EXCLUSIVE: Clara Paget Dishes On Being Gucci’s New Muse In ‘I Bamboo You’ Film

One of the original 'It' bags, Gucci's bamboo tote with Elizabeth Taylor's favourite back in 1947 and has A-list fans today in Beyonce and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Now Clara Paget, Brit model and BFF to Cara Delevingne, is swinging it in Gucci's brand new short film, 'I Bamboo You'. The luxury Italian brand have treated us to an exclusive first look at the film, which you can watch above. It's proof that the bag is as timeless in 2013 as it was 60 years ago.

'One of my favourite Gucci pieces is a mini version of the classic New Bamboo handbag,' Clara told us of the iconic design. 'The bamboo handle is definitely a signature style for Gucci and displays its dedication to its history and craftmanship. I also have massive nostalgic love for their '90s inspired sports wear silk jackets that pop up in varies seasons. I love that they update the use of the silk scarf prints in this modern way.'

Can you believe the legendary Bamboo bag first made its debut way back in 1947? Gucci’s Florentine artisans invented a creative solution to war-time rationing of materials and employed bamboo cane, which could still be imported from Japan, as a handbag handle by heating the material and bending it into a semi-circle. Et voila!

Taking its cue from the curves of a horse’s saddle, the structured, ladylike shape gained recognition as a triumph of Florentine workmanship and quickly transcended time with its undeniably polished glamour. While the original was a pebbled pigskin bag, during the '50s and '60s countless variations went into production and graced the hands of royalty and silver screen sirens.

Speaking of which, Clara is just the latest in a line of strong, powerful women snapped up to work with Gucci (Beyonce headlining Chime for Change, anyone?) so who is it that inspires her? 'A woman I find very inspiring personally is Patti Smith, a true artist; poet, singer, writer, shaman rock star! I think she's wonderful.'

As well as posing up a storm, she's making moves in the acting world too, just like Cara. We'll see her next in Black Sails, an eight-part pirate drama series. Written as a prequel to iand set in the 1750s at the height of the 'Golden Age of Piracy', the blonde Brit plays historical pirate Anne Bonny, one the rarer female pirates of the time. The first season is set to air in January 2014 so watch this space.

To see Bamboo bag's celebrity pals, check out the gallery below and get a slice of Gucci chic for yourself fromgucci.com.