An embarrassing question from someone who…

[CoachCruiser]

…ought to know better (?).
What is that leather strappy thing around the handle of this bag called? I see it everywhere. What is its purpose? Are you supposed to leave it on while carrying it? Thanks for explaining

 

[maris.crane]

Resistance band?

I think they're supposed to keep the bamboos handles from expanding / splitting in humidity. These are defs decorative and preventative IMHO in that they are contrasting and have the brand logo.

I think paper_tiger (sp?) would be a good one to opine!

 

[jennlt]

I was just going to suggest @papertiger would be the right person to ask but you beat me to it!

 

[lenarmc]

I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s to keep the bamboo from warping/getting misshapen. There’s an article about this on PurseBlog.

 

[CoachCruiser]

Thank you for your helpful responses! That makes sense for bamboo…but I’ve seen it on some leather handles, too. Maybe it is becoming even more of an aesthetic thing because I’ve seen some beautiful ones…
I’ll definitely check out the purseblog article!
Thanks again!

 

[papertiger]

Thank you for your helpful responses! That makes sense for bamboo…but I’ve seen it on some leather handles, too. Maybe it is becoming even more of an aesthetic thing because I’ve seen some beautiful ones…
I’ll definitely check out the purseblog article!
Thanks again!

Bamboo always wants to grow or re-go straight. Even though the dried bamboo is cut and then bent over heat, in newer bags the bamboo still could straighten.

Gucci first used twine to bind them in a figure of 8 before they were sold.

Later they had plastic strappings or braces that popped into place (some of us still have these).

Then Gucci made a feature of the straps and made them in leather and stuck 'Gucci' on the front. I doubt if these are strong enough to stop the bamboo from wanting to (re)straighten.

The single handle BTH made in the 1960s, '90s and BTH 1947 (recent) have metal attachments that help keep the bamboo handle bent to shape. The New BTH ('00s) all the Dianas could move, but as I wrote above it is highly doubtful the leather straps would be strong enough if the environment was extremely humid and the bamboo wanted to 'move'.

So basically, yer ornamental.

You can buy spare straps too. They come in pairs, and you need to buy the right size.

 

[CoachCruiser]

Bamboo always wants to grow or re-go straight. Even though the dried bamboo is cut and then bent over heat, in newer bags the bamboo still could straighten.

Gucci first used twine to bind them in a figure of 8 before they were sold.

Later they had plastic strappings or braces that popped into place (some of us still have these).

Then Gucci made a feature of the straps and made them in leather and stuck 'Gucci' on the front. I doubt if these are strong enough to stop the bamboo from wanting to (re)straighten.

The single handle BTH made in the 1960s, '90s and BTH 1947 (recent) have metal attachments that help keep the bamboo handle bent to shape. The New BTH ('00s) all the Dianas could move, but as I wrote above it is highly doubtful the leather straps would be strong enough if the environment was extremely humid and the bamboo wanted to 'move'.

So basically, yer ornamental.

You can buy spare straps too. They come in pairs, and you need to buy the right size.

Damn, you are good.
Thank you!!!

 

[Msdanger]

@papertiger I am trying to find replacement straps but Gucci says they do not sell. Can you tell me where you’ve seen them for sale? I’ve been searching all over and can’t find anything!! 🙏🏻

 

[papertiger]

@papertiger I am trying to find replacement straps but Gucci says they do not sell. Can you tell me where you’ve seen them for sale? I’ve been searching all over and can’t find anything!! 🙏🏻

Gucci do sell straps, such as here but no bot to specific bags

Lots of straps on Ebay etc