GUCCI & BILLIE EILISH COLLABORATE: AN ICONIC BAG DESIGNED TOWARDS THE FUTURE WITH DEMETRA
Milan, October 31, 2023 – Today, Gucci unveils an innovative iteration of its heritage Horsebit 1955 bag, transformed through an asymmetrical aesthetic and brought to life in Demetra—an innovative animal-free material that combines quality, softness, and durability—in collaboration with iconic musical artist Billie Eilish, who is known for her bold advocacy.
This Horsebit 1955 is the first Gucci bag ever to be crafted in Demetra, exemplifying Gucci's forward-looking approach as the House’s traditional tanning craftsmanship supports a transformation towards a more ethical fashion future. Made from 75% plant-derived raw material sources, the animal-free Demetra is the culmination of two years of research and development by Gucci’s own technicians and artisans and has been produced in Italy since 2021 in a Gucci factory.
The collaboration is celebrated in a new campaign of imagery and videos that all feature Billie’s unfiltered, authentic tone of voice. The videos are a series of cinematic moments, woven together in a candid motion piece that feels like an album of Billie’s life and set to her song, “What Was I Made For?”.
As a commitment to bold progress, the new Horsebit 1955 bag aligns with the House’s journey towards embedding circularity in its collections and its strategy for people and planet. To further amplify its commitments, the House has also made a significant donation to Support+Feed, an intersectional nonprofit organization founded in 2020 by Maggie Baird dedicated to combating climate crisis and food insecurity by working toward an equitable, plant-based food system.
CREDITS
Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno
Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola
Photographer: Tyrell Hampton
Director: Marcell Rev
Stylist: Alastair McKimm
Talent: Billie Eilish
Make-up: Emily Cheng
Hair: Ben Mohapi
Music: "What was I made for?" by Billie Eilish
About the Horsebit 1955
The iconic Gucci Horsebit1955 handbag bridges eras through the story it tells and the elegant strength of its design—a testament to the exceptional materials and craftsmanship that have always distinguished the brand. With its unique shape and reconsidered materials, the asymmetrical silhouette crafted in Demetra brings a new perspective to the classic rectangular shoulder bag that has become a legacy piece within the wardrobe. Taking a more holistic approach even further, the renewed Horsebit 1955 bag lining is made of certified cotton,and in one iteration,features certified hemp and ECONYL®, made from regenerated ghost nets, carpets, and pre-consumer waste.
About Demetra
Demetra is a next-generation material in luxury, that unites quality, softness, and durability. Made from 75% plant-derived raw material sources combined with an essential synthetic protective coating long used for Gucci accessories of lasting quality. Traceable and responsibly sourced wood cellulose is the basis of this soft, durable material. Demetra is tanned using industry best practice processes, in general terms, Gucci aims to continually minimize its reliance on fossil inputs, both through Demetra and in its leather processing.
About Gucci Equilibrium
Gucci Equilibrium is our commitment to generate positive change for people and our planet. Powered by creativity and collaboration, we are reducing our environmental impact and protecting nature, while also prioritizing inclusivity and respect, so that everyone in our global #GucciCommunity is free to express their authentic, diverse selves. Building on momentum from our 100th anniversary, we are moving forward into the coming decades with an ongoing commitment to reinforce our culture of purpose, demonstrating our values through innovative pathways towards social and environmental sustainability. Gucci Equilibrium unifies the principles we uphold and the actions we pursue to treat our world and each other better, for our collective future.
For more information visit equilibrium.gucci.com and discover Gucci’s Instagram dedicated to social and environmental sustainability at Instagram.com/GucciEquilibrium.
About Support+Feed
Founded in 2020 by Maggie Baird, mother of Billie Eilish and Finneas, Support+Feed combats the climate crisis and food insecurity by working toward a global shift to an equitable plant-based food system. Driving global demand, acceptance, and accessibility of plant-based food through multiple strategies, the program has delivered nearly 400,000 meals & pantry items through 41 cities globally with a consistent presence in 11 major US cities, and through partnerships in the EU, UK, and Australia.
All high res images can be found here.
Theo Bakana
