Designers Handbags

Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta is famous for its signature collection of hand woven leather goods, the simple clean lines make them some of the most in demand bags season after season. The newest addition to the Intrecciato line, is the over sized tote. Perfect for the beach or an over night get away, this bold summer bag makes a splash with its red patent leather body and brass detailing. A peek inside shows soft camel suede lining and a pocket that zips shut. Bottegas never come cheap, this being no exception, retail price is $2,680! A worthwhile splurge, it will last you for decades.

It’s incredible how even the most simple purse can look so elegant when touched by the hand of Bottega Veneta. Defining luxury with rich, supple, woven leather and classic styles, the line’s handbags are instantly versatile and fashionable at all once. The Woven Panel Purse, in a eye-popping shade called pomodoro, needs no real introduction - it’s so attractive that it will turn heads instantly. Its rich braided handle balances the hefty body nicely. It’s perfection. Available for $1800 at Diabro.

Shop more designer purses from Bottega Veneta

The dreadful in between of new handbags is creating such a void in my life I feel like I’m stuck in some drab, hazzy mess (actually, come to think of it, Columbus is just that right now

). At least the sale bags can tide us all over. A stunning little evening bag or just mini day bag, the Bottega Veneta Mini Shoulder Bag adds appeal with chain link piping on top of BV’s signature woven leather. This bag hails from the Resort 2007 collection and is already on sale. Seriously, get it. I would jump on it if I had not bought the Quarzo Clutch. The brass hardware is understated yet elegant. The bag completes itself with a top handle, hidden magnetic closure, and suede lining. Measurements are 9”W X 4”H X 2”D. Marked down from $850 to $595 via Saks.

As much as we all need an everyday bag, the importance of an evening clutch is just as high. You can not be that person that walks into a nice dinner with an oversized tote bag over your arm, unless you are toting a young child, and even then you at least need to still look stylish. A tad more of an extravagant clutch, but a stunning timeless piece nonetheless, the Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch has been seen on hands of the fabulous all over the world. Anthracite and brown, woven and textured, this leather box clutch is pulled together with a knotted leather clasp fastening. While the leather version is a perfect safe answer, BV offers an array of other materials and colors in the Knot Clutch. Drool worthy via Net-A-Porter for $1780.

Posted May 22nd 2007 5:03PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

For the Spring/Summer 2007 collection, Bottega Veneta has taken the signature woven leather look and jazzed it up with what looks like art deco stems. The bag might appear to be brown, but it’s actually lavender. It has gold hardware and an open top and the inside is lined in suede. The leather handles look rather short, but the bag is big at 18 by 16 inches. For a lavender bag with flowers, this one manages to look not the least bit fussy. Dust bag included, it sells for $2,200.

Posted May 5th 2007 5:02PM by Deidre Woollard

Filed under: Handbags

I’ve compared Cole Haan’s woven leather looks to Bottega Veneta before and this latest hobo from the Vivian collection has a similar appeal but the uses of different styles of weaving creates a more distinctive style. This bag come in chocolate or natural and uses woven multi-color leather for a more casual look. It has a handwoven tassel detail, covered hardware in antique brass and a woven shoulder strap. The interior is lined in linen and has an cell and PDA pockets. It sells for $450.

Personally, the thought of buying luxury luggage makes no sense. Even if the bag is just a carry on, you are looking to have it exposed to dirt, residue, spills, scuffs, tears, and stains. I am not sure it makes me a hypocrite, but I do travel with my designer bag as my ‘purse’ carry on, and many times my bag ends up sitting on my lap. But to roll on an extravagant piece of travel gear, the kind of extravagance that people only dream can be on their handbag, is absurd. Right? Must be wrong, because the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Trolley is being sold to the rich and famous and BV obsessed. Measuring approximately 20″ x 14″ x 9″, this trolley adheres to BV’s signature woven Nappa leather. The size is a perfect carry on, but if you have a commuter flight beware; your precious bag will get thrown under the plane with the rest of them, and undoubtedly will not be treated any kinder than the plain black luggage from Target next to it. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this piece, but until I am flying private plane only, this will not be on my list. Buy it through Bottega Veneta for $3960.

It is no secret that I am a new Bottega Veneta fan (especially after my two shopping trips). There is something about the craftsmanship and supple leather that is a designer to admire. Although BV is upping their prices 17%, I will still be a fan and still indulge in some of the beautiful bags when I can. If you are looking for a stunning tote, the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Accordion Tote will melt in your mouth and hands. The cream intrecciato leather is offset with brass hardware and has adjustable handles on each side. This tote is similar to my BV bag, which is most likely why I am taking a liking to it, and also features a flap closure and suede lining. Another drool worthy number from BV via Net A Porter for $2780.

I’m a girl who loves her designer handbags but has never been one to splurge on a designer cosmetic case. It may be because I choose not to wear a ton of make up, although it is well-known that a gal like me needs concealer from time to time which I choose to avoid, or just because I find it frivolous. One would argue that my finding a designer cosmetic case being frivolous is quite the oxymoron. To squash that oxymoron, I have found a divine cosmetic case that is both feminine and sturdy. The Bottega Veneta Butterfly Cosmetic Case is large enough to fit the few cosmetic necessities I need, 8 x 3 x 5, and shows off the pink Quarzo that is so feminine with a butterfly design. The inside is lined with cotton and the price is not absurd, just more than I would typically spend on a cosmetic case, especially since most of my cases come with free packages after spending x amount at department stores. Time for me to move on to the big girl case I think; via Bottega Veneta for $290.

While in Venice, Italy, Vlad and I made ourselves quite comfortable in the Bottega Veneta Venice store. Aside from the fact that all exotics BV makes were there, and the colors and choices were divine, there were a few limited edition pieces that deserve tons of credit. Available online in the stunning metallic Ottone color (gold), the Bottega Veneta Limited Edition Large Cabat is an oversized attention grabber. Thanks to Ms Piggy via tPF, she shared some great information about this bag: “This bag is entirely hand woven, both inside and out. So there are actually four layers (unlike the other Intrecciato whereby it is actually a large leather panel with the weaves going through the slits on it). And apparently there are very few artisans in Italy that has the woven skills required for the Cabat.” Truly a piece of divine beauty and a limited edition bag, with a numbered plaque on each bag. I nearly went ga-ga for the Large Cabat in Old Petra, but the price held me back. As I was told, the large would be a great travel bag, measuring 18 x 8 x 13 IN. But the price may take your breath away; $5650 via BV. Either way, this bag is unarguably stunning.