Bottega Veneta has been on an upward trajectory since the brand cleaned House back in 2018, bringing on new talent as parent company Kering aimed to modernize. Ever since, the storied Italian brand has been at the forefront of trends, and it’s arguable that when we look back at the 2020s, it will have been the decade of Bottega Veneta.
From cult favorite items like the Tire Boot, the Pouch, The Puddle Boot and the Jodie to an entire color trend inspired in large part by Bottega Green, the brand has contributed to many of today’s current trends.
Really Into…Rubber?
For the brand’s latest trick, the design team at Bottega Veneta has taken some of its most popular silhouettes and, well…rubberized them.
First introduced in 2019, one of the departed Daniel Lee’s first designs for the House, the Arco tote, gets the rubber treatment this season as part of BV’s Salon 03 bags. It bears the exact same shape as the original, only it is crafted entirely of rubber. There are two sizes available Mini and Medium, retailing for a mere $990 and $1,550. This seems like a very chic, albeit very pricey bag to take to the pool or the beach, and the pool or the beach only IMHO. The only logical explanation for a designer bag made of rubber is if there is water involved.
Then, for those of you who are prone to jumping in a pool or a fountain after one too many margaritas, or if you’ve simply had your purses spilled on by your children one too many times, there’s the latest version of the incredibly pricey but still incredibly lust-worthy Padded Jodie. Made entirely of rubber as well, the Padded Jodie in rubber is slightly, and I mean slightly, more affordable than it’s big sis, retailing for $3,330. I’m not sure if this last one is a treat or a trick because, to be honest, when I first saw the price, I got butterflies in my stomach thinking the bag had gone down in price…wishful thinking.
Sorry but I see absolutely zero appeal in purchasing a rubber bag at this price point, or even a much lower price point! No thanks!
Kind of fun for the beach and rainy days but it should be 200 not 2000
I love the design and aesthetic vibe of the padded Jodie. However, I don’t understand why it’s made of rubber and priced at $3,300? Isn’t rubber one of the cheapest manmade materials? What’s the appeal besides being waterproof? Is it more malleable and thus able to create more intricate designs? Is it more durable than leather, etc.? 🤷♀️
i imagine the person who designed this has a 3 year old boy in her life and she is tired of going out in public with him every day carrying a nylon diaper bag.
Hilarious! 😂
I think it’s the same discussion as with canvas or pvc. Lots of people first say they won’t pay thousands for a pvc bag. The right Chanel bag comes along they can’t live without it.
Price quality relations can be brought up against many bags – rubber has been super popular and especially for bottega, and I could see it be more durable than canvas for sure, if well done perhaps more durable than leather ?
I think it will be hot and not only for the pool!
Great choices for days at the pool/beach or for carrying your stuff in style in rainy weather!
I think when it comes to the luxury market, you can’t equate price with the quality of materials. You are also paying for a label. You are paying for workmanship. You are paying for the design. You are paying for the recognizability of the design. For some people, the lesser materials make a brand affordable for them. And, of course, there are people who want to put the message out there that they are wealthy enough to spend $1500 for a beach bag.