The Gucci Autumn / Winter 2015-16 collection saw the launch of the Dionysus bag. This was Alessandro Michele’s first handbag design after being appointed as the brand’s new Creative Director with one main goal – to build a new creative vision for the brand.
The Gucci Dionysus bag was originally released in GG Supreme Canvas with suede detailing in individual colours and was available in two sizes – Small and Medium. Since then, Gucci has added a Mini version to the Shoulder Bag collection and released Wallet on Chain, Clutch and Top Handle versions.
Special editions of the Dionysus bag are released quite frequently and have featured flower, bee and bird prints, crystal embellishments and even NY Yankees patches.
What’s more, the Gucci Dionysus Bag collection now also includes variations of the GG canvas bag in a range of different materials including full leather, velvet and satin.
Design
With the Dionysus bag, Gucci have somehow managed to take the well-known, yet sometimes tacky-looking GG Supreme Canvas print and transformed it into a versatile bag with an elegant touch. The unmissable silver-toned tiger head on the front of the flap, suede trim edges and silver chain of the bag are all contributing factors to this. (Fun fact: The tiger head is actually a reference to an ancient myth where the Greek god Dionysus crossed the river Tigris on a tiger sent to him by Zeus!)
Given that it is mostly made from canvas, the Gucci Dionysus bag should wear very well. In fact, the GG Supreme Canvas is known for its resistance and durability. That being said, the suede trim edges on the bag could be problematic and may be damaged if wet.
The Dionysus shoulder bag can be worn in multiple ways thanks to the sliding functionality of the chain, though the Medium size, which is actually the largest size in the collection, may be a little too big to be worn as a crossbody comfortably, especially when full.
Interior
Gucci bags tend to also have luxurious interiors, and the Dionysus bag is no exception to this. The interior of the GG Supreme Canvas version is actually a mix of the same canvas and suede, whereas the leather versions are usually cotton linen. The velvet versions have a suede-like finish.
When it comes to the compartments, the Gucci Dionysus mini bag has one main compartment. On the other hand, the Small and Medium interiors are divided into three compartments – two open pockets divided by a zippered pocket. Additionally, all sizes of the shoulder bag have a pocket under the flap.
The only flaw in the design of the Dionysus bag is the lack of exterior pockets. The Medium Dionysus is the only size which features an exterior pocket. This is a slip pocket which can be found at the back of the bag.
Gucci Dionysus Bag Sizes and Dimensions
As previously mentioned, the Gucci Dionysus bag comes in three sizes – Mini, Small and Medium. The dimensions of the three styles can be found in the table below:
Size | Dimensions | Shoulder Strap Drop | Folded Strap Drop |
Dionysus Mini Shoulder Bag | 20 x 15.5 x 5cm | 40 cm | 23 cm |
Dionysus Small Shoulder Bag | 28 x 17 x 9 cm | 38 cm | 22 cm |
Dionysus Medium Shoulder Bag | 30 x 21 x 10 cm | 35 cm | 22 cm |
Gucci Dionysus Bag Retail Price
The Gucci Dionysus bag in GG Supreme Canvas currently retails at the following prices:
Supreme GG Canvas Prices
Style | Price* |
Dionysus Mini Shoulder Bag | €1,290 / £1,160 / $1,690 |
Dionysus Small Shoulder Bag | €1,690 / £1,510 / $2,290 |
Dionysus Medium Shoulder Bag | €1,790 / £1,600 / $2,390 |
These prices actually make the Dionysus bag quite expensive, with special editions of the bag usually costing an additional 11% – 100% of the original price, depending on the materials and embellishments involved.
Also, when comparing the Dionysus Bag dimensions and prices to those of a similar shoulder bag, such as the GG Marmont Matelassé, the difference is actually quite significant and shows that the Dionysus is a pricier bag when considering the fact that it is mostly made from canvas whereas the GG Marmont bag is all leather.
Dionysus Size | Price* | GG Marmont Size | Price* |
Mini – 20 x 15.5 x 5cm | €1,290 / £1,160 / $1,690 | Mini – 22 x 13 x 6cm | €1,390 / £1,240 / $1,790 |
Small – 28 x 17 x 9 cm | €1,690 / £1,510 / $2,290 | Small – 26 x 15 x 7cm | €1,590 / £1,420 / $1,980 |
Medium – 30 x 21 x 10cm | €1,790 / £1,600 / $2,390 | Medium – 31cm x 19cm x 7cm | €1,890 / £1,690 / $2,490 |
Leather Prices
Style | Average Price* |
Dionysus Mini Shoulder Bag | €1,590 / £1,420 / $1,980 |
Dionysus Small Shoulder Bag | €1,980 / £1,790 / $2,650 |
Dionysus Medium Shoulder Bag | N/A |
*Prices are an average and may vary depending on the edition.
Gucci Dionysus Bag Velvet Prices
Style | Average Price* |
Dionysus Mini Shoulder Bag | N/A |
Dionysus Small Shoulder Bag | €1,890 / £1,690 / $2,490 |
Dionysus Medium Shoulder Bag | €2,240 / £1,975 / $2,500 |
*Prices are an average and may vary depending on the edition.
*Last Updated: 29th May 2019.
To sum up, the Dionysus bag is a beautifully designed Gucci piece. The monogram print and silver-toned hardware give the bag a great mix of old and new. It is quite a splurge, but if you are in the market for a versatile yet elegant looking classic bag, then we think it might just be worth it.