I’ve been dreaming and writing about bags for so long that I’ve watched different trends come, go, and then come back around. There are specific bags, however, that stay embedded in my memory for various reasons, and one was the Bottega Veneta Cabat. This bag will forever be one of the most meticulous works of handbag art, one of the bags that validated my appreciation for the design of these objects that I love.
History and Process of the Cabat
I remember the first time I learned about the Bottega Veneta Cabat, it was over 15 years ago, and upon hearing more – my love turned into a sincere fascination and appreciation. In fact, for the original size (which is large), the classic Intrecciato Cabat takes two people two days to seamlessly weave the leather strips into the shape. This bag has no inner lining; it’s a fully formed bag crafted from woven leather, which shows inside and out. Stitching, applying handles, and hand finishing the edges takes place on another day, and before all of this, there is the precision work of treating, preparing and cutting the leather itself. The Cabat has always come with a more substantial price tag, but it also comes with the craftsmanship and artistry that commands it.
The original Cabat was a 250-run limited edition bag, with each plated and numbered, and for several years, the bags stopped being a big push for the brand. However, recently the Cabat returned, and this time in three sizes. There is the mini, medium, and large,, and today I am here to fangirl over the mini.
Why this mini bag?
I am in love. In that kind of deep, I can’t stop thinking about the bag, bag love. I have always found myself oddly drawn to the mini trend, with the practical problem of the pint-sized bags not being functional at all. At the very least, I need a bag that will fit my phone, and otherwise, I find it highly problematic to carry a bag that doesn’t fit one of the items I simply do not leave home without.
The Mini Cabat brings the delicate and specific process to a smaller size, with a detachable strap to round it out and make this bag even more usable. There’s also an interior zipped pocket that can be removed as well, and while this seems like a small touch, I feel like it makes this bag that much more of a strong sell for me. The lambskin leather is incredibly smooth, and the color I keep coming back to is what Bottega Veneta calls pistachio. This creamy green will pair with most of your outfits, and we all know Bottega Veneta’s greens are a brand signature. Dimensions are 6″ H x 7.8″ W x 4.7″ D. The strap drop allows for 19.6″.
Shop the Mini Cabat for $4,500 now
14 comments
Definitely a great bag in the original size. I remember when it was the great alternative to Hermès. Sadly, I feel that BV has lost its chic over the past couple of years.
Why because more non YT people are wearing them it’s giving racism and micro aggression
What does that mean??
Who the hell made anything about race?
seriously??? GTFOH
sounds like you’re projecting to be honest. Enough with the race card. Literally nothing of the sort was brought up.
I like the original bag more than this version and not to mention this strap makes the entire look tacky
Same here. Although i love the colors it is available in. I prefer big totes. I find Small totes with an extra strap not proportional in terms of shape and i dont like the way the bag slouch and the way the handles of the bag fall if they are not stiff (like the valentino rockstud tote) when you actually use the crossbody strap.
Great News. The bag still comes in many sizes so everyone can find a size that works! A complete piece of craftsmanship and art!
Nice but BV prices are overpriced Sorry
If it had a zipper, it would be everything!
Way too expensive and not worth it for a small bag. I could get a larger BV cabas in great shape on the pre-loved market for that price (or less). Or order something stylish, made in France, and brand new for less than one-sixth the price: https://www.stephaniecesaire.com/boutique/sacs/noa/noa-cuir-de-veau-tresse-noir/
BV is still hand made in Italy.
All luxury items are way overpriced, it’s the nature of the beast. However, The materials used and tradition of hand-making goods does contribute to the pricing and I think 4500 is not way too much to ask for this product, given the current market.
BV is for the purist. Someone who knows great quality, appreciates the craftmanship and history. With so many styles there is a bv for practcally everyone.
I think, it would look better if the width of the stripes was shorter.
omg $4500!!! jesus christ!! lord allah bhagwaan!!! if it comes with half a pound ob of solid 24 karat gold biscuit inside then I will pay that much money for this bag! It really should be $1800 not a dollar more!!
The shades of green Bottega put out are so darn good.