Paola di Liegi with Vintage Gucci Bamboo Bag, 1964
Great brands are able to carve out a special place in the market and create iconic images, products, and memories. Gucci created just such an icon with their signature bamboo handle bags that started in 1947, making a splash with Hollywood celebrities, royalty, and women of wealth and remaining popular today. The bamboo motif has expanded into many areas of the brand, including jewelry, watches, shoes, and now into their line of fragrances.
It is important to keep in mindthat Gucci’s intention for this scent was not the literal smell of bamboo or wood, but rather to draw inspiration from the traits of the bamboo plant and how those traits are shared by the Gucci woman. Strong yet flexible, adaptable and able thrive in challenging environments, gracefully standing tall above the rest, feminine but confident in her power.
Our Editor in Chief with Perfumer Frank Voelkl October 21, 2014
Gucci Bamboo was crafted by the skillful hands of senior perfumer Frank Voelkl of Firmenich, well known for his work on numerous mainstream, niche (Le Labo) , and celebrity scents. He is able to take these amazing traits and blend them into a scent that is a beautiful piece of olfactory art yet is easily accessible to all.
Miss Lily in Black and White by Beth Ackerman
Bamboo has an invigorating start, opening with a burst of bergamot that is vitalizing but fleeting. It then delves into a beautiful blend of fresh green notes beneath a bouquet of white flowers. Orange Blossom, Casa Blanca Lily, and Ylang Ylang intermingle, the combination is almost reminiscent of gardenia at times. A sweet dewy effect is created, conjuring a cool spring morning sitting in a garden bursting with blooms after nourishing night’s rain. The florals deepen and mature, moving from heady to creamy and comforting. Precious woody notes give strength and support from beneath the florals. These enticing woody accords are one of Mr. Voelkl signatures, and he excels at creating them. The vanilla complements the sandalwood, enhancing the warm woody scent before blending with a clean amber note for a gentle, slightly powdery finish left to linger on the skin.
Stairway Through Bamboo Grove Above Adashino Nembutsu-Ji Temple
Gucci Bamboo is full of contradictions made harmonious. Gucci Bamboo embraces the feminine, but should not be ignored by men. Forget the marketing, Bamboo will wear beautifully on a man and makes for a great scent for summer. The sillage is well balanced, creating a pleasing aura around you without being intrusive to others. Longevity is slightly below average for an eau de parfum, but easily remedied by a quick reapply mid-day or leaves you the option to change scents for the night.
Gucci Bamboo retails for 30 ml for $70, 50 ml for $92, or 75 ml for $115. It comes in a beautifully designed faceted glass bottle with the iconic Gucci bamboo segment in silver for the cap.
Gal Gadot
The face for the perfume campaign is actress Gal Gadot, who will be playing the role of Wonder Woman the in 2016 Barman vs Superman movie. The listed notes are Italian Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Casa Blanca Lily, Ylang Ylang Extra from Comoros, Sandalwood, Tahitian Vanilla, and grey Amber.
Michael Singels, Contributor
Disclosure: Sample of Gucci Bamboo edp provided by the friendly staff at Sephora.