When I was in my twenties, working in the fashion industry, I mistakenly believed that designer bags weren’t worth the hype. Too many people had told me horror stories about their expensive bags peeling or falling apart entirely, costing a fortune to repair. It wasn’t until Matthieu Blasi took over as creative director of Bottega Veneta in 2020 that my perspective began to change.
Blazey’s designs for the Italian company—from Hailey Bieber’s beloved Andiamo tote to Kendall Jenner’s beloved Sardine—immediately caught my eye and, I admit, shook up my once-firm beliefs about bags. When I learned in 2022 that Bottega Veneta had launched a certified artisan program that offers bag buyers unlimited free repairs, I was determined. So here I am in Milan, trying on every color and size of bag of sardines (pictured below), calling friends in the same time zone for advice, and mentally debating with myself.
I’ve never spent so much money on a single item in my life, but when Alda (the sales associate who never rushed me, patiently pulling bag after bag of fish from the warehouse) asked for my credit card, I gave it to him without hesitation. When he handed me the Certificate of Mastery along with my medium-sized brown sardine, wrapped in the brand’s signature bright green bag, I felt more elation than regret. I know this is an investment I’ll own forever.
Today, my bag collection consists of three Bottega Veneta bags—the Sardine I mentioned earlier, the small brown Andiamo, and the burgundy Cobble—that I rotate every day. Whenever I travel, I make sure to bring at least one of them (usually the Andiamo, since its versatile straps are perfect for navigating airports and new cities). Wherever I go, I get compliments or questions like “Where did you buy that?”
With that said, if you were shopping for a bag this year, I would now and always choose a Bottega Veneta bag. After all, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, endless compliments, and the knowledge that any outfit can be salvaged with a bag. From the popular styles I’ve already mentioned to the brand’s staples like the Pouch and the Jodie, here’s everything you need to know about the best and most worthwhile Bottega Veneta bags.
Since its creation in 1966, Bottega Veneta has undergone significant changes, evolving from a modern artisan workshop into one of the most respected fashion houses in the world. Known for its exceptional leather craftsmanship and timeless designs, the brand has become a symbol of understated elegance and sophistication. The signature intrecciato weave has become synonymous with the brand and a symbol of luxury. Bottega Veneta offers a wide range of ready-to-wear and accessories, with bags being the most coveted part of its collections, reflecting the brand’s origins focused on crafting high-quality leather goods – a tradition that continues to define the brand.
Bottega Veneta bags have captured the attention of many fashion lovers and celebrities. The introduction of the iconic Cabat bag in 2001 marked the brand’s departure from the then-popular trend of rigidly structured bags and a shift toward a softer, more contemporary silhouette. This innovative approach and relentless pursuit of impeccable craftsmanship set Bottega Veneta apart in the competitive luxury fashion sector. Today, the brand remains at the forefront, attracting many fashion lovers and celebrities. The company continues to be known for its understated, elegant bags, including popular styles such as the Cassette, Sardine, Lauren 1980, Pouch, Andiamo, and Jodie.
A few years ago, everyone in the fashion world was wearing, releasing, and talking about the Jodie bag, and if you had told me that years later it would still be popping up so often, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Jodie bag did what so many other bags have tried and failed to do: it transcended trends and became a timeless favorite that people come back to again and again. Available in a variety of sizes, textures, and colors, I believe there’s something for everyone in the Bottega Veneta Jodie bag waiting to be purchased.
The Andiamo comes in three sizes—small, medium, and large—and in a variety of luxurious colors and textures, unlike many modern designer bags that lack practicality. It’s both a work of art (check out that bow) and a practical bag. Trust me, I’ve stuffed it with a ton of stuff and it still looks beautiful, nay, gorgeous.
The Bottega Veneta Pouch is another bag style that is no longer just “trendy” but has become a permanent choice in every fashionista’s arsenal. The Instagram accounts of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber, Lori Harvey and Jennifer Lopez are proof of this.
When I think of bags that deserve comparisons to works of art, I immediately think of Bottega Veneta’s Sardine bag, which debuted on the brand’s fall/winter 2022 show. Named for the shape of a sardine, this celebrity-favorite top-handle features Bottega’s signature crescent-shaped weave, making for an instantly recognizable design. If you really want to recreate the look, all you have to do is invest in a pair of the brand’s Sardine earrings ($620).
If you prefer an understated luxury aesthetic, check out the Cobble bag from Bottega Veneta. Unlike most of the bags on this list, this one isn’t very common and isn’t often seen on influencers and celebrities, so it’s a little under the radar. But that doesn’t make it any less desirable. As a proud owner of this bag, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best everyday bags on the market. The bag features zippered pockets and dividers for those things you don’t want to lose, like your wallet and keys, and the strap can be quickly and easily adjusted to wear across your shoulder.
The Hop bag took two days to make, comes in three sizes — mini, small, and large — and has quickly become one of the hottest bags of 2024, thanks in large part to Kylie Jenner wearing it. Its shape fits perfectly to the wearer’s body, making it a comfortable alternative to all those work bags you’ve tried but never quite got around to using. But if that’s not what you’re looking for, there’s also the Mini Hop, a perfect option for a night out that only requires three bottles of Rhode lip balm, your wallet, keys, and mints. It’s up to you.
Eliza Huber is a New York City-based senior style editor who specializes in covering trends, discovering brands, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, where she worked after graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in business. She has published two columns, Let’s Get a Room and How to Wear; featured Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and covered everything from the relationship between Formula 1 and fashion to the trends on each season’s major runways. Based on the Upper West Side, Eliza spends her free time studying Formula 1 fashion imagery for her Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and browsing The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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