If you have your eye on getting a handbag from them you’re probably wondering, what is the cost of a Gucci bag? This article will provide an overview of the ‘how much?’ and ‘why?’ behind Gucci's bags and their prices.
Why Is Gucci So Expensive?
Historical Significance
Guccio Gucci became fascinated with luggage while working as a porter at the Savoy Hotel. He would go on to open his own equestrian leather goods store in Italy, focusing on showcasing the impeccable quality of Italian leather. The fashion house continued to expand with Gucci’s sons at the helm as the brand became well-known for its luxurious handbags.
Under the guidance of Gucci's three sons, the brand opened its inaugural store in the US with much success. Additionally, they expanded Gucci's reach by debuting the first Ready-to-Wear collection in 1981. Despite rumors of division between the brothers in addition to financial troubles, the brand revived and continued to find success under new leadership.
Throughout the decades, the brand had some incredible creative directors like Tom Ford and Alexander Wang. The current creative director, Alessandro Michele, continues to draw inspiration from Gucci’s past into his current designs.
Michele rose through the ranks within the company before being appointed creative director in 2015. Since then, Gucci garnered popularity through the reinvigoration of older styles and the introduction of newer ones.
Michele spearheaded the brand expanding into homewares, makeup, and even opening two restaurants. As you can see, this rich and vibrant history contributes to Gucci’s prices.
Quality
The raw materials they use today are a testament to the brand's roots. When the founder first opened shop he focused on using the best Italian leathers. However, the brand's innovative ethos would blossom when forced to pivot due to leather shortages.
They switched to supplementing leather for other raw materials and were met with great success. They supplemented where they would use leather with hemp fabric, branded with the infamous GG monogram, and used bamboo for bag top handles. Even today, Gucci is strongly associated with these textiles and their monogram print is available in nearly every bag style.
The brand's craftsmanship is synonymous with innovation, reinvention, and high quality. Today, Gucci bags are made by artisans exclusively in Italy, the brand's birthplace. Using such alternative textiles paired with handbags made from Italian leather factor into Gucci’s premier price points.
Celebrity Favorite
Many of Gucci’s most iconic styles and prints have derived from the brand’s relationships with celebrities. Since the brand's debut in the US, celebrities coveted Gucci bags.
Jackie Kennedy wore the Jackie bag so much that Gucci named it after her. Other celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor sported Gucci tote bags in the 1950s and Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco was the inspiration behind the Flora Gucci print.
Today, celebrities like Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Rachel McAdams, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, and more are fans of Gucci bags. With its continued popularity with both celebrities and customers, Gucci is a fashion mainstay, making it able to charge top-tier prices for its bags.
Relative Affordability
Unlike most of their luxury brand counterparts, Gucci’s starting price points are lower than the likes of, for example, Chanel. This is intentional on the brand’s behalf to stand out as a more relatively affordable luxury brand, especially to millennial luxury consumers.
With many bag offerings under $2,000, this relative affordability in the luxury market creates strong loyalty from a young age. This brings in continued profits from this demographic as they grow into buying more expensive luxury goods.
To further illustrate this, Chanel's wallet on chain and smaller leather goods are the only bag offerings under $2,000. Meanwhile, Gucci has over thirty-five offerings under that same price tag.
From this, we have a better understanding of Gucci's marketing and strategy as a luxury brand. We’ll now examine how much a Gucci bag really costs through the current retail price ranges of their most popular lines.
How Much Is A Gucci Bag?
Like most luxury brands, Gucci increases its prices every year, contributing to its rarity and exclusivity. As of early 2021, most Gucci bags cost in the range of $900-$3,000.
Secondly, the brand debuts seasonal prints that create rarity and value for classic bags. The brand collaborated with Balenciaga in 2021 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Classic styles like the Jackie bag reflected Balenciaga prints and the Gucci monogram was on some of Balenciaga’s best-known bag styles. These collaborations add to the exclusivity and high price points of their bags.
Now that we’ve established the general price ranges of Gucci handbags, let’s look specifically at some of the brand’s most iconic styles like the Gucci Dionysus, Gucci Horsebit, Gucci Jackie bags and more, for their price ranges and features.
2021 Retail Bag Prices:
- Soho Disco Bag: $1,290
- Dionysus Bag: $890 to $2,980
- Horsebit Bag: $890 to $2,980
- Marmont Bag: $895 to $2,690
- Jackie Bag: $1,980 to $3,700
- Ophedia Bag: $720 to $3,900
2023 Retail Bag Prices:
- Blondie Bag: $1,790 (Replaced the Soho Disco)
- Dionysus Bag: $990 - $31,000
- Horsebit Bag: $1,050 - $31,000
- Marmont Bag: $1,190 - $28,000
- Jackie Bag: $1,750 - $31,000
- Ophedia Bag: $1,050 - $2,790
With price increases every year, there are a plethora of options both in-store and on the secondhand market to consider when buying a Gucci bag. In the next two sections, we’ll share more information about where and how to buy and sell Gucci bags for the best prices.
Where To Buy Gucci Bags For The Best Price?
Bags from Gucci are available for purchase at any of their 200+ stores worldwide. However, the pre-owned market is not to be overlooked.
For pre-owned, expertly authenticated Gucci bags, look no further than myGemma. You can find Gucci and other designer bags like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more at up to 80% off retail price.
Where To Sell Gucci Bags?
Due to the brand’s popularity, Gucci bags can retain much of their value. Find out what the Gucci and other designer bags in your closet are worth through myGemma’s quick, easy and transparent service.
We buy your luxury bags in as little as 24 hours. Simply fill out the form to get your complimentary quote and experience why we have an A+ BBB rating and over 1,000 customer reviews.
You’ll not only be making room in your closet but also contributing to the sustainable fashion market. Click below to get started.
