Bottega Veneta

This or That: Bottega Veneta Envelope Clutch or The Pouch

There's a new BV it-clutch in town, but which would you rather?

The seemingly overnight success of Daniel Lee’s work for Bottega Veneta is one that simply cannot be ignored. It often takes a designer a few seasons to find their footing and get into a groove when they take over a post as creative director, but Lee has adapted to the role incredibly well. All the while he has developed a set of loyal followers and his bags are highly coveted.

The Pouch blew up almost immediately upon its release and even Bottega Veneta couldn’t have prepared for its popularity, as when the bag first debuted it sold out online almost everywhere. Now, the bag is available in a myriad of colors and sizes (check out our Bottega Veneta The Pouch Ultimate Bag Guide), and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

For Spring 2020, the brand introduced new versions of its cherished soft-sided clutch, allowing The Pouch to appeal to a broader audience. However there was another clutch that also appeared on the the runway as well, and we took notice when models cradled a more angular pouch-like bag.

The Envelope Clutch was introduced for Spring 2020, and though it’s lesser known than some of Lee’s other bags for Bottega Veneta, it’s equally as captivating. Like The Pouch, the Envelope clutch is incredibly unique in its shape and structure from what other bands are doing. Characterized by an origami like fold-over flap, this V-shaped fold is what gives the bag its name. Like The Pouch, this bag has a framed closure, but other than that its body is completely soft and slouchy. The Envelope clutch is a slightly slimmer silhouette as well and comes with an attached wrist strap. The Pouch typically retails for $2,700 in butter calf (though Nordstrom has a tan version listed for $2,400), but the Envelope Clutch retails for a bit less and will set you back $1,980.

Both bags serve a very similar purpose and at their core are comparable in shape and structure, but they also give off two different vibes entirely. If I had to pick one I’d go with the Envelope Clutch. I like the angular look it gives off and I also appreciate that it’s slightly less popular. Though a bag’s heavy presence alone has never deterred me from purchasing it, I’m simply attracted to Envelope Clutch more. Something about its unique look speaks to me more. Which would you pick?

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Anemone

The Pouch has gone up in price so it’s a “no”, but I saw it in person and it was buttery soft and beautiful. The Envelope Clutch is a “no” as well because…well it looks like a envelope which does not appeal to me.

WEST LEE

I vote for The Pouch!!

Steffi

I looove the design of the pouch!!! It’s so pure in its concept & construction. I feel it’s the perfect vehicle for any colour!!! ?????? I ended up buying two large ones and two small ones within a year because I see myself keeping them forever! ???

Steffi

I looove the design of the pouch!!! It’s so pure in its concept & construction. I feel it’s the perfect vehicle for any colour!!! ?????? I ended up buying two large ones and two small ones within a year because I see myself keeping them forever! ???

memsy

I love the pouch. I love the butter soft leather and the puffy, smooshy shape.

Cat

I’m loving The Lauren woven clutch – it’s compact yet roomy and easy to carry. While it doesn’t have the same aesthetic as either the Pouch or the Envelope, it’s just unique enough that it’s not showing up everywhere right now, yet it remains a classic.

Lynda

The Pouch!!!!

Kathy Polsgrove

The pouch!

Sparky

If you want a Pouch, Fashionphile is flooded with them!

jess

And 72% of them are fakes.

pinksky777

The pouch is wayy more practical and long lasting fashion wise. I own several pouches and I’ve also seen the envelope pouch irl and let me tell you how annoying it is to get in and out of that bag! It’s just very awkward. So in theory it’s cute but not for long term use. I’m also not a fan of that random wrist strap, it cheapens the whole vibe.

psny15

I love the pouch but find it overpriced

Irene

Check out The Florence by Demellier.

Irene

The pouch is beautiful.
Squishy rich leather and feminine pleats make it unique and so chic.
Now here is my Demellier plug; check out the Florence. Very similar design and made in Spain.
Also comes with a removable chain.
1/4 the cost makes it a no brainer if you want to try out the style without the full investment

Dave

Kaitlin, I think you may expose the “combat” between BV pouch vs Loewe Flamenco clutch.

Megan

I didn’t get the hype of the Pouch until I saw it in person. BV leather is truly divine. I’d go with the mini though because I need a way to carry it hands free. Maybe I’d also change my mind on the clutch if I saw it in person, but I find that flap really ugly.

hm

the price very high i will buy if discount 50%

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