Demna: The Jackie is not going anywhere
, by Jiaxin He, 3 min reading time
Gucci Handbags 2026 Spring/Summer: A Fresh Take from Demna
Demna Gvasalia, the visionary designer currently serving as Gucci’s creative director, has been a revolutionary force in the fashion industry. Known for his innovative, boundary-pushing approach and ability to blend streetwear with high luxury, it is hoped that Demna can revitalize Gucci’s aesthetic and improve its popularity among the shoppers today. His recent runway shows are always among the most anticipated events of the year, attracting widespread attention from industry insiders and fans alike, eager to see how Demna would redefine Gucci’s iconic house codes for the upcoming year.
To summarise Demna's Gucci, it combines the old-money sexy luxury of traditional Gucci, the family's rich Italian heritage, Tom Ford era's glamour, and Demna's visionary streetwear.
Today we are here to take a look at the bags of 2026 Spring/Summer by Demna.
The Evolution of the Jackie Bag
One of the most notable updates in this new line is the transformation of the Jackie’s silhouette. From 2020 to 2025, the Jackie maintained a very structured and resilient shape. However, the Demna version softens this rigid profile, favoring a more relaxed, slouchy aesthetic. I personally welcome this change, as it breathes new life into the bag’s design, making it more contemporary and versatile.
This slouchy appeal aligns perfectly with current trends, resonating with the "athleisure" and "luxury-leisure" trends dominating fashion today. The redesigned Jackie not only looks more casual and laid-back but also offers improved functionality as a shoulder bag. The previous, highly structured version was less practical for shoulder carry—its thick, stiff strap often caused the bag to slide off. The new design, with its softer material and refined proportions, enhances comfort and wearability, especially as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
Demna's Gucci - What's New?
Material and Structural Changes
The relaxed feel is achieved through several thoughtful modifications:
- Transitioning from hard leather or patent leather to soft calfskin or canvas.
- A slightly bigger shoulder drop, and more curved top opening of the bag.
- Slightly increasing the bottom-to-top width ratio.
- Narrowing the strap width for a lighter, more comfortable carry.
Interestingly, the crossbody strap, previously a staple, appears to be removed from the current iteration, hinting at a focus on shoulder and handheld styles.
Additional Variations and New Releases
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Maxi Crossbody Jackie
We’ve previously seen a leather version, but the upcoming Maxi crossbody will likely appeal to a broader audience, especially male shoppers seeking larger, more practical bags.
2. The Short Jackie
A trend among many brands is the introduction of shorter or "East-West" versions of beloved models, a quick win (cheat) of new design without much innovation. See Lady Dior vs Dior D-Joy, Chanel Classic Flap vs Chanel East West, Hermes Birkin vs Shoulder Birkin etc etc. Gucci is no exception with the new Short Jackie, adding a compact option.
3. Exotic Leather Accents
Exotic leathers are making a strong statement. Snake skin, lizard skin, crocodile, and crocodile-embossed leather are now featured, offering an alluring and luxurious appeal while catering to animal-friendly options.
4. Ancora Red is Here to Stay
Red continues to dominate Gucci’s runway. The 2025 Jackie in Ancora Red remains a powerful, eye-catching choice, reinforcing its ongoing relevance.
Vintage Inspirations and Future Outlook
The Demna release hints at a closer alignment with vintage Jackie styles, characterized by softer shapes and more relaxed profiles. We’ve compiled some vintage versions for comparison—you might find your wallet thanking you later!
The Enduring Charm of Gucci’s Classics
Beyond the Jackie, Demna’s design focus continues with Gucci’s Bamboo 1947 bag, which appears unchanged and still exudes perfection in my opinion.
