Stealth wealth and quiet luxury may be the buzzwords of the moment, but this polished, high-end aesthetic is nothing new. Once the hallmark of the ultra-wealthy, quiet luxury has continued to evolve, becoming 2023’s biggest breakout trend taking over all our social media feeds.
Gravitating towards quality basics and toned-down designer pieces that go beyond any trend (think Succession), quiet luxury reminds us that less can often be so much more. One of those ‘if you know, you know’ trends, it’s all about quality over quantity, investing in the right pieces, and maximizing your cost per wear without sacrificing elegance. There’s no doubt about it—quiet luxury is being heard loud and clear, and no brand encapsulates the stealth wealth revolution quite like Bottega Veneta.
Founded in 1966, Bottega Veneta was doing quiet luxury before the term was even invented and boldly defied the industry’s obsession with logomania a la Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Instead, it carved its own niche with luxe minimal designs, strong shapes, impeccable craftsmanship, and its signature intrecciato (meaning braided) weave—and it didn’t take long for the world to sit up and take notice.
Fast-forward to today and Bottega Veneta remains a timeless fashion symbol of understated elegance and enduring style, alongside other timeless brands like Dior, Chanel, and Hermes. Today, Bottega Veneta isn’t just a designer brand; it’s the epitome of quiet luxury with a dash of je ne sais quoi sprinkled in for good measure. So whether you’re already a seasoned devotee or simply thinking of dipping your toes in the water, we’ll guide you through the best Bottega Veneta handbags to buy now and love forever.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? Like a lot of women, I love bags. Cliche? Perhaps. But I understand they aren’t just accessories —they’re a statement, and you’re never fully dressed without one. As someone who’s been on a personal quest to find smart investment pieces that work as hard for my wardrobe as they do for my money, I’ve researched, tried, tested (and lusted over) the best Bottega Veneta bags to add to your collection.
Bottega Veneta Andiamo
Oozing sophistication and versatility, Andiamo literally means “let’s go” or “come on!’ in Italian and is the perfect ode to going places.
Instantly recognizable as Bottega Veneta, the Andiamo bag stands the test of time and is the ultimate accessory for those who appreciate the fusion of style and functionality. Featuring a metal-knot clasp, top handles, and a crossbody strap, this is the bag that keeps giving, adapting to all your possible needs.
Best for: Living La Dolce Vita wherever you go.
| Release date: | 2023 |
| Retail price: | $4,100 – $7,900 |
Bottega Veneta Cassette
The Cassette Bag is a modern, cult classic that celebrities and the fashion a-list can’t get enough of. A testament to Bottega Veneta’s timeless appeal, it features a larger variation of the intreccio weave and is a versatile everyday companion that instantly uplifts any outfit.
The Cassette family includes a range of bags in different finishings and sizes, meaning there’s a perfect Cassette for just about everybody. Its magnetic closure provides easy access, while some versions even offer a zipper for added security.
Best for: Weaving style into your wardrobe.
| Release date: | 2019 |
| Retail price: | $1,450 – $5,500 |
Bottega Veneta Sardine
The Sardine earns its name from the distinctive sculptural gold top handle that resembles a slim, elongated sardine (yes, the fish) and a soft half-moon body. With its curved shape, roomy interior, and signature intrecciato weave, this Bottega Veneta bag comes in a variety of sizes and blends modernist craftsmanship with artistic design. Described as a revamped version of Bottega’s famous Jodie, the Sardine is not just a bag – it’s a statement piece that stands the test of time.
Best for: Swimming in the same (stylish) pond as our favorite celebrities.
| Release date: | 2022 |
| Retail price: | $3,100 – $4,200 |
Bottega Veneta Jodie
The Jodie bag is one of the brand’s most popular styles – and for good reason. Named after the actress Jodie Foster, it fully embodies Bottega Veneta’s signature minimal style combined with a more modern aesthetic. Made from woven soft leather, the Jodie features a timeless hobo shape with a knot detail that’s designed to mold to whoever’s lucky arm it happens to find itself on.
Since its debut in early 2020, the Jodie has become something of a social media sensation and is now a must-have accessory among all the fashion it-girls. A favorite with those who appreciate low-key luxury with a twist, the Jodie comes in various colors and sizes.
Best for: A bag that acts like your best catch of the day, every day.
| Release date: | 2020 |
| Retail price: | $1,750 – $4,500 |
Bottega Veneta Cabat
The Cabat is a must-have in every woman’s capsule wardrobe. Boasting a simple yet intricate design, it’s made from approximately 100 double-faced leather strips and takes two people two whole days to weave the leather it takes to create just one Cabat by hand.
Its lightweight yet structured frame with a classic top handle keeps its strong and structured shape, whether empty or filled, and is stripped of any inner lining or zipper, highlighting simplicity at its best. In fact, the only stitching you’ll find is on the rolled handles and detachable pouch for extra storage.
The Bottega Veneta bag comes in multiple sizes, making it a great choice for everyone – from those after an elevated work bag that fits all of their essentials for a day at the office to those looking for a smaller statement bag for a dinner date.
Best for: A labor of luxury.
| Release date: | 2001 |
| Retail price: | $5,000 – $9,900 |
Bottega Veneta The Pouch
Probably the most recognizable Bottega Veneta bag, the Pouch’s unique design and versatility have earned it a well-deserved place in the spotlight, cementing its status as the ultimate it-bag.
Introduced by Daniel Lee in the SS 2020 collection, the buttery-soft cloud-shaped clutch sold out almost immediately. A masterclass in minimalism and sculptural design, its oversized silhouette gently folds and gathers like a dumpling, making it a standout in the world of luxury handbags. Taking the fashion world by storm, The Pouch has been embraced by pop culture stars and celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Rihanna, and Hailey Bieber.
Best for: A deliciously daring statement.
| Release date: | 2019 |
| Retail price: | $2,300 – $3,600+ |
Bottega Veneta Arco
Far from being a ludicrously capacious bag, the Bottega Veneta Arco tote is a versatile, everyday companion, boasting a timeless design and a spacious interior that can effortlessly fit all of your daily essentials and more. Inspired by the Arco della Pace (the Arch of Peace), one of Milan’s famous city gates, the Arco is the scaled-up version of the label’s signature intrecciato weave. Featuring a dome-shaped flap and rectangular base with long handles, the Arco proves that a larger bag can also be sophisticated and is a great investment piece that’ll stand the test of time and work well with various staple wardrobes.
Best for: Your sophisticated sidekick.
| Release date: | 2019 |
| Retail price: | $2,500- $3,300 |
Bottega Veneta Loop
The Loop is a relative newcomer to Bottega Veneta’s lineup, offering a classic style in one chic crossbody package. In an era that’s still obsessed with mini bags, the Loop is ideal for daily wear and can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder. Perfect for your everyday adventure, it comes in various sizes and colors to choose from, making it a must-have accessory now and tomorrow.
Best for: Timeless style on a loop.
| Release date: | 2022 |
| Retail price: | $1,460 – $2,900 |
Bottega Veneta Kalimero
The Kalimero is the game-changer poised to shake up Bottega Veneta’s bag collection and maybe even dethrone the coveted Pouch. The Kalimero is Matthieu Blazy’s first bag as Creative Director of Bottega Veneta and is here to challenge the status quo with its four-sided structure and versatile sliding strap.
Whether you prefer to sling it across your shoulder as a mono-strapped backpack or wear it as a classic shoulder bag, the Kalimero adapts to your style. With a fresh take on Bottega’s iconic woven intrecciato technique (think thicker strands of leather braided into less precise, tightly woven squares), this Bottega Veneta bag sets a new standard. It may come with a higher price tag, but the Kalimero is ready to redefine the luxury bag landscape.
Best for: The ultimate bucket list bag.
| Release date: | 2022 |
| Retail price: | $5000 – $13,000 |
A brief history of Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta’s journey began in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy, and was founded by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. The brand’s name translates to ‘Venetian Shop‘ with “Bottega”, meaning ‘workshop’ in Italian and “Veneta”, referring to the region of Veneto where the brand was born. There, they championed a unique philosophy from the outset: “When your own initials are enough,” steering clear of logo-driven fashion. In the late 70s, the brand saw control pass to Laura Moltedo, attracting big names, the likes of Andy Warhol in the 80s.
While the 90s logo frenzy resulted in a dip in popularity, a revival came in 2001 when the Kering group took over. With Tomas Maier as creative director, Bottega Veneta refocused on craftsmanship and the iconic intrecciato weave we all know and love.
Today, under Daniel Lee’s guidance, Bottega Veneta has soared to new heights. His clean, minimalist approach ushered in the new Bottega, even winning over old Celine fans. In November 2021, Matthieu Blazy took the helm as creative director, upholding the brand’s legacy of creativity and craftsmanship and where the enduring intrecciato weave remains a symbol of Bottega Veneta’s timeless allure.
How much does a Bottega Veneta bag cost?
Well, the good news is there are options for various budgets. If you’re ready to splurge, you can go all out with the Sardine bag at over $32,000 or the Mini Cabat at a higher price point of $42,500.
But fear not; Bottega Veneta also caters to first-time buyers, with entry-level options including the Candy Loop Camera bag starting at $1,450, the Mini Cassette Bucket bag at $1,300, or the Candy Cassette bag at $1,200.
You can also buy Bottega Veneta bags for less on reputable resale websites like The RealReal and Fashionphile.
Frequently asked questions about Bottega Veneta bags
The Jodie bag is currently one of the most popular Bottega Veneta bags and has practically become fashion It-girl uniform thanks to its slouchy shape that perfectly exudes cool and effortless elegance. The Pouch is another it-bag that continues to sell out every time the brand releases a new variation and is a classic Bottega Veneta investment piece.
Yes, during Daniel Lee’s reign at the helm of the brand, Bottega Veneta officially crossed over from being considered a high-risk purchase to a low-risk buy that on average retains 60% of its value according to resale platform Rebag.
Famous for its timeless and understated elegance, Bottega Veneta is best known for its statement green color alongside its iconic intrecciato weave design—a unique and deceivingly simple technique for weaving delicate strips of leather together.
Bottega Veneta bags remain as popular as ever and show no signs of losing their coveted status. Exuding quiet luxury and timeless sophistication, Bottega Veneta bags have a dedicated following among celebrities, influencers, and industry insiders and have consistently ranked among the hottest must-have products in the industry for years.
