Whenever a PurseBop writer heads to Paris — for whatever reason — there’s sure to be an assignment for them. Contributor @nerodi1 reports on her visit to Gucci’s new luggage store in the City of Lights.
Visiting Paris last week, our planned sightseeing included Gucci’s brand new (and first ever) stand alone luggage store. After all, shopping is one of the great tourist (and local) activities there! Located at 229 Rue Saint-Honore in Paris, this Gucci luggage boutique just a few blocks down from the flagship store at 2 Rue Saint-Honore.
The gorgeous store is a cozy, two-story 2,900 square foot location. Inside, Gucci elegantly mixes the old and the new. For starters, the boutique features, not surprisingly, the complete range of hallmark Gucci Valigeria travel and weekend bags.
The boutique graciously and seamlessly also spotlights incredible custom luggage luggage such as old fashioned steamer trunks alongside modern Gucci. The brand’s latest creation is “Off the Grid” luggage. Fabricated from regenerated Econyl nylon, it is designed for those mindful of their environmental impact. With a myriad of styles, it is offered in ever-popular black.
According to the Gucci website and CEO Marco Bizzarri, the opening of the boutique represents the “next stage in our ongoing strategy to reinforce our leadership in the travel category.” Gucci has, of course, been at the forefront of sophisticated travel since 1921, when Guccio Gucci opened the first Gucci store in Florence. Among the first items sold were trunks, suitcases, and hat boxes. Fans of the brand will be happy to know that all these items remain on proud display at its newest store. Perhaps even better, many vintage-inspired pieces remain available for custom order.
Arriving at the store around 5:00 pm on a Tuesday, it was as if we stepped back in time to a glamorous old railway station, surrounded by dark wood paneling and brass light fixtures. Our sales associate Laura (an American originally from LA) provided a personalized tour. Immediately we were taken with a stunning decorative mahjong set with crocodile case, retailing at $75,000.
Also on display was Gucci’s new Backgammon line– bags, luggage, and accessories in Fluo and Bicolor Gucci leather, turning the traditional black and white into new vibrant splashes of color. Highlights from the Backgammon line included the embossed duffel bag, the large embossed tote bag, and the solid embossed backpack. The latter of these, according to our sales associate, is one of the store’s best sellers. The store features bags and luggage for both men and women including the stunningly masculine crocodile trim briefcase.
Along with the incredible mahjong set mentioned above, our favorite items in the store were a unique diamond patterned black and white travel set consisting of three valises and a rather large size hat box.
We were also charmed by three Gucci luggage tags sporting the world famous Paris Saint-Honore name in brown or black leather. Who wouldn’t want one (or three) of those?
Not only is Gucci known for its elegance and sophistication, but also its sense of whimsy. And nowhere is this better displayed than by the cheeky luggage sticker set consisting of ten different stickers including this author’s favorite, the Gucci grumpy bear. The sticker set retails at $100 and comes with its own unique carrying case.
All in all, the store is a delightful place to visit. More Gucci luggage stores reportedly are in the works and expected to open in other iconic cities and destinations. No details as to where or when these stores will open has been shared, but we are ready to pack our newly purchased bags as soon as they open!!
Will any of these pieces be on your luggage cart for your next trip? Let us know which.
Love, PurseBop
XO
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Updated: March 11th, 2023
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