If 2023 could be defined by one designer handbag brand, it would have to be Bottega Veneta. Once considered a heritage label, the Italian fashion house once again found a hot topic upon its appointment of Daniel Lee as creative director in 2018.
While very much minimal, Bradford-born Lee's approach to pared-back style was previously undefinable. Where other brands have opted for ultra simplicity, with borderline "boring" color palettes and oversize silhouettes, Lee instead made Bottega Veneta's minimalistic designs look incredibly luxe, with details such as gold metal hardware set against premium fabrics.
And while shoes and coats have proven to be some of the brand's most in-demand pieces, the hardest item to get your hands on has to be one of Bottega Veneta's bags.
Celebrities, industry insiders, and even the public have found themselves falling head over heels for Bottega Veneta's latest arm-candy offering, leaving waiting lists in their wake. The frenzy first started with The Pouch, a buttery-soft, for lack of a better word, clutch with wide-framed jaws that clasp together to create a gathered-leather effect. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (above) was one of the first to tote Bottega Veneta's Pouch, and in the time since, it's come to define the fashion zeitgeist.
That said, some of Bottega Veneta's other bags are beginning to nip on the heels of The Pouch. As such, we decided it was time to bring you a definitive edit of the best Bottega Veneta bags for your consideration—should you be in the lucky position to have a few thousand to spare!
From The Pouch to its successor, The Shoulder Pouch, with a foray into the Jodie, Daisey, and Marie along the way, keep scrolling to see and shop the best Bottega Veneta bags money can buy.
Bottega Veneta's The Pouch has practically become the fashion set's uniform this year and continues to repeatedly sell out across the likes of Net-a-Porter and MyTheresa. The fact that we found some in stock to share with you in this feature came as a shock.
A relative newcomer to the Bottega Veneta bag roster, The Twist shows no sign of slowing down.
While you might be tempted to keep her for special occasions, The Marie is one of Bottega Veneta's more practical bag styles, with enough room to tote all of your daily essentials and then some.
After the reception The Pouch received, it's little wonder that Lee decided to succeed it with The Shoulder Pouch. With the same gathered silhouette, this iteration ticks off another major trend: the '90s-inspired shoulder strap.
Boasting the brand's trademark lattice work, The Jodie expertly channels Bottega Veneta's heritage charm in a very of-the-moment silhouette.
In contrast to Bottega Veneta's other bag designs, The Daisey offers lines so straight there must be mathematical precision behind them. Simple but so effective.
Drawing inspiration from a traditional Sicilian bag known as the Coffa, The Basket boasts a full tote hold-all with almost-too-long straps. Its roomy interior makes it ideal for traveling and charting around loftier pieces such as laptops.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
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