When Bottega Veneta first released The Pouch it immediately caught my eye. Its squishy, smooth leather, along with its soft gathered pleats was calling to my inner minimalist. And yet, I did not want to give into the social media hype, so I decided to wait a while and see if I still felt the spark once the bag’s sold out status fell off a bit. Sure enough, the interest stuck, and I was off to pursue one of the fashion world’s biggest “it” bags.
Aesthetics
This bag comes in a few different leathers nappa, intrecciato weave, and butter calf. I decided to go with the calfskin, as it’s the toughest of the three and I can be a bit hard on my bags. Butter calf is the perfect title for this leather because it is truly SO SOFT! The leather itself appears smooth from afar, and as a smooth leather should, it has a soft touch, nice sheen, and a solid flop factor. Up close it has a very flat, small grain, which helps prevent scratches a little better than say, a lambskin. Its simplistic nature and hardware-less design makes it easy to wear with any metal if you’re big on jewelry. I wear a lot of big rings and bracelets on my hands so the Pouch makes a great canvas to show them off. I’m also a big fan of the fact that this design lacks a logo. I’ve been looking for a simple grab and go sort of bag that transitions well from day to night and easily be dressed up or down, and this bag does just that.
Usability + Functionality
Truthfully, even my “small” bags are oversized, not only because I like the look but I tend to carry a lot. Pictured above is my daily load, but actually it could still hold more. Without the book it can even fit my Sony A7R III camera and a small notepad for when I’m out photographing. The pouch has just a single compartment, so organization can be tough. There have been several times I had to stop when I was walking to try and fish something out. With that being said, I can see how internal pockets could interfere with the bag’s design. When carrying I do have to be mindful of my nails which can be a bit of a chore. No big scratches yet but I have been sure to keep it moisturized and buff the leather after almost every use.
Quality + Construction
Bottega Veneta’s quality has always been spot on. Smart designs paired with their luxurious leathers have kept them on my radar for years. This bag embodies both of those aspects. The frame is solid, it opens smoothly and there isn’t any noise or resistance at the hinges. The frame is also key to creating its voluminous, rounded shape, helping it stay structured where it matters. Another great detail about the frame is that it’s magnetic and makes opening and closing the bag pretty seamless. I live in NYC so fussy bags are not for me as I’m always going in and out of my bag on the go and usually carrying it for hours at a time. Despite it being a clutch I find this bag very easy to wear, it’s lightweight so it doesn’t make my arm tired. It’s also fairly easy to carry as I can tuck it under my arm and use both hands when needed.
Price + Value
Even though the quality of the bag is exceptional, the price of The Pouch after tax comes to about $3,000. I had to think about it a lot before buying. I always do a lot of research prior to purchasing any bag, and that includes seeing it in person several times before committing. Eventually I decided that I would wear it enough to justify the cost and sure enough it has become one of my most heavily carried bags. With that being said, I don’t think it’s worth having as a trend bag, but I do think it’s worth it if you want it to be part of your permanent collection.
Staying Power
In essence this bag is very much its name, a pouch. Since it has no hardware, logos, patterns, or embellishments, I don’t see it as something that will date itself easily. As a matter of fact my therapist asked if my bag was vintage, reminding her of something she had in the 70s. I am not someone who gives into trends often, so staying power is something I always weigh heavily when looking to invest. Though this bag is hot now, I think it will earn its way into classic status.
Overall Rating
This year marks a decade of collecting for me and it’s safe to say I’ve owned a lot of handbags. It takes a lot to impress me these days, and even more to convince me to purchase. But I think its safe to say that this bag has been one of my most exciting purchases in a long time. It encourages me to not just put clothes on, but to actually get dressed and explore my style. It takes my high school band tee look to a whole other level with very minimal effort. There’s no doubt The Pouch is having a moment, but I definitely see it having a permanent role in my wardrobe.
Love this review! Nice to see some edgier styling on here!!
would love to see more bottega this was great.
What a stunning bag!
That’s a crazy price for that bag especially since it is nothing new. I carried a bag almost identical to this in the 1970’s. They are all over the thrift stores and second hand shops for a few $. Go get yourself one girls without the $3000.00 price tag.
Your articles are very interesting and I enjoy reading them. I also love the bag, but the price is too rich for my budget. However, I’m confused re: why you gave the bag a 5 in the overall rating? To me, an overall rating takes into account all of the pros and cons, inclusive of the 4 and 4 1/2 stars, you gave other aspects of the bag. If this sounds picky, I apologize, but I’m just trying to understand. Thx!
Thank you! Was just an error on my end it, has been updated with the proper star ratings. Sorry for the confusion 🙂
LOVE this post! Have a few pouches and I feel the exact same sentiments about them!
I love this bag but wanted something more structured. I found a 2018 Celine pouch new, which is a tad more structured. I LOVE it and agree that these bags are timeless.
I love that bag too, from the pillow line with the kiss lock closure? There was a version that had a handle that I missed out on, one of my few regrets lol!
Yes! I was in the BV store, looking at the pouch when I saw someone in the store with the Celine clutch. I put down the pouch and made it my mission to find it! Someone on Tradesy had it, and I waited for a % off. I have faith that you could track yours down!
I love the 2018 Celine Pouch and found someone selling it new, but it was over 3K. I felt it was too expensive, would you agree? I don’t know what the original retail price was so maybe 3K is a fair price? IDK.
The pouch I purchased on Tradesy was first listed as $3.4K. The seller dropped it to $3.1K a few weeks later and then I used a Black Friday % off to get it at $2.8K. $3K seems about right.
They were quite pricey, the one I had originally wanted was in the 5k range retail. But it had a top handle.
Thank you, it’s lovely! I’m trying to be “cash conscious” so I put myself on a budget which allows me to purchase only one bag this year. I chose a Dior bag and hopefully it launches soon. : )
Omg love Dior!! Which did you get??
This bag does remind me of those 70s bags. I had a large brown bag that was similar. Not very practical for me I’m afraid. May I ask who that fur coat is by?
It was sourced from a local vintage store in Brooklyn 🙂
That’s great and I hope it keeps you warm in cold New York! My family has a fur coat that belonged to my Great Grandmother and it has been passed down to several generations of women since. We loved it for the memories it held and I recently gifted it to my adult daughter. One day she will pass it on to her daughter and on and on….
Omg that’s so heart warming! I hope I can do the same ??
I bought this in black intrecciato first release, so the weave is a little smaller than the current release. I have used it alot but it still looks brand new. So soft and the intrecciato also has a beautiful, subtle sheen.
Sounds Lovely! The red intrecciato version is on my wishlist! 😉
I bought this in the black intrecciato first release (The weave is smaller than second release). I have used it alot and it still looks brand new – so well made. It is so soft and the intrecciato also has a beautiful, subtle sheen to it.
$1800, max
Still too high lol But I understand this brand’s price range.
I also very much like the pouch but no amount of top craftsmanship will make me pay $3000 for it. It should really be in the lower $2000 Even that I think is too much. This should be in the $1800-$2000 range. Therefore I’m going to wait for it to appear in the Re-sale market. 🙂
Totally fair! That was my initial reaction too. I have seen some below retail, the black and the camel seem to not dip too low below retail though. I’m thinking of getting another or perhaps the shoulder pouch in a red or rust maybe I will take a peek and see what the resale market has to offer :)!
This bag is impractical for me–no strap. But this article is making me get out my Cervo baseball hobo today (very squishy), I love my BVs.
I have the intrecciato hobo and really love it, I admit I should’ve probably gotten a bigger size but it’s one of the few bags that stays on my shoulder and doesn’t slip! Hope you’re living it!
Does anyone have an opinion re: whether they feel this bag has any sustainability or longevity? I think it’s gorgeous, but concerned it could look dated too soon. I compare it to the Chloe Paddington which was so popular, but fizzled out so quickly. Also, if I wait I wonder if I could buy one on the secondary market for 1/2 or less the current price. It is so pretty and a little sexy, but where will it be in a year?
I honestly don’t think it has staying power. I think Zara will debut a VERY similar style, everyone will buy it, then get tired of it. We’ve seen it happen so many times, unfortunately. I don’t hate this clutch style but honestly don’t see it being a “hot” bag for very long ?????
Unlike the Chloé bag this one has no hardware or logos. No big chunky locks, just a plain ole clutch. That being said if you’re someone who likes a simple clutch then it’s a nice staple to have. 🙂
I still see a Chinese dumpling. I thought maybe I was being too harsh until I got a chance to handle it in person. No doubt that the material is beautiful. But, I found that as a clutch that it was to bulky, squishy, and unwieldy.
Gotta love a dumpling!!
Stuff it with soft clothes, and you got yourself a fancy airplane pillow
Fly Bottega Veneta? Lol! ??
I am totally in love with this bag but find it a bit overpriced, I agree, should be under $2K
Too, Much. Money.
I think these people know women are suckers for fashion and they gouge us for every penny they can. Because they can.
It looks like a piece of hide bunched up. Very nice hide, but it’s a piece of bunched up leather. Very little art to it, Easy as hell to manufacture They were smart to incorporate a frame into the design, but floppy bags frustrate and annoy me. I like more structure and don’t like the stuff in my bag banging together and shifting around. And I hate feeling ripped off.
The bag was packed beautifully in this article. Even with the frame, it looks like all your items will be jumbled up. I hate fumbling for my wallet and lipgloss when I’m out an about. I love a good structured bag. I CAN imagine a few nice outfits for this clutch, though.
I don’t really carry a lot of small things just my keys and chapstick really, since I carry it upright under my arm it actually doesn’t get sloshed around too much, I carry my planner or a book most days so that kind of acts as a base and everything sits on top of it since I place the book flat. Hope that makes sense! But there have been times I’ve been in a hurry and digging gets annoying
This was such a great and thorough review. I absolutely love this bag and have been on the sideline whether or not to purchase. I’m such a clutch person but with that being said, where can I put it down? I wish it had an inside handle just to use to put on your shoulder or around a chair when needed. I’m still loving it…
Great point! everytime I’ve taken it out we were in a booth situation or there was a spare chair!
I became a fan when I saw Rihanna carry the white one w her aqua Fenty outfit to see “Slave Play” in Manhattan. That woman really can make ANYTHING look edgy and posh and the same time. Can’t argue w me there. ? I don’t hate the bag but it does look like a leather bonnet or shower cap folded over lol
An inexpensive alternative that also has a strap
https://artisananything.com/products/large-ariel-scrunched-cloud-clutch-bag-in-caramel
Don’t you think it looks – ahem – a bit anatomical? No….no….no…. can’t see myself carrying this bag.
Oh, good grief! These type of bags have been around for years. There’s nothing visually “anatomical” about them. I guess you can see “anatomy” in everything…if you try!
I feel like this bag will lose its luster, fashion is fickle. This is like the Celine craze for the Luggage Tote, or the Givenchy Antigona, people were crazed to get there hands on both bags a few years ago and now not really at all.