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.
