Cover The Gucci Softbit pays reverence to the House’s legacy, reimagining the classic Horsebit motif for new era (Photo: Gucci; stylised with Canva)
The Gucci Softbit pays reverence to the House’s legacy, reimagining the classic Horsebit motif for new era (Photo: Gucci; stylised with Canva)
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With its sleek design and functional form, the Gucci Softbit pays tribute to the House’s legacy, reimagining a classic motif for a modern era
Gucci continues to refine its approach to accessories with the introduction of the Softbit bag, first revealed in late 2024 and brought to life on the runway during the fall-winter 2025 show. In a season marked by oversized shapes and utilitarian updates, the Softbit stands out as both a design statement and a practical everyday companion, offering casual structure, vintage references and everyday ease.
The focus of the design is Gucci’s iconic Horsebit hardware, reworked as a bolder, oversized half-bit detail that doubles as the magnetic closure. Unlike previous bags that employed full Horsebit accents, this updated version is distinctly functional.
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Above The Gucci Softbit as shown in Gucci's pre-autumn 2025 lookbook (Photo: Gucci)
Above The Gucci Softbit as shown in Gucci's pre-autumn 2025 lookbook (Photo: Gucci)
The Gucci Softbit as shown in Gucci's pre-autumn 2025 lookbook (Photo: Gucci)
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The half-bit mechanism reflects the house’s long-standing fascination with equestrian motifs, which traces back to founder Guccio Gucci’s early days as a bellboy at London’s Savoy Hotel, where he first encountered British riding culture. The motif was first applied to the House’ leather accessories by his son, Aldo Gucci.
Crafted from supple, grainy calfskin with a soft, almost buttery texture, the Softbit offers a relaxed, hobo-inspired silhouette. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, with its minimal embellishment, practical interior features and adaptable sizing. Inside, a removable leather pouch provides added organisation. The Medium size comes with a structured top handle, while the oversized Maxi version features double handles for extra flexibility.
See also: The show must go on: The Gucci Fall-Winter 2025 show thrives in beautiful inconsistency
Above The Gucci Softbit as shown in Gucci's pre-autumn 2025 lookbook (Photo: Gucci)
Above The Gucci Softbit as shown in Gucci's pre-autumn 2025 lookbook (Photo: Gucci)
The Gucci Softbit as shown in Gucci's pre-autumn 2025 lookbook (Photo: Gucci)
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Seen on the runway in various forms, including dramatically oversized versions and fur-trimmed options, the bag balances retro Seventies flair with contemporary usability. Its overall tone feels less ornamental than bags from Sabato De Sarno’s previous tenure, with an emphasis on comfort, tactility and everyday wear.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
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Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
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