There are bags that garner worldwide adulation for their instantly recognizable silhouettes, like the Hermes Birkin or Chanel 2.55—and then there are those that achieve just as much esteem for their refined, under-the-radar appeal. The latter category is where the Bottega Veneta bag sits, with its central tenets of discretion, quality and craftsmanship earning it the praise of celebrities and socialites alike over the years.
Founded in Vicenza, Italy, in 1966, the label remains true to its founder’s vision of modern luxury with clean lines and timeless shapes. Today, current creative director Matthieu Blazy and his predecessor Daniel Lee continue to uphold the brand’s steadfast values, putting an emphasis on understated elegance and craftsmanship.
When it comes to the brand’s signature intrecciato weave, there are countless ways to sport it this season—from the new Andiamo bag (which literally translates to “let’s go”) to the smaller Jodie style that boasts the same woven top handle and can be worn as a shoulder or crossbody with its thin leather strap. The collection also includes the Pouch, a new style with a gathered construction that’s perfect for layering.
For the shopper on the hunt for a vintage piece, it’s important to know that Bottega Veneta uses Riri brand zippers and often emblazones the logo on the underside of each, whereas most other designers use a generic-branded zip. You can also tell if a bag is authentic by the metal hardware: The newer styles feature a sleek and matte finish, while older ones have an almost tarnished look. bottega veneta bag