If we're all revisiting 2016 – I need to talk about the era-defining Gucci Marmont bag

As we kick off the New Year, you think that we would be looking for fresh fashion perspectives, but this week, there has been a collective shift – everyone seems to be more occupied with memories of 2016 than anything excitingly new.

In the fashion world, 2016 saw a huge change, especially amongst the best designer handbags. This was the year that bags became much more logo-forward, moving away from the minimal, refined logo designs, and maximalism ruled the runways. Instantly recognisable features found themselves in favour, from statement textures to bold hardware, and the Gucci Marmont is a product of this era, and it's one that still reigns as one of the most sound investment bags you can own.

Alessandro Michele launched the Gucci Marmont handbag collection in 2016, almost straight after his 2015 ascent to Creative Director at the fashion house, signalling a shift into a new era of maximalism at Gucci. The Marmont is known for its signature quilted leather texture, softly structured silhouette, and the iconic double G hardware that makes it instantly recognisable. It was a bold move, but over the next decade, it has clearly paid off for the Italian fashion label.

The Marmont shaped a generation in 2016. The logoless era was gone, and instead, a focus on the eclectic ’70s motifs and bold hardware had arrived. The double G detailing was inspired by an archival Gucci belt from the 1970s, which tied perfectly to the bohemian theme of the spring/summer 2016 Gucci collection. The bag collection was also inspired by the iconic Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles, a sanctuary for some of Hollywood's finest, including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.

Alessendro Michele, as Creative Director at Gucci, launched the brand into a new era of romanticism, eccentricity and vintage flair, a change that took Gucci to new heights post 2016.

Although this luxury bag was released a decade ago, it remains as relevant as ever in 2026. With celebrities often seen sporting one of the Marmont's many variations from the Gucci Marmont Camera Bag to the Marmont Maxi Shoulder bag, this 2016 handbag style has certainly not lost its relevance or appeal.

Shop Gucci Marmont

For work or play, this bag has stood the test of time

Not only is its iconic silhouette and design noteworthy, but its everyday flap-over design makes it an investment piece that you'll actually get use out of too.

Freelance Fashion Editor, Antonia Kraskowski, took the plunge in 2016 and never looked back. She advises, "I chose the camera bag in classic black, one of the smallest styles in the collection, as I wanted a bag that was small enough to wear for laid back every day outings without shoulder ache, but that could also work with smart casual outfits too. Its top zip style means that I can fit all of my essentials in with no problem, and ten years on, despite some wear and tear (just like its owner), it’s still one of my favourite bags to reach for."

Later commenting, "While some designer bags age out of fashion, the Gucci Marmont has stayed a staple in my outfits, whether it’s a trip into town for work or a night out. "

An investment style

If you were lucky enough to snap up a Gucci Marmont in 2016, you should know that you've made a wise and worthy investment. The prices a decade ago were around the £1,250 mark for the shoulder bag styles, and now resale prices hover around the thousand mark, depending on the condition. First hand, the medium Marmont bag is now £2,070, showing how much the price has increased.

We spoke with Charlotte Staerck, founder and CEO of The Handbag Clinic, who commented on the resale of this iconic bag style. She advises, "A Gucci Marmont often remains in our top 10 most viewed items on the site. The Marmont Shoulder Bag, the small camera bag style in a Small is by far the most desirable item."

Later saying, "With resale values depending on condition and colour sitting around £760 - £875. These still move very quickly in the pre-loved market with an average selling time of just 48 days. Overall, we have seen a really steady demand for this item."

Celebrities and the Marmont

Gucci has continued to refresh the Marmont line with new colours, silhouettes and subtle design updates that appeal to those who love the initial design. Beyond the seasonal changes, its signature matelasse quilting and interlocking double G have helped the bag endure as a visible symbol of luxury, favoured by fashion lovers, celebrities and everyday wearers. Because of the statement logo, it's almost impossible to get a designer lookalike, too, although there are plenty of luxury bag styles that have more affordable alternatives the Gucci Marmont is a design you can't simply can't recapture.

The Gucci Marmont has been spotted on countless A-listers, confirming its status as one of the most iconic celebrity-loved bag style including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Elle Fanning and Heidi Klum. The bold double G logo design on the Marmont style played a key part in solidifying Gucci's reputation under its creative director, Alessandro Michele.

2016 was packed with pivotal fashion moments, from Topshop skinny jeans to choker necklaces and off-the-shoulder tops. Although not all trends are worth reviving, no matter how nostalgic they are, the Gucci Marmont has never faded from the collective fashion consciousness, remaining an enduring and iconic handbag style that seems to have transcended the ever-changing trends.

Of course, it's tempting to indulge in the latest spring/summer handbag trends 2026, embracing this season's dynamic newness; however, if you're looking for a proven investment piece, consider this your sign – the Gucci Marmont is worth it.

Charlotte Staerck

Charlotte Staerck, is the co-founder and CEO of leading luxury handbag restoration and preowned retailer, The Handbag Clinic. Founded in 2013, the Clinic operates through its flagship store in Chelsea, concessions across Newcastle, York and Colchester, and recently launched in-store concessions in Selfridges and Harrods. Through its integrated offering of ‘Buy, Sell, Restore, Authenticate’ The Handbag Clinic is the only fully circular platform solving the ‘end of life’ issue by adding value back into wardrobes through an ongoing loop of circularity. Built on a 25-year legacy of leather and fabric restoration, its mission is to preserve the past whilst mindfully reinventing for the future; it is a proud gatekeeper for sustainable luxury, ensuring its integrity and circularity for generations to come.

Antonia Kraskowski

With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.