By Lucy Odell
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering a bag made up of intricate weaves of luxurious leather, finding yourself lost in all its beauty and grandeur, it’s highly likely you’re looking at a Bottega Veneta. The luxury label was born in Vincenza in the Veneto region of Italy, established in 1966 by Renzo Zengiaro and Michele Taddei, with a focus on crafting leather goods. But unlike other designer brands, Bottega Veneta has never and probably never will have an official logo, but is instead recognised by its iconic pattern: Intrecciato.
The intrecciato technique (which translates to ‘braided’ in English) was created by the brand in the late 1960s, and is seen in some way, shape or form on nearly all of their products to date. It is a unique design involving the weaving together of thin strips of leather to create a stronger and more durable item that intends to last buyers a lifetime. With values rooted in quality and craftsmanship, one couldn’t expect anything less!
The stars of the world took favour to Bottega Veneta products in late 70s and 80s, notably Andy Warhol, who was a fan himself, and even made short film about the brand. It’s appeal to celebrities skyrocketed its’s sales, it became an international super seller, and everyone who was anyone wanted one. Though it unfortunately experienced a slight decline during the logo crazed 90s by keeping its understated and design-focused style, struggling to keep up with competitors, today, Bottega is back. Look no further than Rihanna and Hailey Bieber- even Euphoria star Jacob Elordi was spotted sporting a brown Cassette bag front row at Bottega Veneta’s Fall/Winter show this year. The intrecciato craze is in full swing again, as influencers and celebs alike jump to Instagram to show off their woven bags and shoes, showcasing products that still create the same desire they did decades ago.
The distinctive pattern can be seen across all of the brands new lines, including clothes and fragrances, like the Padded Nylon Intreccio Gilet, the Lug Ankle Boot and the Parco Palladiano IV Scent (all linked below). It has stayed true to its commitment to design and quality, never straying from tradition to jump on the latest trends, but keeping sophisticated, timeless pieces.
https://www.bottegaveneta.com/en-gb/padded-nylon-intreccio-gilet-jalapeno-734249VF4K03052.html
https://www.bottegaveneta.com/en-gb/lug-ankle-boot-black-716207V2EH01000.html
Bottega Veneta’s steady popularity within the last 10 years has also encouraged a rise in production of woven style bags on the high street, likely to have been mass produced in a factory, using plastics as opposed to Italian leather. The manufacture of any of these dupes is highly unlikely to match the craft of Bottega’s atelier back in Italy, a very intricate process indeed, the bags can take days to make, handcrafted by delicate leather weaving. However, if like me, the price of having your own piece of intrecciato would require your entire soul to be sold, there are other options; my first search on eBay led me to a beautiful burgundy Bottega Veneta Intrecciato cross-body, with a starting bid of £19.99!
Whether one is already yours to have and to hold, or if it sits at the top of your Christmas list every year (and never actually under the tree), there is no denying that a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Bag is the best arm-candy around, a long reigning monarch in the accessory kingdom, an image of veracious luxury, a true icon.
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