Cover Sarah Lahbati- Gutierrez with the Gucci Bamboo 1947 Jumbo GG mini bag (Photo by Artu Nepomuceno)

Sarah Lahbati-Gutierrez discusses her penchant for classic and statement-making looks while wearing the Gucci Bamboo 1947

Actor, world traveller and devoted mum Sarah Lahbati-Gutierrez is no stranger to inspiring headlines for her gorgeous style, especially as many have observed it evolve in the last decade or so. While she remains the type to take on bold, experimental pieces with ease, her “off-duty” looks reveal the rudiments of her taste as comfy, practical and striking, which are all apparent in both her casual and elevated ensembles.

“My personal style leans towards classic and cool,” Lahbati-Gutierrez declares. “Having two boys means constantly running around and needing to be comfortable. I love timeless pieces I can re-wear throughout the years but also don’t mind mixing in fun accessories or a pop of colour into my outfits.”

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Above Lahbati-Gutierrez with the Gucci Bamboo 1947 small top handle bag in brown cuir leather (Photo by Artu Nepomuceno)

Avowedly inspired by art, travelling and even people-watching, her style always weaves functionality and creativity together. She traces this and her love for fashion back to her childhood days, when she would once play around her mum’s closet and borrow her beautiful clothes. “Throughout the years, I’ve really learnt that you can’t go wrong with classic pieces. I’ve learnt that the hard way looking back at photos—you live and learn,” she remarks with a laugh. She adds, “My style definitely changed after becoming a mum. For example, before, I would buy all these insanely tall and uncomfortable heels that I don’t appreciate now. I now know better when it comes to investing in shoes or purses.”

Accessories become another vehicle of self-expression for Lahbati-Gutierrez, as she never shies away from making a statement with her choice of embellishments. She adds that accessorising is all about having a staple look or item to be remembered by, whether it’s a dazzling piece of jewellery or one’s iconic red lipstick. Among this vast pool of options, bags stand out as functional yet fashionable staples for busy, modern women like Lahbati-Gutierrez.

One that has captured her heart, just as it has for so many others, is the Gucci Bamboo 1947, whose handcrafted nature makes each iteration unique. Perhaps more popularly known as the Bamboo Bag, the iconic piece has always been distinguished by its curved bamboo handle, juxtaposed against the leather body to evoke an instantly eye-catching look.

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Above Gucci Bamboo 1947 in top handle leather (Photo by Artu Nepomuceno)
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Above The ‘Bamboo Bag’ in blue leather is an instant pop of colour (Photo by Artu Nepomuceno)

The introduction of the piece in 1947 propelled Gucci into an expansion of its artisanal expertise and craftsmanship, evinced in the meticulous process behind the bamboo handle and in how not a single one is ever totally alike. Fast forward to today, this impeccable design remains at the heart of Gucci’s signature bag collection, serving as a constant reminder of how profoundly they understand and accentuate the individuality of contemporary women.

Presented in different combinations for a range of moods, the Bamboo 1947 comes in a variety of sizes, materials and colour palettes. Over time, it has also become a fixture in the wardrobes of the silver screen’s leading ladies and the international jet set, much like Lahbati-Gutierrez herself. As the current iteration features interchangeable straps to augment the design’s functionality, the handbag is a versatile addition to her everyday regalia, no matter the occasion.

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Above The Gucci Bamboo 1947 python mini bag is a versatile addition to Lahbati- Gutierrez’s looks (Photo by Artu Nepomuceno)
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Above Gucci Bamboo 1947 crocodile mini bag in lilac crocodile (Photo by Artu Nepomuceno)

“I think what I admire most about Gucci is how they worked so hard to build a name, a brand and history. I respect their dynamism, creativity and artistic aesthetic throughout the years,” Lahbati- Gutierrez adds. “A product is timeless when you can use it almost every day and it can still be something you hand over to the next generation, just like Gucci’s Bamboo Bag.”

Donning the Bamboo 1947, the actress embodies how this single accessory effortlessly commands attention and admiration. Underscored by the quality craftsmanship behind each make, Gucci’s iconic creation continues to solidify its status as a staple accessory for every woman who wishes to express herself boldly, transcend trends and embrace a timeless style symbol.

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Credits

Photography: Artu Nepomuceno
Styling: Steven Coralde of Qurator Studio
Make-Up: Jelly Eugenio
Hair: Paul Nebres
Location: Eluria Showroom
Production: Isabel Francisco
Mac Fabella
Contributing Writer, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.