The House of Gucci is no stranger to revisiting classics and giving them new life. Among their most iconic pieces is the Horsebit Chain, a clutch-style bag that prominently features a snaggle bit, one of the brand's signature design elements. With its origins dating back to the 1970s, the piece has gotten a much-deserved 2023 redux.
Ahead, we break down what goes into the making of the it bag, and why you should definitely consider copping one now.
What Is the Gucci Horsebit Chain Bag?
Back in the 1950s, Guccio Gucci introduced the horsebit detail as a way to appeal to the label's clientele who took part in equestrian activities. Years later, it was incorporated into a horizontally-shaped model originally rendered in leather, and the Horsebit Chain was born. Straps can be attached for convenience, but one can choose to hold it as a clutch by slipping their hand beneath the metal chain.
The History of the Gucci Horsebit Chain Bag
The first edition of the bag hit the market in the 1970s, and steadily became one of Gucci's most recognizable originals. Come Fall of 2003, former creative director Tom Ford sought to position the Horsebit Chain as the brand's entry to the micro-bag trend.
While it was overshadowed by its logomania counterparts from Louis Vuitton and Fendi, the piece persisted and became its own version of a classic. In time for the brand's 90th anniversary in 2011, designer Frida Giannini incorporated the tote into the G. Gucci Firenze 1921 collection.
The high-end brand was caught in a transitional period for its Fall/Winter 2023 presentation. It was to be the first collection after Alessandro Michele's departure, and the last before current creative director Sabato de Sarno would take the reins. This prompted the design team to ressurect many of their iconic pieces, the Horsebit Chain included. This time around, it was done in a variety of textiles, from shearling to leather, and in a rainbow of hues.
How Much Is the Gucci Horsebit Chain Bag
Adding this elongated clutch to your roster will set you back anywhere from about P170,000 to over P1.8 million, depending on the material its made out of. It's also available in either small or medium iterations.
Horsebit Chain in Black Leather, $3890 (approximately P233,400), GUCCI, gucci.com
Horsebit Chain in Green Leather, $3890 (approximately P233,400), GUCCI, gucci.com
Horsebit Chain in Silver Leather, $3890 (approximately P233,400), GUCCI, gucci.com
Horsebit Chain in Beige and Ebony Logo, $2890 (approximately P173,400), GUCCI, gucci.com
Horsebit Chain in Crocodile in Pink, $31,000 (approximately P1,860,000), GUCCI, gucci.com
Unsurprisingly, the bag of the season has already found it way to the clutches of Manila's most stylish. See how they wear their pieces below.
Local Celebrities Wearing the Gucci Horsebit Chain Bag
1. Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis was one of the first few individuals to rock the re-edition of the Horsebit Chain. At the grand opening of Gucci's flagship store in Makati, she teamed her F/W 2023 ensemble with a black leather tote.
The actress-host also copped a classic logo-printed one, which was the perfect accessory to her preppy OOTD.
2. Liz Uy
Anne's fellow it girl Liz Uy also has a Horsebit Chain in her collection. Her pick was a chrome silver one that she used to elevate her chic academia-inspired look.
Liz also wore the piece during her recent New York Fashion Week jaunt. This lime-green OOTD paired with the bag is the stuff of our sartorial dreams!
3. Pia Wurtzbach
Pia Wurtzbach made quite the statement with her metallic tote, clutching it with a furry one-shoulder top and a super sheer skirt. Truly a burgeoining style icon!
4. Liza Soberano
A big fan of the new classic is Liza Soberano. She was first spotted rocking it on a night-out, where it was the ideal accoutrement to her sparkly beaded top.
The silver bag (which seems to be a popular choice among these fashionable gals) made a second appearance during Liza's trip to the Gucci Ancora exhibition at Paris Fashion Week.
Most recently, it was also the her choice-of-tote when she sat front-row at the Cheetah Rivera show at BYS Fashion Week 2023.
5. Catriona Gray
Catriona Gray made a quirky choice with her Horsebit Chain, opting for a fuzzy neon green iteration. A very welcome pop of color to any OOTD, we say!
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