Bottega Veneta is one of very few handbag brands that deserves all of the praise it continuously receives. Bottega Veneta is known for classic, incredibly well-made bags that are understated but elegant. And while Bottega Veneta continues to introduce new designs that feel both updated and luxe, they still have a timeless quality to them that allows them to remain relevant for years to come. That’s exactly the feeling I got when reviewing bags from Bottega Veneta’s Fall 2018 collection. Bottega’s newest bags are incredibly well-crafted, and though my two favorites from the collection feel modern and updated, they make use of Bottega’s classic materials and techniques, like beautiful, supple nappa leather woven in BV’s traditional intrecciato pattern and extravagantly exotic skins.
My favorite style from the Fall 2018 collection by far is the newly-introduced Tambura bag. The name is inspired by its drum-like shape, and though the shape of the bag is similar to a bucket bag, the look is slightly different than a classic bucket bag, which I really like. The overall size and shape of this bag is relatively compact and it’s easy to carry. It makes for the perfect everyday bag because it’s super roomy inside. I easily carried all of my daily essentials plus some extras like a snack and a small Fiji water bottle. Additionally, I love the option of carrying this via the two top handles, or tossing it over your shoulder with the shoulder strap, which, though not adjustable, is completely removable.
Made from a gorgeous and incredibly exotic crocodile skin, this bag is truly breathtaking. It is beautifully constructed, and like all of the other BV bags we’ve previously shot, the incredible attention to detail is what makes this bag all the more stunning. I adore the large, exaggerated zippers, and the long leather strap down the front of the bag that hooks closed. I personally do not own any Bottega bags—yet—but Megs has a collection of them (of course!) and I imagine this bag will age just as beautifully as her other bags have. The Tambura bag has a flat base and though this makes the bottom of the bag very structured, the rest of the bag is not. The shape does tend to droop a bit if the bag is not super full. Inside, the bag is lined in suede and has an interior zippered pocket as well as an interior slit pocket. Overall dimensions are 7.6″ L x 11.8″ W x 8″ D, and it is available for $23,800 via Bottega Veneta stores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-845-6790, and if croc is not your thing you can snag it in intrecciato leather for $2,550 via Bottega Veneta.
Another one of my favorites from Bottega Veneta for Fall is a bit on the funkier side, and that is the Palio Fringe Messenger Bag. This playful messenger bag is an updated version of the Palio bag from a previous collection, and the fringed intrecciato leather adds a fun take on Bottega’s typically more traditional bags. This bag definitely caught my attention, though I’m not sure this is a shape that I would personally like to own. Incredibly well crafted, the Palio messenger bag is another perfect example of Bottega Veneta’s attention to detail and even more incredibly talented artisans. Made from nappa leather and lined in suede this bag features an interior zippered pocket as well as one slit pocket. Finished with an exaggerated zipper and a double shoulder strap, which is unfortunately not adjustable, this stunning bag is truly unique. Overall dimensions of the Palio Fringe Messenger Bag are 9.8″ L x 14.5″ W x 2.7″ D, and it is available for $3,180 via Bottega Veneta.
Shot at the Williamsburg Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Bottega Veneta makes great bag.
That’s really cute! Classic but still cute and fun. I hate straps that attach to behind the handles though. They always seem to hang awkwardly.
Love the bag designs but not sure why the leather looks so plastic?
That was my first though, too! And I was doubly disappointed when I saw that it was Bottega. I think it has to do with the color. This weird, yellow-toned brown is a color I associate with faux leather, so that might be it. If this was in a beautiful burgundy or deep green, we might all be feeling differently.
It could also be that it is a sample – and samples sometimes are a bit different from what’s in store.
I’ve received full croc samples before but I’ve also had brands send croc-stamped leather but didn’t tell me that until later when I asked. Either way, samples aren’t always exactly what you see in production and especially when it comes to BV I wouldn’t imagine the croc to be anything other than really beautiful in person!
Completely agree!
Not sure about the second one
first they used to use poor quality hardware but even the leather looks plasticky
Uhm…
Hmmm….I’m a big BV fan but say NO to a 23k bag in an odd orange color (bad spray tan comes to mind) with a strap that’s not adjustable. Also the handles look…mehhh, not really striking. BV could have done better. Sad to say, I saw more appealing bags earlier this year in Florence from BV imitator/competitor Jennifer Tattanelli.
Went from boring to boring and tacky.
agree
From the photo I assumed the croc was embossed rather than exotic and I agree about the color. Also I really don’t get what those extra hardware loops under the handles are doing there, or why that extra long skinny tongue is needed to secure a slit pocket. A mess IMO. The fringe bag reminds me of Cher in the ’70s.
In short, perhaps “contemporary” since nearly all of the high end brands seem to be going for tacky. But not, not, not “modern”.
I love this bag design, which works well with a dress or even more jeans and a t-shirt, very nice.
https://cubbypot.com/collections/purses-and-wallets/products/simple-short-tassel-purse-for-coin-and-card
I tried this on, and it looks odd in person. The round part on the bottom is structured, while the rest of the bag is not. So you have this big round thing popping out from your hip while the rest of the bag is sort of dowdy. Wasn’t a great look.
Thanks for your comment! In the end that’s the most important thing. The bag should look and feel great when you’re wearing/carrying it. Some bags out there look like they were made only for display shots on Instagram and Pinterest and for a shelf in some celebrity’s bag closet.
I think BV should make functionality their top priority. If they made a perfect work bag, I’d have bought in a heartbeat.
I absolutely love the BV handbag range this season. Shame about the price tags :/ I shall venture into the secondhand bag market once the dust settles, and these new bags become ‘so last season’ 🙂