(End of my) Bottega Veneta Era

And just like that (I felt like I had to start with these because of HBO’s season 2 of And Just Like That…), I officially ended my Bottega Era.

As soon as we decided that we’ll be going to Europe this year, I already began planning what bags to bring to the trip. I knew I’d go for those that are as discreet as possible, knowing how rife of pickpockets most areas in Rome and Paris (our major destinations) are.

I did not want to attract much attention, although I have not been using any bags with identifiable logos for quite some time. And so, I had Bottega Veneta in mind.

Out of all Bottegas, I began with a large mint green Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Veneta Hobo. It is something I would not normally choose, given I am more of a messenger/crossbody person.

On the other hand, I just loved how that muted color will go well with my mostly neutral clothes for the whole trip (which were predominantly black, khaki, brown, and white with a bit of color here and there).

Plus point that it’d be completely pickpocket brief, slung very close to my right shoulder, with the zipper positioned in front of me. The only way this would leave my body was either it deliberately forced out of my arm, or I absentmindedly hang it somewhere while eating.

As Carrie once said, some outfits wait a lifetime to be taken somewhere (remember her striped number for Paris). In my case, some bags. This Intrecciato Veneta Hobo is not something I normally use at home, given I have not seen any dudes (so far) use one in the wild.

But Europe, I thought, would not mind.

A couple of weeks before the trip, I thought that maybe we could throw in a small Bottega Veneta into the mix. Yes, it may be a classic case of the Diderot Effect, but I set that aside.

Perhaps a small belt bag to carry passport, metro cards, and my phone? And along came this Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Saddle Belt Bag. I haggled hard from the online seller, and she gave in eventually.

Along with the Veneta Hobo, this Belt Bag went with me to the trip. The leather was extremely soft, which meant it may have been lovingly used by its previous owner.

I carried it almost everyday given it is a no fuss, quick compartment for everything I needed to reach out to. I could also immediately put it in front of me on crowded trains, away from the greasy hands of the pickpockets.

And then after the trip, one thing led to another. I checked online, and I scrolled and scrolled and saw a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Double Zip Tote from 2010.

I had no idea why it went unsold for more than 3 months. Perhaps the style was not to the market’s liking? The details looked great, with an adjustable top handle that I thought could go over my shoulder in its longest length.

Good thing it did when I had snatched it, or else it will be one of those cumbersome ‘top handle only’ bags, which, while I don’t mind, can get uncomfortable after several hours.

And then another one came along. This bag was a as wide as a Louis Vuitton Nil, yet almost twice as tall. It also came with a padlock and a clochette, which surprisingly would likely never see itself used at home, but not in Paris nor in Rome. =)

This Pilot Messenger Bag bag has been first seen in the Spring/Summer 2008 Men’s collection by Tomas Maier, albeit in its original croc (embossed? I doubt it) variety. The one I got was produced in 2010.

As spacious and sturdy looking it is, it is also has some considerable weight to it even when empty. It may have been due to its thin strap, which could have been better with slightly smaller bags. A wider canvas strap could have made this bag perfect.

And just like Goldilocks, I wanted it just right.

I recall browsing online 3 weeks ago, when I saw a newly listed vintage Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Large Nodini for sale at a price that was almost given away.

I knew it was vintage with its characteristic metal plaque inside with ‘BOTTEGA VENETA MADE IN ITALY’ engraved on it. I have seen the same bag in brown on The Real Real.

Sadly, despite me quickly contacting the seller to inquire, another buyer got it under my nose. No surprise there given that the seller may have no idea of how much of a steal the item s/he was selling.

Then earlier today, I saw it got listed again. Why? Did the buyer back out? Was the seller a scammer?

I messaged again to ask about the bag. I immediately sent an offer, and the seller obliged. The questions came after.LOL

According to her, the previous buyer did not push through with the purchase, as the latter wanted to pay for the bag in installment? That was quite strange given the bag cost not that much to begin with.

My luck, then. So I bought it.

Among the bunch, it was the softest and buttery, even softer than the Saddle Belt Bag. The leather strap is also much thicker than the normal sized Nodini, which makes it less of hassle. It looks more of a normal camera bag than a Nodini the more I look at it.

I have yet to try it, but I don’t think I will push its structure too hard, too. Unlike recent Nodinis with its suede lining, this one still has that very soft leather lining.

While well built, I also want to be careful of the two leather loops where the thick leather strap was attached.

All in all, I (think I) have finally reached the end of this Bottega Veneta Era. While I may have been frankly browsing at some intrecciato duffle bags or something as big as a Mulberry Piccadilly, it just does not make sense at all.

And now, I’m closing this era.