The Style Evolution of Bottega Veneta Bags
by Central HULA on May 09, 2023
Sometimes the best things are left unsaid. No brand has ever taken that statement more seriously than the Italian brand Bottega Veneta. The visual language of the handbags transcended the need to flash brand logos or tacky collaborations and instead carved its own path in the designer world.
Bottega Veneta's humble beginnings began in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro as a mere leather goods company. Eventually, in the 70s and 80s, it grew to have a decent following for its refreshing logo-less accessories, with the likes of Andy Warhol and Jackie Kennedy wearing the brand.
In the 90s, it was bought by the Gucci group, which revived the brand under the creative director Tomas Maier. He returned the brand to its roots of sophistication and artisanal quirks to create the powerhouse that made many iconic handbags.
The Intrecciato Weave
The brand's signature intrecciato weave has made the Bottega bags easily identifiable in a room full of other designer bags. The iconic design stems from the limitations of the machinery of the time. In the Veneto region where Bottega began, workshops were known to produce clothing, not leather goods. Due to this, sewing machines weren’t strong enough to make the robust leather needed for a bag or shoe. The solution was to weave the long leather strips into pieces that stayed beautiful but strong.
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Classic Bottega Styles
Tomas Maier created the CABAT in 2002, which fully embraced the intrecciato weave by having an unlined, open-topped tote. It’s the perfect everyday-style bag that can fit any day; not only is it prized by collectors for being elegant, but it also got a removable interior where you can hold valuables.
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Check out the Veneta bag if you want a closed-top version. It is a seamless, rounded bag that can loop around the shoulder with a zipped closure. It is fully lined with multiple pockets, making it a practical bag for a night out in the town!
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| Brown Intrecciato leather tote bag with knot closure | Off white leather/canvas intrecciato 2 way travel bag |
The Knot clutch is ‘the’ iconic evening bag. A 70s Bottega box clutch inspired this bag but instead included luxury fabrics and a signature looped knot closure. Its hinged opening can fit your phone, lipstick and more!
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| Grey Snakeskin and Brown Leather Knot Clutch | Yellow Python Trim Satin Knot Clutch |
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The New Bottega
In 2018 Daniel Lee was appointed to be the creative director of Bottega Veneta at the mere age of 32. Lee took the beloved intrecciato design and created a ‘Maxi’ weave that perfectly incorporated trends while still following tradition.
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| Linda Tol and Chloé Harrouche | Leonie Hanne |
One use of this ‘Maxi’ weave is the Cassette crossbody bag with either double-faced leather or a tactile pad. The popularity helped it expand the Cassette’s colours and sizes, eventually leading to the Maxi Cabat tote. The Pouch is a whole other creation. With swatches of silky leather in a rather large clutch, the design is finished with a simple magnetic fastening at the top.
With Lee’s creative directing, Bottega Veneta has grown to encapsulate the beauty of simplicity for a new age of Bottega wearers.
Luxury goods have become synonymous with good quality, which promises longevity. These items are built to last and can be staples in your closet forever. With the fashion industry being one of the worst contributors to carbon emissions, buying second-hand luxury goods has become more sustainable than disposable fashion. You can make an investment that appreciates not only by investing in your favorite brands but also in statement pieces. If you are considering investing long-term, check out Hula’s recent drop of these classic Bottega designs HERE!
