Gucci revisits its heritage with an upcoming exhibition dedicated to one of its most iconic designs. Opening on April 1st at Shanghai’s historic Sunke Villa, “Bamboo: Decoding an Icon,” will showcase the evolution of Gucci‘s bamboo handled bags through carefully curated installations.
Organized by Milan-based studio 2050+, the free public event runs through April 6th, with visitors able to reserve seats through WeChat’s Mini Program. The exhibition traces the remarkable journey of a design born out of necessity during the material shortages of post-war Italy.
In 1947, after World War II, when traditional materials were in short supply, Guccio Gucci, with the help of Florentine artisans, turned to bamboo – strong yet lightweight – for handles. This practical choice became a defining aesthetic for the brand.
The exhibition, which includes installations and artworks, celebrates bamboo’s enduring influence as a symbol of durability, flexibility and sophistication. According to Gucci, bamboo has a special significance in Chinese cultural traditions, representing virtues such as modesty, dignity and determination – qualities that have profoundly influenced Chinese artistic expression, written works and philosophical thought throughout history.
This exhibition follows last year’s Tokyo showcase of the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag, which featured 60 vintage models restored by Japanese artisans. Two years ago, Shanghai also hosted the “Gucci Cosmos” exhibition.
