This time, though, I think they got it right – the argyle pattern of the Bottega Veneta Argyle Veneta Intrec Argyle Boston Bag works on its own and with the weaving.

The traditional diamond structure of the painted argyle shares some of the diagonal lines of the intrecciato leather without completely mimicking it, which is the key to its success. The rounded edges of the argyle is in contrast to the right angles of the leather, but the two still fit together in a logical and visually pleasing way. From a distance, you don’t notice the woven structure, but it provides a nice surprise when the bag is examined close-up. The bag works on both levels, and it provides a great example for how to mix textures and patterns the right way. Buy through Barneys for $2700.

One of the most amazing aspects of my job is the opportunity to look at handbags in showrooms. It is triple the delight when the bags we are looking at are months away from being available to the general public. If you asked me five years ago what I would be doing today, this would not be on my list. But I am beyond thrilled it is.

Visiting the Bottega Veneta showroom was a highlight of our NYC trip. Just as we arrived in the showroom, we were greeted by a fresh set of Spring 2010 handbags. The bags had only been seen previously on the runway in Milan a week prior. Now it was our turn to examine them closely in all of their glory.

When you look at a Bottega Veneta bag, one of the main aspects that intrigues me (and should be taken into consideration by any buyer) is how exactly the bag was made. Tomas Maier and the Bottega Veneta team continue to go above and beyond when creating their pieces. There is a story behind every item, every color, every technique, and every material. Now if we could have the pleasure of sitting down with Tomas Maier to see into his vision our lives would be complete. We can dream, right?

The Spring 2010 collection from Bottega Veneta centered around cream colored clothing which allows the wearer to play with colorful accessories. That is precisely what the BV bags delivered: lusciously rich hues with the attention to detail that has become synonymous with the brand.

Bottega Veneta developed a techinque for their signature intrecciato weaving to give the leather the characteristic feel and behavior of straw. In fact, one woven-leather intrecciato bag sounded exactly like a straw bag when you squeezed it together. This is yet another way in which Maier manifests his design genius.

The colors on the handbags pop, just as Maier intended for them to do. With a cream colored clothing palette, accessories take creative control of your outfit. Bottega Veneta has infused exotic crocodile skins for spring in deeply saturated jewel toned blue, green, and yellow.

      

With fancy Italian names like Paille Cocco Glace, Yolk Cocco Lave Cabat or Paille Intreccio Nuvolato Maxi Veneta, it is near impossible not to give these creations your full attention. The intense colors, the beautiful crafting and the outstanding quality of the leathers boost our desire for this Bottega S/S line that much more.

As with most things Bottega, beauty comes at a steep price. The classic Veneta (pictured above) will run at around $2,600, while the exotics will set back your back account by a solid 5 figures. However, if your are in the market for high-end fashion accessories, each dollar spent on BV is a dollar well spent.

Click on all photos to enlarge and find the name of each item and price. Inquire with your local BV store or at 877.362.1715 for availability of the pictured items.

      

The bag is relatively simple, an oversized tote with a woven body and double handles. But the love for this handbag runs deep. No one can seem to get enough. There are limited edition Cabats, like the Reflet Cabat we covered, along with classic Cabats that are released in seasonal colors.

The Cabat takes two people two full days to weave the leather by hand. The inside shows no lining, as the very crux of the bag is the beauty of the woven leather inside and out. Then there is another day devoted to stitching, applying handles, and finishing every edge by hand.

Not only are tPFers adoring the Cabat, but so are celebrities. A very loyal Bottega Veneta handbag owner, Reese Witherspoon, was seen at the airport with her black Bottega Veneta Cabat. The entire Bottega Veneta team must love seeing Reese carry their bags. She embodies everything the brand wants their image to be; classic, elegant, timeless. Inquire via Bottega Veneta online and shop Bottega Veneta via Net A Porter.

Until the day that my home is draped in Bottega Veneta leather from head-to-toe comes, I will attempt to focus on the handbags. Ok, I can’t. Did you see this amazing Bottega Veneta Leather Motocross Jacket? Lusciously soft deep purple leather is found on this jacket. The jacket is refined and sophisticated while being totally cool. A versatile leather jacket can be dressed up or dressed down as it truly is an integral part of our wardrobe. There is no one better to turn to for a leather jacket than Bottega Veneta via NAP for $4,650.

One of the main reasons I love BV is because of the timeless appeal. I want to hug the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Shoulder Bag while sporting the jacket. That is how much I am digging this duo. We already told you the history of Intrecciato leather, this truly is a Bottega Veneta staple. The shape and style of this bag will transcend all ages and for all time. Buy via NAP for $2,380.

Do you think my English Manor will be large enough to house my never-ending handbag closet?

Alright, I am trying to contain myself, but it is a bit tricky. See, Bottega Veneta is having one of their amazing trunk shows tomorrow and it is in San Francisco. It’s only a 7 hour drive from San Diego, so I am half tempted to get in my car and head north, like, now! Well, truth be told, I probably can’t attend, but for those of you lucky ones in the San Francisco area, you have got to check out the BV trunk show tomorrow! Here’s everything you need to know:

What: Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2010 Trunk Show

Where: 108 Geary St. San Francisco, CA 94108

When: Saturday, October 24th, 2009 from 11am – 5pm

PS – Are you seeing the bag above?!?!?! GORGEOUS beyond belief! Bring on the new Bottega Veneta bags!

Leave it to Bottega Veneta to do something so intricate and yet still keep their aesthetic so classic and streamlined. They’re playing the sequins trend perfectly with the Bottega Veneta Ebano Paillette Hobo.

And the reason that they’re doing such a good job is that this bag really isn’t covered in sequins at all. Well, technically, I guess they’re sequins. But they’re not the cheapy aluminum foil type – they’re made out of Bottega’s signature butter-soft leather. Isn’t that clever?

The motif is executed perfectly, which is the only reason that it works. It could have easily looked clunky and silly, but the sequins are so small and cut so thin that they look exactly like real thing, except a thousand times as luxurious and restrained. From a distance it’s a chic textured bag, and up close it’s a triumph of well-edited design. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $4200.

As long as Bottega Veneta continues to bring us new Knot Clutches, we will continue to cover them. There is something inherently simple yet completely stunning about these clutches. The box shaped body with rounded edges and the knot closure make this bag easy to spot. The reincarnations of this bag is what keeps us on our toes.

The reason that I like the Bottega Veneta Boudoir Intrecciato Knot Clutch it that it brings volume and dimension to the design.

This knot clutch features intrecciato woven gold tone leather. When I look at this clutch I think of it accenting a red carpet gown, evening ensemble, or being a bride’s wedding day clutch. The inside is lined with mushroom hued suede lining. Not everyone craves a light colored clutch in their collection, but many of us have need for one from time to time. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,400.

If you are looking for the most classic design from Bottega Veneta you need to check out the Bottega Veneta Maxi Veneta Hobo. The Veneta is the house staple, a chic hobo that brings together a simple yet timeless look with buttery soft woven leather. Intrecciato, the technique of weaving the leather, is synonymous with the brand.

The Veneta comes in multiple sizes, with the large size being the Maxi. Dimensions are 22″W X 15″H X 2½”D with a 5″ drop. The bag sticks close to your body while draping perfectly off your shoulder. Nothing about this bag is totally out of the box but everything about this bag is perfect. The braid trim finishes off the bag ideally while the sumptuous suede lining is as divine as the outside leather. Our color choice is Ash, a subtle gray color with some taupe. Also available in Bianco (white), Dark Ebano (deep brown), and Truffle (brown with red tones). Buy through Saks for $2,380.

Looks like Leighton Meester is Bottega Veneta’s latest muse. The stunning beauty continues to wear Bottega Veneta to red carpet events. While we adored her Bottega Veneta Nero Mineral Galuchat Knot she carried to the MTV VMA’s, we are equally as impressed with the luscious hue of red on the Bottega Veneta Soft Crocodile Knot she carried to the 2009 Emmy Awards.

Leighton Meester looked like a Greek Goddess last night, stunning in Bottega Veneta’s Bianco Chiffon Evening Gown which gave a white palette for her to accessorize. Her Bottega Veneta Carminio Crocodile Knot Clutch stole the show.

I have divulged my love for Bottega Veneta extensively in the past and will continue to do so in the future as the house stays true to its roots. This knot clutch is from the Fall/Winter 2007 line, though the Knot is a staple of the house. The price of the crocodile knot is $3,200 through Bottega Veneta.

Image gallery and more info on Leighton Meester’s Emmy ensemble found HERE at Bag that Style.

Last month we spent a day bringing you exclusives from Bottega Veneta. Hands down one of my favorite pieces from that day and ultimate favorite clutches ever is the Bottega Veneta Nero Galuchat Knot.

We covered the black version of this clutch and now we are equally obsessing over the cream version, color is called mineral. After spotting the Bottega Veneta Nero Mineral Galuchat Knot was spotted on Leighton Meester my level of love for this clutch catapulted into a realm that I can not put into words. Leighton’s look for the VMA’s was spot on.

She looked divine in a Christian Cota dress, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, Cathy Waterman jewelry, and this Bottega Veneta knot clutch. In fact, Leighton should not only be on the best dressed list, but was a contender for the best dressed at the MTV Video Music Awards. To view our full review and gallery of Leighton Meester’s Bottega Veneta clutch check out Bag that Style HERE.

Every single aspect of this clutch is perfection. The process to create this clutch is meticulous and time consuming, but it creates a design that captivates anyone who sees it. For a reminder how the clutch is made, here is an excerpt from our first review:

The shell of this Knot clutch is completely covered in Galuchat, the skin of the stingray. Covering the shell of the Knot is particularly delicate and complex because Galuchat skin is not malleable. Bottega Veneta has created a new hammered workmanship for the frame. To do this, the rounded metal is manually worked with specific tools to obtain the hammered effect. Then the profile is further enhanced by a row of faceted studs applied on a small metal sheet, placed between the shell and the frame of the Knot. On the perimeter there are a total of 280 faceted studs. As if that was not ample work, the stingray skin shell is enriched by metal studs which mimic the cut and shape of faceted stones.

Buy Bottega Veneta via Net A Porter.

And did I ever find one. The Bottega Veneta Quilted Briefcase has some of the most gorgeous details of any man bag I’ve ever seen.

On the internet, the zoom-in can be one of the most important tools in evaluating a bag. On a great one, things only get better as you get closer. On a not-so-great one, the opposite is true. And when I zoomed in on this bag, I was blown away by the detail work that went into creating the quilting that covers this bag. But I guess we shouldn’t expect anything less than perfection from Bottega Veneta, right?

Instead of your run-of-the-mill straight stitches that create the quilts, the square size and corner structure is altered ever-so-slightly in order to replicate the idea of BV’s famed intrecciato weave. That small bit of attention to detail totally sells the bag to me and keeps it from looking like the other quilted bags in the market. When you combine that with the super sleek black leather and a briefcase style that’s absolutely timeless, you have one gorgeous bag, no matter your gender. Buy through BlueFly for $2064

Would it be entirely odd if I said I want to stuff this bag with a pillow and then cuddle with it? Bottega Veneta leathers never disappoint. After touching one of their bags you will begin to yearn for leather that supple and soft. And when you do not find it on another bag you will begin to crave BV leathers and dislike the others. This tote is entirely simple. The chain-link and leather straps add a nice touch up top as the wave seams at the bottom break up the rest of the tote. Dimensions are 28″W X 12″H X 8″D. Some may find this boring, but it is just another well-made design from Bottega Veneta that I could look at all day. Buy through Saks for $1950.

We hope you all enjoyed our exclusive Bottega Veneta day on Tuesday! It was the first exclusive day at Purse Blog and we were so thrilled to have collaborated closely with Bottega Veneta. My reviews of the bags were not altered just because we had the chance to review them, I truly loved every bag. There is an appreciation factor that goes along with Bottega Veneta. The craftsmanship and natural beauty is completely alluring.

One of my favorite bags from the Fall/Winter 2009 line that we did not have in person to review is the Bottega Veneta San Marco Bag. Net A Porter has it in taupe right now though it is also available in Lilac. This bag consists of individual strips of leather which are bonded to Karung (snake) and twisted to create the desired effect. It takes 30 meters of these bonded strips to create each bag. All the edges and seams are hidden so that the bottom of the bag looks as beautiful as the top. The San Marco bag takes ample time to create as the process of twisting the strips needs to be done very carefully to achieve the exact desired position. While the price is high, it is indeed worth every penny. Buy the bag through Net A Porter for $3600.

We did not get to discuss the amazing jewelery that Bottega Veneta has for the upcoming season. Each of these pieces is made with silver and shaped to look like jewels. Here are three of our favorites:
- Silver Chandelier Earrings [$470]
- Embellished Hair Comb [$560]
- Silver Ball Pendant [$1,255]

Penelope Cruz: In Cruise 2009/10 Fever Spring Gabardine Jacket [$1,900], Fever Jersey Top [$260], Fever Spring Gabardine Pant [$790], and Fall/Winter 2009 Whiskey Satin Karung Shoes [$860]

Ginnifer Goodwin: In Spring/Summer 2009, Saffron Cotton Silk Organza Dress [$3,900], Multicolor Amber Necklace [$4,750], Tea Intrecciato San Marco Clutch [$1,920], and Tea Cuir Sandal [$950]

Maggie Gyllenhaal: In Fall/Winter 2006, Pepe Flannel Evening Dress with Antique Brass Chain Straps and Belt [$12,500] paired with Metallic Metallic Coassiale Knot [$1,980]

Sandra Oh: In Fall/Winter 2007, Nero Felted Silk Wool Evening Gown [$5,400]

Contact Bottega Veneta for inquiries 877.362.1715 or Bottega Veneta online.

Earlier today we brought you information on how the Bottega Veneta Cabat is constructed. You all adore the Lilac Cabat we featured. I love it too. The Lilac Cabat is simply elegant. Truth is that a different Cabat had my heart all along and finally I have the pleasure of featuring it for you all.

The Bottega Veneta Reflet Cabat makes my heart go pitter-patter. This version is completely enthralling, romantic, whimsical, and ever-so-lovely. I am having withdrawals letting this one go. There is a metallic finish that is applied to the leather and then it is hand buffed with a two-tone color mixture which gives the unique marbleized effect. This bag speaks to you. Each slight movement gives you a new color. Helping the color variations stand out, the woven Nappa leather showcases the metallic finish magnificently.

       

This is one of those bags that I feel speaks for itself. Words do not do justice to the beauty of the color. The curious thing about the metallic treatment of the leather is its direct reaction to the temperature of the incident light that hits it. Cold, indoor studio light will make the leather shimmer in a cooler purplish tone, while warm, afternoon sunlight will have the metallics radiate with hues of bronze and gold. There simply is no ONE tone to this bag, it varies in appearance and changes like a chameleon.

Is there a sophisticated way to beg for this bag? The Reflet Cabat in medium size is limited to 120 pieces worldwide and from what we have seen and heard, it is selling out quickly. Contact your local boutique or call Bottega Veneta to inquire at 877.362.1715. The Cabat will set you back by $5,950.

One of the staples for Bottega Veneta is Intrecciato. Intrecciato is the technique of weaving the leather, which as all of you know is now synonymous with the company. We wanted to find out more information about the history of Intrecciato from Bottega Veneta, how did it become such a large part of the company today? Here is what we were told:

The history of how the intrecciato was created is actually very interesting. The technique was created by Bottega Veneta in the late 1960’s. Historically, the Veneto region specialized in producing ready-to-wear, not accessories. When Bottega Veneta began manufacturing, the sewing machines in the workshops were designed to work with cloth not leather. The artisans had to use super fine leather to get under the needle. The leather they used was then woven into the intrecciato pattern to make the material stronger and more durable for accessories.

Intrecciato is used across most Bottega Veneta categories. Certain lines feature intrecciato as a motif, for example the Murano glassware has an intrecciato pattern hand-etched on the bottom of each piece. The gold chains are hand-braided using a technique that is reminiscent of intrecciato but differs, obviously, because of the nature of the material. And on the china, the pattern is hand painted. The pattern is at the heart of the product but by no means defines or limits what we do.

      

An elongated clutch, the Bottega Veneta Parure Karung is inspired by decorations from haute couture. The beauty of this bag is that it is a clutch, but Bottega Veneta heard the requests from their audience and added a strap to enable comfortable shoulder wearing. It is recommended to wear it over your right shoulder, such that your arm does not cover the beautiful embroidery. As expected, the craftsmanship and attention to detail is superb. The embroidery reminds me of a collection of buttons, scattered across the flap.

The official color is truffle. Now, the amount of time that it has taken Vlad to attempt to adjust the color in Photoshop in entirely unreasonable. Looking at BV Online, the color appears very deep brown, which is inaccurate. The actual brown of the Parure carries slight hues of orange and red. And while I am making this sound so complex, the truffle color from Bottega Veneta really is just an average brown. You must see it in person to grasp the actual color, even though I think our representation is somewhat accurate.

Color aside, the easy/west shape of the clutch works well with taller frames. It is not a dainty clutch but it is still elegant. On the runway, the clutch was paired with beautiful hues of metallic lilac and held in hand. I prefer it as a clutch with a long wrist strap, since small shoulder bags seem to appear too tiny on my 5′10 frame. Measurements are 5.3 x 12.9 x 2.0 inches. Buy through Bottega Veneta for $2400.

Updating the classic Veneta, the Bottega Veneta Tornabuoni Maxi Veneta is named after the technique used to create the dimension on this bag. The effect is created by carefully double twisting individual strips of leather. This technique is seen vertically across the entire bag. The process is time consuming and complex to accurately perfect and position. Bottega Veneta always finds a way to revamp their classic bags to offer a new interpretation that stays true to the original but brings new fresh innovation forward.

    

This bag and process, Tornabuoni, is named for one of the most elegant streets in Florence, Italy. Via Tornabuoni is located in the heart of the fashion district in Florence and dates back to the 14th century. The street and plaza remain the historic and luxury epicenter of the city.

This bag is named perfectly. The weaving technique gives a scaled appearance, which adds dimension. The color, Uluru Red, has garnered attention from the Bottega Veneta crowd already. Uluru Red is an orange-red hue that fluctuates in different lighting with its glazed finish. In order to emphasize the effect, a firmer material is necessary, which is why Bottega prefers a shinier, tougher goatskin versus the supple Nappa leather.

Being a new Veneta interpretation, I basically have nothing to complain about with this bag. Fact is I am more of a Nappa lover. Keeping in mind that Nappa would not yield the desired Tornabuoni effect, I still wish there could be a way to get it done. One can dream.

The dimensions are 9.8 x 21.5 x 1.2 inches. If interested, buy through Bottega Veneta for $3380.

This is not a clutch, it is a piece of art that belongs alongside Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Jewels, locked up in the Tower of London. Everything about it is extraordinary, from the overall design to the craftsmanship and work that goes into making it. And though this is a Knot clutch, which is a classic from Bottega, this rendition is in a league of its own.

     

This stunner is fancily named the Bottega Veneta Nero Galuchat Knot. Up close it is evident that this piece requires excessive amount of work to complete. The shell of this Knot clutch is completely covered in Galuchat, the skin of the stingray. Covering the shell of the Knot is particularly delicate and complex because Galuchat skin is not malleable. Bottega Veneta has created a new hammered workmanship for the frame. To do this, the rounded metal is manually worked with specific tools to obtain the hammered effect. Then the profile is further enhanced by a row of faceted studs applied on a small metal sheet, placed between the shell and the frame of the Knot. On the perimeter there are a total of 280 faceted studs. As if that was not ample work, the stingray skin shell is enriched by metal studs which mimic the cut and shape of faceted stones.

Precious “Stones”

There is an order to the studs/stones on the clutch. The central stud emulates the center of a flower, as 24 faceted metal studs branch out from it. There are 6 are pear shaped stones around the center, which are encircled by 20 faceted metal studs, followed by 6 round cut studs, and finished off with an additional 13 faceted studs. From the center working out, the studs get smaller. Overall there are 154 hand made, hand applied studs on the Galuchat Knot.

This clutch feels royal, yet edgy. There is something Medieval about the clutch and it is such a unique bag that I could not stop staring. It was a favorite among the men here, Vlad and our intern Joe, probably because this clutch speaks to everyone. It is not feminine, yet neither is it masculine. It is a work of art, a piece that you appreciate but it feels and looks hefty, which makes it seem more wearable. The clutch is heavier than many, which is to be expected with all of the metal studs and heavy metal body. Still, it is still one of the most interesting bags I have ever laid my eyes and hands on. Every time I held it or looked at it, the clutch seemed to draw me in more, wowing me with its craftsmanship and beauty. This is truly unlike any bag I have ever seen and Bottega Veneta has outdone themselves. The only problem is how to live up to the sheer brilliance that this clutch holds. I have a feeling they will figure it out though.

The price is $3,800 via Bottega Veneta online or contact Bottega Veneta (877.362.1715) to inquire.