I do know journalists are speculated to be fully unbiased, however after proudly owning, testing, or no less than touching items from virtually each trend model beneath the solar, I am unable to assist however sway extra towards some than others. For designer purses, there’s one model that I all the time advocate and are available again to, and that is Bottega Veneta.
That is true for a few causes, and it would not simply should do with the truth that the Italian leather-based items home manufactures fairly issues. (Although, that does not damage its trigger.) It is appropriate that Bottega Veneta’s inventive director since 2021, Matthieu Blazy, designs purses that completely align with my tastes, however he is additionally launched packages just like the Certificates of Craft, which permits consumers of sure kinds just like the Jodie, Sardine, and Andiamo baggage to obtain complimentary repairs for all times. Bottega Veneta’s signature Intrecciato weaving approach is one more instance of craft at its most interesting. Plus, a lot of its purses are equal components sensible and aesthetically pleasing, that includes utilitarian separators and inside pockets in addition to multiway straps that do not seem cumbersome or unintentional like so many different purses with these features.
It is for these causes and so many extra that I am out there for my fourth Bottega Veneta bag. I at present personal a small Andiamo and a Sardine, each within the Fondant colorway, and a Barolo-colored Cobble. Since investing in a Bottega bag is hardly a small monetary resolution, I made a decision to place my journalist hat on and do some digging into the model’s latest kinds. I examined out three of probably the most anticipated ones, all of that are from the just-debuted Easy Leather-based collection—the Andiamo, Hop, and Liberta.
Concerning the smooth-leather collection:
The sleek-leather Hop bag at Bottega Veneta’s F/W 24 present.
(Picture credit score: Launchmetrics Highlight)
Launched within the model’s F/W 24 assortment, which debuted in February throughout Milan Style Week, the smooth-leather collection consists of 4 non-intrecciato purses: three signature kinds for Bottega Veneta—the Hop, Andiamo, and Cabat—in addition to a brand new clutch silhouette named the Liberta. In response to the model, Blazy’s resolution to work with {smooth} leather-based for this assortment was impressed by the model’s craft pre-intrecciato, and it was meant to attract consideration towards the form of the luggage. “With the absence of intrecciato, it’s the high quality of the supplies—fastidiously chosen to be as delicate and silky as attainable—and the silhouettes of the equipment that embody the Bottega Veneta DNA,” a press launch states. “[The] {smooth} calf leather-based has an outstandingly {smooth} texture with out seen grain. The fabric is realized with a manufacturing course of referred to as ‘gradual leather-based,’ referencing the prolonged nature of the leather-based’s remedy and a subsequently decreased utilization of water, sodium sulfide, chrome waste, and tanning brokers.”
The sleek-leather Liberta bag at Bottega Veneta’s F/W 24 present.
(Picture credit score: Launchmetrics Highlight)
I spent a day with three of the brand new smooth-leather kinds, discovering out firsthand how useful, simple to type, and compliment-prone they every are. Scroll right down to learn via my findings.
Even earlier than I acquired and started testing out this huge model of the Hop bag, I knew I might adore it, particularly after I learn the evaluations on varied designer retail web sites. “I can match EVERYthing in right here,” wrote one completely satisfied buyer at Nordstrom. “Once I journey, I may even match a pair of booties together with all my different common purse stuff, and the bag is not too heavy. The strap is surprisingly delicate and comfy regardless of how full the bag is.” I personal loads of stylish, structured purses however someway do not possess something sensible that may match all the pieces I would like with out trying frumpy or stuffed, so this specific assessment acquired me excited concerning the prospect of a long-awaited resolution.
I styled the black Hop bag on a really heat Saturday spent strolling across the Higher West Facet working errands, pairing it with a sheer white linen gown from St. Agni, black leather-based flip-flops, and an in-case-of-emergency navy sweater by Navygrey. (You by no means know when the temps will shift, so I prefer to all the time have a knit available.) Shockingly, your entire sweater, which is gigantic, matches within the Hop bag together with a tripod, my facial spray, further SPF, sun shades, a pocket book, and a lot extra. There’s a big zippered pocket on one facet of the bag as effectively, which makes discovering your keys, bank cards, and different necessities hassle-free.
My favourite element of this bag is unquestionably the strap, although. Just like the reviewer talked about, it is so huge and delicate. Irrespective of how a lot you stuff contained in the Hop, it by no means digs into your shoulder, one thing that I’ve struggled with ever since I began working and coming into an workplace every day.
Dimensions:
Top: 24 cm/9.4″
Width: 54 cm/21.3″
Depth: 13 cm/5.1″
Deal with drop: 27 cm/0.6″
Store the intrecciato model.
A number of years in the past, I would not have been in the least fascinated by a clutch, however as I’ve gotten older, the type has grown on me considerably. I can type them with each informal jeans-and-tee ensembles and formal skirts and attire, and that is extra of a match to the way in which that I gown now in my late 20s than my early ones.
This brand-new Bottega Veneta clutch is an ideal instance of this. Known as the Liberta, the oblong envelope-style bag incorporates a curved flap with a braided-leather closure that latches onto a brass hook and is accessible in two sizes, small and medium. (I attempted the medium.) It is simply structured sufficient that it holds its form however remains to be versatile with how a lot you may match inside. Plus, for anybody who is not but into clutches, it has a protracted shoulder strap you could pull out and mess around with to make it work on your wants. You possibly can tie a knot in it to shorten or lengthen it.
I went the extra dressed-up route once I examined out the Liberta bag, styling it with an equally {smooth} leather-based corset high from Khaite, a black column skirt, and stiletto mules for a dinner out at American Lower, a steakhouse in Tribeca. To tie within the {hardware} on the bag, I wore a watch and sun shades, each of that are black and gold. Keep in mind, the little particulars matter.
Dimensions:
Top: 20 cm/7.9″
Width: 30 cm/11.8″
Depth: 8 cm/3.1″
Strap drop: 55 cm/21.7″
Store the small model.
Bottega Veneta
Medium Liberta
Bottega Veneta
Medium Liberta
Bottega Veneta
Medium Liberta
Bottega Veneta
Medium Liberta
I’ve now test-driven each the unique intrecciato model of Bottega Veneta’s giant Andiamo bag and the smooth-leather different, and each instances, I’ve walked away desirous to take the supersized tote residence with me and by no means let it go. Sure, it is giant, however for a journey, weekend, or work bag, it is truthfully good as a result of it matches a lot inside and has a number of pockets—one which’s zippered and two extra which might be open—to maintain all the pieces organized.
My favourite facet of the Andiamo bag is that there are a number of methods to put on it, together with as a crossbody while you pull the rope strap out, as a shoulder bag while you double up the straps, and as an ordinary top-handle bag. It additionally has brass toes on the underside that make it rise up properly, even with its slouchy physique.
I had a lot to do on the day that I test-drove the smooth-leather model in grey, and I paired it with a Tory Burch plaid button-down shirt, white carpenter denims, and leather-based flip-flops. As I went from a piece perform to the workplace to some retailers to verify off errands, I attempted all the other ways to hold it, guaranteeing that every one is as comfy and sensible as my smaller model. Trace: It is.
Dimensions:
Top: 35 cm/13.8″
Width: 42 cm/16.5″
Depth: 18 cm/7.1″
Deal with drop: 9 cm/3.5″
Strap drop: 45 cm/17.7″
Store the intrecciato model.
Bottega Veneta
Giant Andiamo
Bottega Veneta
Giant Andiamo
Bottega Veneta
Giant Andiamo
Bottega Veneta
Giant Andiamo
Store extra investment-worthy Bottega Veneta baggage:
Bottega Veneta
Medium Andiamo
I personal the dimensions smaller of the Andiamo and truthfully could not ask for a greater purse. Not solely does everybody ask about it anytime that I put on it, however it’s additionally really easy to type and matches all the pieces I might ever want after which some. Even so, I do assume that the medium possibility is the chicest of all of the sizes—it is the proper mid-size purse.
Bottega Veneta
Andiamo Clutch
Ana Escalante—certainly one of WWW’s assistant buying editors and the proud proprietor of this bag in white—mentioned, “If you happen to ask anybody within the workplace, they’re going to inform you my designer purse assortment is a bit wild. I will hardly ever purchase issues at full value and brand-new, with most of my baggage coming from being handed down or via secondhand means by way of consignment retailers or curated boutiques. My Andiamo clutch, nevertheless, was one of many solely baggage I’ve purchased instantly, no questions requested. I used to be on the hunt for a creamy, eggshell-colored clutch for a couple of particular events I had arising, and as soon as I discovered the limited-edition colorway was at a close-by airport I used to be flying into, I knew I needed to get it. It is the primary Bottega Veneta bag I’ve invested in, and the craftsmanship and dedication to high quality are unparalleled.”
Bottega Veneta
East-West Andiamo
East-west shapes like this one are rapidly changing into probably the most wished of all of this season’s bag silhouettes, and different high purse manufacturers like Hermès, The Row, Prada, and Loewe are additionally including rectangular kinds to their collections for fall and past.
Bottega Veneta
Bang Bang Vainness Case
All of a sudden, so lots of the chicest purses that celebrities and influencers are carrying are formed like a standard self-importance or make-up case, with Bottega Veneta’s Bang Bang Vainness Case being the popular tackle this development by actress Elle Fanning.
Bottega Veneta
Small Cobble Shoulder Bag
I am the proud proprietor of this actual bag in Barolo, and whereas it isn’t as flashy or noticeable because the Sardine or Andiamo, it is certainly one of my all-time favourite silhouettes that I’m going again to again and again. For starters, I believe it is certainly one of Bottega Veneta’s most sensible purse choices. It has a surprisingly spacious inside that incorporates a zippered pouch for secure retaining and group. The strap, which is huge and really comfy on both your shoulder or as a crossbody, is adjustable, and the flap locks into place with a sculptural gold clasp. Like another bag choices from the model, this one is eligible for the Certificates of Craft, making it a good higher funding.
Bottega Veneta
Giant Parachute
This not too long ago launched form is an up to date model of Bottega Veneta’s archival Parachute bag. It is available in two sizes—giant and small—and a handful of colours, together with this minty intrecciato model. You would not understand it from this picture, however it’s extremely spacious and features a zippered leather-based pouch for added storage.
Bottega Veneta
Mini Jodie
The Mini Jodie has persevered via so many modifications in tendencies, all the time popping out a favourite, particularly among the many trend crowd. It matches a stunning quantity regardless of its tiny measurement, making it the proper bag for going out.
The Hop I attempted out was the a lot bigger model than this intrecciato one, however this alt provides all of the attract of the large one with a lower cost level and a extra sensible measurement. The thick strap is unquestionably this bag’s very best quality as a result of it is tremendous comfortable in your shoulder, even when it is packed filled with stuff.
This bag stays the one designer purse I’ve purchased at full value and new in-store. I used to be touring in Milan and had wished it for months after I noticed it on the runway. I ended at two totally different retailer places, going into certainly one of them twice, earlier than investing. Over a 12 months later, I have never as soon as regretted the choice. Every part concerning the Sardine bag is sculptural and inventive, from the intricate, distinctive nicks on the sardine-shaped metallic high deal with to the slouchy silhouette of the intrecciato base. It is an on the spot dialog starter and has received me numerous compliments.
Bottega Veneta
Patti Prime Deal with Bag
If you happen to like a purse that works for and with you, then the Patti Prime Deal with Bag is the one for you. The flap design is nice for security, that means that nobody can simply attain in and seize any of your belongings, and the removable shoulder strap lets you go hands-free at any time when it’s good to. I notably love this function once I’m touring and wish a sublime, elevated bag for my precise journey that may rapidly turn into sensible for busy airport days. It is also protected with the Certificates of Craft.
For a enjoyable, compliment-worthy going-out bag, you may’t go unsuitable with the Let’s Go east-west type. It is virtually geometric in form and has a protracted sufficient high strap to suit round your shoulder regardless of how chunky your fall sweater is.
