Bottega Veneta Finds
Bottega Veneta - Sustainably Sourced
It’s rare that you come across Bottega in a thrift or vintage store, but when you do, no matter the condition, you should grab it. The quality of the leather is unlike any other. It’s supple, soft to the touch, and honestly, if you’re creative, no matter what shape it's in, you can always turn that leather into something totally unexpected. Bottega is unmistakable, and the brand’s signature style speaks for itself.
That being said, I found myself in a pretty wild situation. Over the past two years, I’ve managed to come across five Bottega pieces, each in varied condition, at random thrift and vintage stores. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve always admired the brand, especially for its integrity and dedication to its origins in fine leatherwork. While most people think of Bottega as a fashion house because of their clothing and runway shows, at its core, Bottega is an accessories brand. That’s where the magic is.
Personally, I think Bottega has one of the best brand presentations out there. They know how to encapsulate their identity and express it through their fine leather goods. The craftsmanship, especially the iconic Intrecciato weave, is truly unmatched. What I love most is that they stick to their signature style without hitting you over the head with logos or monograms. Like, you know a Louis Vuitton bag when you see it. But with Bottega, you’ve really got to know what luxury looks and feels like. It’s for those who understand subtlety and quality.
Out of the five pieces I found, either one of the bags would make a beautiful gift. The shoes are in good condition, not new, but definitely wearable. If you’re particular about your footwear, which there’s nothing wrong with, you could easily take them to a skilled cobbler who knows how to work with designer pieces. These are the real deal.
One of the bags came from a former client of mine. She was going through a divorce and decided to completely purge her closet. She wanted a fresh start with her new boyfriend, and that meant getting rid of everything gifted to her during her previous relationship, including items that still had tags on them or were barely used.
I truly believe these bags would make a fantastic addition to someone’s wardrobe. And if you’re looking to surprise a loved one, your girl, your sister, or mom with a "just because" or "thinking of you" gift, Bottega is a beautiful choice. Especially if they understand what true quality, fine craftsmanship, and supple leather are all about.
More than anything, I’m a big believer in circular fashion. Rehoming a designer piece with someone who will appreciate and care for it feels good. It keeps these beautiful, high-quality items in rotation instead of forgotten in someone’s closet or worse, a landfill. Luxury doesn’t have to mean brand new, sometimes, the most meaningful pieces are the ones with a story.
A little insight on Bottega Veneta:
Founded in Vicenza, Italy in 1966, Bottega Veneta built its reputation on quiet luxury and artisanal craftsmanship. The brand’s signature Intrecciato weaving technique was developed not as a stylistic flourish but out of necessity, because their sewing machines weren’t strong enough to handle thick leather, they began weaving it to make it stronger and more flexible. That same method became a symbol of understated luxury. The brand’s original motto was “When your own initials are enough,” a nod to its anti-logo, anti-flash philosophy. It's luxury for those who don't need to be told it's luxury, because they already know.
So if you ever find a piece, even tucked away on a dusty thrift store shelf, don’t sleep on it. You might just be holding a little piece of fashion history in your hands.
