Take for example the Gucci Zoo Tote, which is from the children’s collection of bags and luggage. Measuring 29 cm by 20 cm, on a little girl it would be the equivalent of a Neverfull GM, but on you it would be the perfect little lunch bag, or something you can use on weekends while out shopping (or having tea) with the girls.

What’s more, each GG fabric tote comes embroidered with its own little parrot (or is that a parakeet), which just makes it that much more adorable. Priced at SGD730 a pop, it comes in a total of 4 different colour combinations.

Image: Gucci

As big bulky (it does measure 28 cm by 19 cm by 19 cm) as the Gucci Bamboo Leather Holdall is, it isn’t clumsy or awkward. Instead, it’s rather handsome, with its vintage fittings including the old-school clasp lock, the rounded leather tag and of course, the Gucci trademark, the handle that’s made out of bamboo.

Retailing for GBP2910, get it now via Mr Porter who’s offering free international shipping on all orders till 3 October 2011. Or spend the time and trawl through eBay, I’ve seen some truly vintage Gucci briefcases that come with bamboo handles going for a song.

Image: Mr Porter

A fascinating process, you’ll see the artisans working hard on their assigned bags as well as offering the complimentary hand-embossing monogramming service that’s available for Gucci’s bags and SLGs spanning the duration of the exhibition.

Last but not least, here’s a short video of the making of the New Bamboo that will hopefully whet your appetite and pique your interest a little more till you get to the exhibition proper. Open to the public, the artisans will be on hand from 12 noon to 8 at night today, as well as 3 in the afternoon till 7 in the evening tomorrow.

Image & Video: Gucci

YOU SHOULD SEE: Gucci Bamboo

Measuring 26 cm by 28.5 cm, the size is actually pretty decent, except for the fact that it is made for guys and not for the fairer gender. Which makes it really small by most standards, given that guys generally want something bigger and more substantial to lug their stuff around in.

I could be wrong, but I haven’t come across men carrying tiny shoulder bags around town for the longest time. Unless, of course, he is a tourist from mainland China, which will totally explain it since they still are all the rage with men there. Get it online at Mr Porter for around GBP640.

Image: Gucci

Retailing for GBP185/USD255 a pair, it is also refreshingly affordable, though honestly, charging anything more would be a crime. The more important question is perhaps this, given our tropical climate would it be a good idea to be wearing them here in the first place?

I’ll probably wear them for the shortest duration possible on any given day. Or buy it as a novelty, since they are really too gorgeous to resist.

Besides Blue and Black, it also comes in stunning Green, one of my personal favourites of the lot. In Singapore, I hear they are selling really well at SGD350 a pair so do remember to head down soon to Gucci boutiques island wide before they are all sold out.

Images: Gucci

One of the new bags for the season is the Gucci Smilla which comes in three sizes. There is the tote that I’m not feeling and the handbag that I’m not loving, but the smallest of the trio (shown above) is adorable.

A little leather shoulder bag with a detachable chain strap, the flap is adorned with a piece of gold hardware in the shape of a stirrup. Best thing, it comes with its own pair of dangling raccoon fur charms which completes the look.

Not entirely new, but since all things blue are coming back with a vengeance for F/W11, it is always good to keep this gorgeous bag at the back of your mind. Why? Take for example this scenario. You win the big lottery and suddenly want to splurge on something season appropriate. You get the Gucci Large New Bamboo in exotic blue crocodile, of course. Only USD14,900.

At the other end of the spectrum, check out the new Gucci Bamboo Night, the baby of the family (it stretches barely 15 cm across) and touted as the perfect evening bag.

The version in black snakeskin retails for USD1590 and comes with its own gold chain and braided leather bow to complete the look. If snakeskin is not your thing, there is another in gold mini diamante fabric that’s not less stunning. Prices are accurate from Gucci’s US site, but check with your local boutique for availability and prices in your local currency.

Images: Gucci

What I will do is to share what I like from both collections for men and women, starting with the woven holdall tote in supple brown leather. Retailing online for GBP3680 (almost SGD7500) a pop, the tote measures 63 cm across with a panel of woven leather going around the bottom half of it.

Another runway piece, this time in the form of a messenger, is up next. Measuring 38 cm by 34 cm, I love the braided leather strap, which along with the colour and styling gives it an entirely vintage feel. Priced at GBP2320 at Mr Porter, it’s lined with suede on the inside and has an additional zip pocket at the side.

As far as footwear goes, I’m in love with this pared-down loafer which is actually more inspired by gentlemen’s bedroom slippers. Comprised of suede and leather soles, these beautiful shoes are priced at GBP375 a pair.

Now on to the pieces for the ladies. First up, the lattice-detailed leather tote that’s similar in style to her male counterpart. Retailing for GBP3310 (around SGD6720 or so) on Net-A-Porter, the 37 cm by 34 cm taupe leather bag is fully lined in satin.

Another messenger, albeit on a smaller scale for the ladies, is the Gucci Marrakech. Love the braided trim, love the tassels, love the hardware that all evoke that free-loving/retro/vintage vibe. Priced at GBP1310, the bag has an added bonus on the inside: an accordion frame with four different compartments which just means you can organise to your heart’s content.

Last but not least, a pair of heels straight off the runway. The Gucci Malika (GBP750) is part-suede, part-leather with a contrasting gold heel that has sexy glamour written all over it. Saw it coming down the runway, and it’s truly stunning.

Check them out at Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter that ships internationally, or head down to Gucci boutiques locally in Singapore for a closer look.

Images: Bagaholicboy & Gucci

YOU SHOULD SEE: Update – S/S11 Mens Gucci
YOU SHOULD SEE: S/S11 Mens Gucci
YOU SHOULD SEE: The Big 3 Of Milan

Crafted in oatmeal canvas and trimmed with beige leather, this is as ‘vintage’ as you can get with the New Bamboo. My only gripe? Since this is a US only initiative, those living outside of the United States will not be able to purchase the USD2300 bag online. Still, it’s worth checking it, along with the apparel, shoes and accessories from the likes of Burberry, Marc Jacobs and Thakoon.

Image: Net-A-Porter

Besides being available in Black with Gucci’s signature green-red-green on the exterior, it will also be available in pearlised White, with the same trademark trim. On the inside, expect more Gucci, from the Guccissima embossed leather seats to rear brake pads in Gucci green.

First the Aquariva, now the Fiat. What will they think of next? Gucci Gulfstream jets? And before I sign off, here’s a quick poll. If it eventually came to Singapore (and at a price that’s comparable to similar makes in market), who here will get one?

Image: Gucci

Secondly, it seems that Gucci doesn’t want any mere mortals buying their F/W11 bags. Most everything that came down the runway were exorbitant exotics, from python to ostrich, croc (or is it alligator) to lizard. Anymore and it will be like flipping through the pages of Jungle Book. But I jest.

Runway shows are supposed to showcase only the very best the house has to offer, in the most luxuriant of materials. Actual pieces made for production will most likely be watered down (and made more affordable) for the masses.

That, however, wasn’t the second point I wanted to make. It’s actually an observation that these Gucci bags look like those that came out from Loewe a season before. Yes, there are subtle differences (length of handle, hardware detailing and so on), but it is pretty much the same bag. Meet the Loewe Alva, which is currently available in 2 sizes and retailing for between SGD2690 and SGD3650.

And to be really fair, both designers were probably inspired by another bag that was in existence before, so let’s not start the who-copied-whom thing. At the end of the day, it just boils down to which brand you like better, the price and of course, which combination of colours/materials used best suits your personality, and wardrobe.

Last but not least, my 3rd point. Can designers stop doing the Céline Box Bag/Dior 3D rounded-corner-front-flap-little-shoulder-bag thing? Really guys, it is time to move on and flog some other bag type to death. But I have to admit, Gucci’s version ain’t too bad either. Just saying.

Images: Loewe & Style