Gucci announces Do It Yourself handbags

Gucci has announced the launch of their DIY (Do It Yourself) service that will enable customers to personalize selected products. The first phase of this new program was launched on May 25 in Milan at the Gucci flagship store on Montenapoleone. It will be rolled-out globally to other Gucci boutiques in major fashion cities.

The DIY service will eventually be extended to Gucci's Ace sneakers and Princetown shoes, as well as select men's and women's ready to wear pieces, and Gucci's men's made to order program.

The initiative was inspired by creative director Alessandro Michele's philosophy that the way you dress is how you feel, and that men and women should feel authentic and free in the expression of themselves. The DIY service also pays ode to punk culture, which is something Michele has always found fascinating.

Gucci launches DIY initiative

The DIY service for Dionysus bags allows customers to add embroideries, trims, hardware, and monogrammed initials. Customization can be applied to both large and medium sized versions of the bag. The choice of embroideries include animal and plant motifs ranging from butterflies to peonies. The trim selection is offered in materials like crocodile, python, and suede. Monogrammed letters can be embellished with Swarovski crystals.

The Dionysus top handle bag has a bamboo handle, and beyond that feature, the DIY service allows for numerous color variations, materials, and details for both large and medium sizes. For plain models, customers have a choice of four leathers (crocodile, ostrich, python, and "moon" leather) and the color palette includes 18 shades.

There is also a striped model available in "moon" and crocodile leather which is offered in twelve colors. A cotton lining in the House Herbarium print is offered in four colors, and the hardware comes in different finishes.

Although the aim of the DIY initiative is to allow customers to express themselves in their own individual unique way, the materials, detailing, and decoration are meant to evoke Michele's vision. It's a way of customers becoming co-designers with the Gucci creative director.

photo:via Gucci PR