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Exploring Bamboo in Design: Gucci’s Exhibition at San Simpliciano

The Cloisters of San Simpliciano, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, provide a tranquil setting in Milan, featuring historical frescoes and a beautifully designed Italianate garden. From April 8 to 13, this serene locale will host “Gucci | Bamboo Encounters,” an exhibition curated by architect Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli. This event showcases innovative installations, furniture, and various objects inspired by bamboo—a material deeply intertwined with Gucci’s legacy and contemporary design dialogues.

But what makes bamboo so significant?

A key feature of the exhibition is a bronze fountain created by Swedish Chilean artist Anton Alvarez, which captures the essence of flowing water typically found in bamboo jungles.

The connection between Gucci and bamboo dates back to 1947 when the brand first introduced bags with bamboo handles, transforming the design landscape. This clever adaptation arose from the challenges posed by World War II, during which leather was hard to come by. Guccio Gucci’s son noted the potential of bamboo—drawing from his own experience with bamboo walking sticks. The artisans at Gucci began experimenting with this sustainable resource, meticulously bending the stalks and applying lacquer, resulting in a lightweight, resilient, and sophisticated design. This innovative approach attracted high-profile admirers, including icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and later, figures such as Beyoncé and Harry Styles.

While handbags remain the most recognizable products made from bamboo, Gucci has incorporated the material into a diverse array of items, including shoes, canes, and even domestic goods. Laparelli notes, “Bamboo became a code within the brand—a connective thread.” His in-depth exploration of Gucci’s archives revealed the many ways bamboo was utilized, such as in the 1970s domestic objects and Tom Ford’s artistry in creating a metal chain for a handbag. This comprehensive investigation informed their related exhibition, “Bamboo: Decoding an Icon,” which will be displayed in Shanghai until April 20.

Bamboo design elements are also impressively featured in the exhibition, alongside steel and neon, showcasing the adaptability of the material.

During Milan Design Week, Gucci and Laparelli are further exploring bamboo’s relevance, viewing the material’s initial appeal as a substitute for scarce resources through a modern lens. Although today’s designers face different challenges—such as ethical manufacturing and sustainability—the qualities that initially attracted Gucci to bamboo continue to be pertinent today.

Laparelli emphasizes that contemporary design extends beyond creating mere objects; it involves a deeper investigation of materials, supply chains, historical contexts, and narratives. “It’s not really about the outputs per se; it’s about the process,” he states, highlighting the ongoing evolution of design philosophy in the 21st century.

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