Dakota Johnson’s “Perfect” Handbag Is A Reworked – And Suitably Retro – Gucci Classic

“I’ve always romanticised ’70s fashion,” Dakota Johnson tells British Vogue. “The shapes, lines, colours and patterns. But also the vibe of the people wearing the clothes.” The star’s nostalgic sensibilities are evident in any number of her red-carpet appearances, from the unapologetically retro Gucci suiting she chose to attend South by Southwest last March, to the Old Hollywood splendour of her feathered champagne gown (also Gucci) for Vanity Fair’s post-Oscars party that same month. 

Dakota Johnson stars in Gucci’s new Jackie 1961 campaign, photographed by Glen Luchford. 

Glen Luchford

Who better, then, than Dakota to serve as the face of Gucci’s newest iteration of one of its best-loved bags, the Jackie 1961? The actor takes up the mantle from countless A-list owners that pepper the bag’s 60-plus year history – none more significant, of course, than the die-hard fan for whom the accessory was ultimately renamed: Jacqueline Kennedy. 

Instantly recognisable thanks to its curved half-moon shape and distinctive piston hardware, Gucci’s saddle bag became a firm favourite of the former First Lady’s in the ’70s, and photographs of Jackie flitting around Manhattan with her leather tote in tow swiftly propelled it to icon status.