MenWomenLifeArchivesDropsSaleJournalMore
USDUSD
  • New Arrivals
  • All New Arrivals
  • New In T-Shirts
  • New In Hoodies
  • New In Pants
  • New In Sneakers
  • New In Bags
  • New In Accessories

  • SUSTAINABLE EDIT
  • SS22 Trend Report
  • Clothing
  • All Clothing
  • Pants
  • Sweatshirts
  • Outfits & Sets
  • Swimwear
  • Tops
  • Vests
  • Shorts
  • Polos
  • Shirts
  • Jeans
  • Hoodies
  • Tanks
  • Knitwear
  • Jackets
  • T-Shirts
  • Activewear
  • Accessories
  • All Accessories
  • Bags
  • Socks
  • Watches
  • Hats
  • Wallets
  • Belts
  • Scarves
  • Gloves
  • Eyewear
  • Underwear
  • Jewellery
  • Ties
  • Masks
  • Shoes
  • All Shoes
  • Casual Shoes
  • Boots
  • Sneakers
  • Sandals
  • Brands
  • All Brands
  • Acne Studios
  • Burberry
  • Converse
  • Human Made
  • Maison Kitsune
  • Maison Margiela
  • Maison Mihara Yasuhiro
  • Moncler
  • New Balance
  • Nike
  • Palm Angels
  • Sacai
  • Stone Island
  • Stussy
  • Thom Browne
Golf
  • Golf
    Discover our handpicked curation of golf apparel and accessories.
    Read More
  • New Arrivals
  • All New Arrivals
  • New In T-Shirts
  • New In Pants
  • New In Sneakers
  • New In Bags

  • Hypebae: The Spring Edit
  • SUSTAINABLE EDIT
  • Clothing
  • All Clothing
  • Bodysuits
  • Dresses
  • Hoodies
  • Jackets
  • Jeans
  • Knitwear
  • Leggings
  • Outfits & Sets
  • Pants
  • Polos
  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Skirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Swimwear
  • T-Shirts
  • Tanks
  • Tops
  • Vests
  • Accessories
  • All Accessories
  • Bags
  • Belts
  • Eyewear
  • Gloves
  • Hair Accessories
  • Hats
  • Jewellery
  • Masks
  • Scarves
  • Socks
  • Wallets
  • Bags
  • All Bags
  • Cross-Body Bags
  • Belt Bags
  • Backpacks
  • Tote Bags
  • Shoulder Bags
  • Clutches
  • Shoes
  • All Shoes
  • Boots
  • Casual Shoes
  • Heels
  • Sandals
  • Sneakers
  • Brands
  • All Brands
  • Alexander McQueen
  • Alexander Wang
  • Bottega Veneta
  • Burberry
  • Jil Sander
  • JW Anderson
  • Loewe
  • Maison Kitsune
  • Maison Margiela
  • Marine Serre
  • Moncler
  • Nike
  • Palm Angels
  • Sporty & Rich
  • We11done
SS22 Trend Report
  • SS22 Trend Report
    Explore the key trends of the season.
    Read More

  • Gender Neutral
  • Occasion Wear
  • Spirit-Lifting Pastels
  • Fine Prints
  • Cut-Outs
  • New Arrivals
  • All New Arrivals
  • New In Collectibles
  • New In Home
  • New In Outdoor
  • New In Home Fragrance
  • New In Body Care

  • SUSTAINABLE EDIT
  • Categories
  • All Products
  • Body Care
  • Collectibles
  • Gardening
  • Grooming
  • Home
  • Outdoor
  • Pets
  • Publications
  • Shoe & Garment Care
  • Sports
  • Stationaries
  • Tech & Gadgets
  • Travel
  • Brands
  • All Brands
  • Aesop
  • Byredo
  • Helinox
  • Human Made
  • Medicom Toy
  • Mighty Jaxx
  • Nothing
  • Raawii
  • RAW EMOTIONS
  • Retaw
  • Secret Base
  • Snow Peak
  • Taschen
  • Tom Dixon
  • Yeenjoy Studio
  • New Arrivals
  • All New Arrivals
  • New In T-Shirts
  • New In Hoodies
  • New In Pants
  • New In Sneakers
  • New In Accessories
  • Clothing
  • All Clothing
  • Activewear
  • Bodysuits
  • Hoodies
  • Jackets
  • Jeans
  • Knitwear
  • Outfits & Sets
  • Pants
  • Polos
  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Skirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • T-Shirts
  • Tops
  • Vests
  • Accessories
  • All Accessories
  • Bags
  • Belts
  • Eyewear
  • Hats
  • Jewellery
  • Scarves
  • Ties
  • Wallets
  • Watches
  • Shoes
  • All Shoes
  • Boots
  • Casual Shoes
  • Sandals
  • Sneakers
  • Life
  • All Life
  • Body Care
  • Collectibles
  • Home
  • Sports
  • Stationaries
  • Brands
  • All Brands
  • Balenciaga
  • BAPE
  • Comme des Garçons
  • Fear of God Essentials
  • Jordan Brand
  • KAWS
  • Mastermind Japan
  • NEIGHBORHOOD
  • Nike
  • Palace Skateboards
  • Supreme
  • Visvim
  • WTAPS
  • Men
  • All Men's Sale
  • New To Sale
  • Shoes
  • T-Shirts
  • Hoodies
  • Jackets
  • Pants
  • Accessories

  • 20% Off
  • 30% Off
  • 40% Off
  • 50% Off
  • 60% Off
  • 70% Off
  • Last Chance
  • Women
  • All Women's Sale
  • New To Sale
  • Shoes
  • Bags
  • Hoodies
  • Jackets
  • Pants
  • Accessories

  • 20% Off
  • 30% Off
  • 40% Off
  • 50% Off
  • 60% Off
  • 70% Off
  • Last Chance
  • Life
  • All Life Sale
  • New To Sale
  • Home
  • Tech & Gadgets
  • Outdoor

  • 20% Off
  • 30% Off
  • 40% Off
  • 50% Off
  • 60% Off
  • 70% Off
  • Last Chance
  • Categories
  • All Categories
  • Fashion
  • Footwear
  • Lifestyle
  • Culture
  • Sections
  • All Sections
  • Men
  • Women
  • Life
Highlights
  • SNEAKER DUEL: RICHIE ROXAS AND NEW BALANCE
    Read More
  • WHAT'S BREWING: 5 ESSENTIALS FOR COFFEE MAKING AT HOME
    Read More
MenWomenLifeArchivesDropsSaleJournal
FAQDelivery & ShippingReturnsPaymentContact UsOrder Status

Language and Region

Please select the region where your order will be shipped to. This will give you the correct pricing, delivery times and shipping costs for your destination.
Free Standard Shipping on Orders Above US$250. Certain exclusions apply. See details
Sign up for HBX Pro and get unique access to features and benefits.
Learn More
Sign Up Login
Sections
Drops
Help & Settings
Login
More
Follow Us
Download the HBX App Subscribe to our newsletter about Retail Stores
2022 Hypebeast Limited.All Rights Reserved.Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyHBX® is a registered trademark of Hypebeast Hong Kong Ltd.
Language And Region
Please select the region where your order will be shipped to. This will give you the correct pricing, delivery times and shipping costs for your destination.
Free Standard Shipping on Orders Above US$250. Certain exclusions apply. See details
Help
FAQ Delivery & Shipping Returns Payment Customs Duties & Taxes Order Status
Men
Men's Home New Arrivals Golf
Categories
More
SUSTAINABLE EDIT SS22 Trend Report
Brands
All Brands Acne Studios Burberry Converse Human Made Maison Kitsune Maison Margiela Maison Mihara Yasuhiro Moncler New Balance Nike Palm Angels Sacai Stone Island Stussy Thom Browne
Sale
All Men's Sale
Categories
Shoes T-Shirts Hoodies Jackets Pants Accessories
Sale
20% Off 30% Off 40% Off 50% Off 60% Off 70% Off
Clothing
All Clothing Pants Sweatshirts Outfits & Sets Swimwear Tops Vests Shorts Polos Shirts Jeans Hoodies Tanks Knitwear Jackets T-Shirts Activewear
Accessories
All Accessories Bags Socks Watches Hats Wallets Belts Scarves Gloves Eyewear Underwear Jewellery Ties Masks
Shoes
All Shoes Casual Shoes Boots Sneakers Sandals
Women
Women's Home New Arrivals SS22 Trend Report
Categories
More
Hypebae: The Spring Edit SUSTAINABLE EDIT
Brands
All Brands Alexander McQueen Alexander Wang Bottega Veneta Burberry Jil Sander JW Anderson Loewe Maison Kitsune Maison Margiela Marine Serre Moncler Nike Palm Angels Sporty & Rich We11done
Sale
All Women's Sale
Categories
Shoes Bags Hoodies Jackets Pants Accessories
Sale
20% Off 30% Off 40% Off 50% Off 60% Off 70% Off
Clothing
All Clothing Bodysuits Dresses Hoodies Jackets Jeans Knitwear Leggings Outfits & Sets Pants Polos Shirts Shorts Skirts Sweatshirts Swimwear T-Shirts Tanks Tops Vests
Accessories
All Accessories Bags Belts Eyewear Gloves Hair Accessories Hats Jewellery Masks Scarves Socks Wallets
Bags
All Bags Cross-Body Bags Belt Bags Backpacks Tote Bags Shoulder Bags Clutches
Shoes
All Shoes Boots Casual Shoes Heels Sandals Sneakers
Life
Life Home New Arrivals
Categories
Gardening Grooming Publications Sports Stationaries Travel
More
SUSTAINABLE EDIT
Brands
All Brands Aesop Byredo Helinox Human Made Medicom Toy Mighty Jaxx Nothing Raawii RAW EMOTIONS Retaw Secret Base Snow Peak Taschen Tom Dixon Yeenjoy Studio
Sale
All Life Sale
Categories
Home Tech & Gadgets Outdoor
Sale
20% Off 30% Off 40% Off 50% Off 60% Off 70% Off
Archives
Archives Home New Arrivals
Categories
Brands
All Brands Balenciaga BAPE Comme des Garçons Fear of God Essentials Jordan Brand KAWS Mastermind Japan NEIGHBORHOOD Nike Palace Skateboards Supreme Visvim WTAPS
Clothing
All Clothing Activewear Bodysuits Hoodies Jackets Jeans Knitwear Outfits & Sets Pants Polos Shirts Shorts Skirts Sweatshirts T-Shirts Tops Vests
Accessories
All Accessories Bags Belts Eyewear Hats Jewellery Scarves Ties Wallets Watches
Shoes
All Shoes Boots Casual Shoes Sandals Sneakers
Life
All Life Body Care Collectibles Home Sports Stationaries
Sale
Sale Home
Sections
Men
All Men's Sale
Categories
Shoes T-Shirts Hoodies Jackets Pants Accessories
Sale
20% Off 30% Off 40% Off 50% Off 60% Off 70% Off
Women
All Women's Sale
Categories
Shoes Bags Hoodies Jackets Pants Accessories
Sale
20% Off 30% Off 40% Off 50% Off 60% Off 70% Off
Life
All Life Sale
Categories
Home Tech & Gadgets Outdoor
Sale
20% Off 30% Off 40% Off 50% Off 60% Off 70% Off
Private Sale
Private Sale Men's Private Sale Women's Private Sale Life
Journal
Journal Home
Categories
Lifestyle Fashion Footwear Culture
Sections
Men Women Life Archives
Account
Account Profile Password Orders Wishlists Address Book Payment Methods Subscriptions Returns Logout
Others
hbx pro referral program affiliates program Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy GDPR
Body Care
All Body Care Body Face Hair
Collectibles
All Collectibles Toys Art
Home
All Home Stationery Outdoor Gear Homeware Games Dining Furniture Home Décor Home Fragrance Lighting Towels & Linens
Outdoor
All Outdoor Outdoor Furniture Outdoor Accessories
Pets
All Pets Pet Grooming Pet Furniture Pet Toys
Shoe & Garment Care
All Shoe & Garment Care Shoe Care Garment Care
Tech & Gadgets
All Tech & Gadgets Home Appliances Health & Wellness Audio Tech Accessories Photography
Home JOURNAL HOW BOTTEGA VENETA WEAVED A TECHNIQUE INTO A SYMBOL OF STATUS
BACK TO JOURNAL HOME
HBX

HOW BOTTEGA VENETA WEAVED A TECHNIQUE INTO A SYMBOL OF STATUS

"A BAG THAT IS ONLY SIGNED BY THE WAY IT’S MADE."

Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato weave reigns as one of fashion's most iconic designs, sitting alongside the likes of Chanel’s quilting and Louis Vuitton’s monogram. What resulted in a sophisticated pattern was a desperate measure to handle leather due to the limited power of sewing machines in Veneto, where the brand started in 1966. Now four decades later, Bottega has transformed its technique into a symbol of status.

From the Cabat tote to the Jodie bag, the Italian fashion house’s leather goods made their way to the forefront of high fashion runway and celebrity street style in its non-ostentatious philosophy.

Humble Beginnings

Bottega’s logoless appeal was a founding principle of the brand created by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro in Veneto, Milan, 56 years ago. During this time, sewing machines in the Veneto region were not strong enough to operate on thick leather. As a result, the brand chose to weave – braiding long strips of double-faced leather into pieces.

Advertising with the slogan, “When your own initials are enough,” the Italian fashion house’s understated aesthetic soon gained popularity – first evident with the Intrecciato bag’s cameo in the movie American Gigolo with actress Laura Hutton in 1980, followed by Andy Warhol’s short film “Bottega Veneta Industrial Videotape” in 1985. The value of the intrecciato weave was further emphasized when Bottega experienced a setback with its trend-focused designs during the strike of logomania. With Gucci Group’s acquisition of the house and Tomas Maier’s appointment as Creative Director, the brand saw its revival as Maier resorted to Bottega’s non-branded personality. He explained to SCMP, “I felt there was a need for a product for people who didn’t like logos, so what we did to start was going back to the essence of the brand: the soft Nappa leather, the signature weave, and a bag that is only signed by the way it’s made.” In 2006, Bottega established the Scuola dei Maestri Pellettieri aimed to train leather artisans and preserve the exquisite craftsmanship of the intrecciato weave.

Weaves Exaggerated

In 2018, Daniel Lee succeeded Tomas Maier just shy of 32 years old and helped define a new era of modernity for Bottega. Whether it was the wave of oversized silhouettes or a result of artistic intuition, Lee’s ingenious idea of supersizing the intrecciato weaves to the “intreccio” set the leather motif ablaze once more and to a magnitude that won him a record-breaking four awards at the British Fashion Awards. During his tenure, some of the biggest hits amongst fashion editors included the Cassette bag and its padded iteration, the cushioned BV Lido heels, and the puddle boots.

The Art of Weaving

While generally grouped under the term of “intrecciato,” the weaving techniques for some bags are distinct from others. For one, the Cassette bag employs a simpler interlacing method than the Pouch bag. The former involves weaving horizontal and vertical leather strips over and under each other, resulting in a grid with small gaps. Meanwhile, the latter's denser appearance is created by cutting tiny slits in a zigzag manner in an underlayer to pull woven leather into a gapless alignment. Other than appearance, the weaving technique also leads to different textures of bags. The Pouch bag’s tight-weave formation and base layer support allow the use of supple leather that can bend, whereas the Cassette bag uses stiffer, double-faced leather made by gluing two layers back to back that hides the flesh side and exposes only the grain side.

Staying true to its roots

At the beginning of 2021, Bottega made the power move of the era by deleting its official accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. It works as a strategy to recreate the mysterious air that many luxury houses were familiar with before virtually everything became accessible. Think celebrities like Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, and George Clooney, who are made all the more tasteful and enigmatic for swearing off social media. Ultimately, little presence is presence, and Bottega has not entirely closed off itself but is merely gaining awareness through other means, such as influencers and fashion bloggers. While the decision may come as a shock for social media is so interwoven into our lives, let alone fashion labels that thrive off of the attention garnered from likes and shares, the decision only feels natural for the designer brand's more down-to-earth origins.

BOTTEGA VENETA BOTTEGA VENETA INTRECCIATO BOTTEGA VENETA INTRECCIO BOTTEGA VENETA CASSETTE BAG BOTTEGA VENETA JODIE BOTTEGA VENETA POUCH BOTTEGA VENETA RUBBER LIDO
BACK TO JOURNAL HOME

RELATED ARTICLE

SNEAKER DUEL: RICHIE ROXAS AND NEW BALANCE

READ MORE
SUBSCRIBE NOW AND ENJOY 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE HBX APP
ON IOS AND ANDROID DEVICES
Clear All
Filters
Categories
  • ALL
  • FASHION
  • FOOTWEAR
  • LIFESTYLE
  • CULTURE
Sections
  • ALL
  • MEN
  • WOMEN
  • LIFE
Follow Us
Download The HBX App
On iOS and Android devices
Subscribe now and enjoy 10% off your first order

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Language and Region
USDUnited StatesEnglishUSD
  • about
  • Retail Stores
  • help
  • HBX Pro
  • referral program
  • affiliates program
2022 Hypebeast Limited. All Rights Reserved.Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
HBX® is a registered trademark of Hypebeast Hong Kong Ltd.