aveugle Par Amour” [Love Makes You Blind].
Gucci Dionysus Embellished
Gucci Garden Dionysus Chain Wallet
Gucci Dionysus Bag Embroidered
Gucci Dionysus Bamboo Top Handle Bag Embroidered Python
Michele’s choice to implement Greek mythology into Gucci’s assortment of handbags has supplied his following with a celestial staple and countless opportunities for innovation within the style. With its numerous variations and sizes, the Dionysus has already made a significant impact since its launch in 2015 and has established itself as a top contender in widespread handbag envy.
The many different styles of the Dionysus show a commitment to bringing the past to the forefront by combining the brand’s bones with modern twists. Some editions of the bag include novelty detailing such as logos of the New York Yankees and Elton John, as well as key collections marked by phrases such as “GUCCY,” “Willow Hall,” and “L’Aveugle Par Amour” [Love Makes You Blind].
