Bottega Veneta

Brief History of Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta is a luxury Italian fashion brand known for its high-end leather goods and accessories. The company was founded in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy, by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. Initially, the brand focused on producing artisanal leather goods, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.

In the 1970s, the brand became known for its signature intrecciato weave, a technique that involves weaving leather strips together to create a textured, durable fabric. This technique became synonymous with Bottega Veneta and remains a hallmark of the brand to this day.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Bottega Veneta experienced some financial struggles and underwent several ownership changes. However, in 2001, the brand was acquired by the luxury fashion conglomerate Kering (formerly known as PPR) and underwent a major rebranding effort under the creative direction of Tomas Maier.

The Tomas Maier Era and Beyond

Under Maier's leadership, Bottega Veneta expanded beyond leather goods and accessories to include ready-to-wear clothing and footwear. The brand's aesthetic became more streamlined and modern, with an emphasis on simple, elegant designs and high-quality materials.

In 2018, after 17 years at the helm of Bottega Veneta, Maier stepped down as creative director and was replaced by Daniel Lee. Lee has continued the brand's focus on craftsmanship and quality while also bringing a more youthful and edgy aesthetic to the brand. In a surprise split in November 2021, Lee announced he would be departing from the brand and Matthieu Blazy became Bottega's new creative director.

As of 2021, Bottega Veneta had annual revenues of approximately 1.2 billion euros, with a net income of around 197 million euros. The brand has over 300 stores worldwide and is known for its iconic leather goods, including its handbags.

The most important bags in Bottega Veneta's history

1. The Knot: This clutch-style bag was introduced in 2001 and quickly became a signature style for the brand. It features the intrecciato weave and a distinctive knot closure.
2. The Cabat: This tote bag is made entirely of woven leather and has become a symbol of Bottega Veneta's craftsmanship and attention to detail.
3. The Veneta: Introduced in 2005, this hobo-style bag features a slouchy shape and a braided handle. It has become one of the brand's most popular styles.
4. The Roma: This structured, top-handle bag was introduced in 2012 and has become a staple of the brand's handbag collection.
5. The Cassette: This shoulder bag was introduced by Daniel Lee in 2019 and has quickly become one of the brand's most popular styles. It features a chunky chain strap and a distinctive, rectangular shape.
6. The Jodie: It was introduced in the brand's Fall/Winter 2020 collection, shortly after Daniel Lee took over as creative director. The Jodie bag features a slouchy, oversized shape and a knotted leather strap that is reminiscent of the brand's signature knot closure.