Bottega Veneta handbags remain every fashion influencer’s favourite

Name us an influencer who doesn’t either own or lust after one of the best Bottega Veneta bags. We’ll wait.

Founded in 1966 and based on the premise that “your own initials are enough”, Bottega Veneta never cashed in on fashion’s obsession with logos. Instead, they focused on high-end craftsmanship – and their signature artisan intrecciato woven leather and chunky chain details became recognisable enough.

The designer brand’s stealth wealth classicism has chimed with the fashion pack for decades, but Bottega Veneta shifted gear in 2018 and landed on the A+ List of desirability; where it has remained ever since. With fans such as Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Kylie Jenner to name just two, it’s clear that the Italian heritage house is truly the bag brand of the moment.

Why are Bottega Veneta bags so popular?

It all comes from a little industry shake-up when 2018 saw Yorkshire-born Daniel Lee appointed as creative director. Formerly of Celine, Lee’s modern minimal aesthetic was exactly what the world wanted to wear – as shoppers have come to value longevity, quality and versatility over flash-in-the-pan trends. There is nothing more sustainable than making a considered purchase of an item you truly love and will wear again and again and again… Lee left Bottega (for Burberry) and new creative director Matthieu Blazy is now leading the label into ever more desirable territory.

Best Bottega Veneta bags

1. The Pouch

The first bag Bottega Veneta launched under Lee was The Pouch – a pillowy soft clutch bag that resembles a cloud. Apparently, it was the fastest selling bag in the history of the brand and it’s still a seasonal must-have today… although The Mini Pouch is holding it’s own as stiff competition. Whichever of these Bottega Veneta bags you’re thinking of investing in, you can be certain it will hold onto its style icon status and become a beloved pillar of your wardrobe for decades to come.

2. The Casette

The Cassette bag might be one of the most recognisable family of Bottega Veneta accessories. It’s a smart day style, and, if you choose the crossbody bag iteration, comes with an adjustable strap which you can wear over the shoulder too (practical! How refreshing!). It comes in a plump, padded version of the iconic woven leather finish unique to Bottega Veneta (the Intrecciato weave), which is as inviting to stroke as it is to carry, or standard flatter leather in various colourways and patterns.

The padded cassette has been referenced as the perfect camera bag too, due to its squidgy and super soft leather. So if you’re boujie enough to treat your lens to a luxury bag, then we salute you.

3. The Arco

On those days when only a tote bag will do (perhaps when you’re seeking the best work bags?), The Arco tote caters to this need. There are mini, patent, classic leather, suede and rubber styles of the roomy carry-all – and an on-trend suede version for 2024. All feature wide woven leather strips that bring a casual ease to the structured shape, although the innovative rubber versions are made from, er, rubber, instead, but this means they’re (obviously) a lower price point.

4. The Jodie

The Bottega Veneta Jodie bag comes in a variety of sizes like medium and super sized, but the Mini Jodie is ideal if you just want to carry your lip gloss, phone and keys (or there’s the micro-sized Candy Jodie too). The shape reuses Bottega Veneta’s knotted handle motif in a softer silhouette, and continues to be one of the most carried-bags during recent fashion weeks.

5. The Sardine

Echoing the avant garde mood of Bottega’s ready to wear collections, The Sardine is a slouchy style with a distinctive golden handle and smaller woven details. It made its debut in Matthieu Blazy’s first Autumn 2022 collection and it’s been a firm influencer favourite ever since.

6. The Andiamo

One of Bottega Veneta’s newer bags, the Andiamo comes in a few different shapes and sizes – our favourite being the Kylie Jenner-approved medium iteration. She did a ‘what’s in my bag’ video on TikTok earlier this year, and since then we’ve seen just about every ‘It’ girl with one on their arm or wish list (if they can get hold of one). The minimalist clutch version is proving to be just as coveted this season, too.

For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. Check out other must-have designer bags (from Italy, France and beyond), like the best Loewe bags and affordable designer bags while you’re here.