The Characteristics
(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- In time for New York Fashion Week, Italian luxury goods maker Bottega Veneta will open its biggest shop to date. Tomas Maier, creative director of the Kering SA-owned brand, is celebrating the occasion with a 33-piece collection of leather bags, titled Icons of New York and inspired by the Big Apple skyline. The Intrecciato Manhattan Craquelé tote, pictured, bears a design of the island’s shape outlined in three subtle colors of nappa leather. Each small panel is cut out and aligned by hand, jigsaw-like, giving the bag a craquelé, or cracked, appearance.
The Competition
At $3,200, these limited-edition carryalls are priced similarly to the brand’s Aquatre bags, which are $3,150 and covered with the interlaced intrecciato weave that’s so central to the company’s aesthetic. A more understated all-purpose leather accessory is the $1,250 unlined tote bag from Salvatore Ferragamo, which comes with a calfskin compartment inside. Hermès’ $10,300 Cityhall 38 briefcase is even subtler, save for a stretch of reverse stitching. But neither has the conversation-starting panache—and New York-inspired exclusivity—of this collection.
The Case
The cracked ridges that denote New York’s various neighborhoods—there’s even a green rectangle representing Central Park—have a function beyond aesthetics. Under them, another panel of leather ensures both durability and flexibility, making this a bag that can be used every day. It comes with an optional shoulder strap as well; its deep tote shape is convenient for neatly hauling a variety of work-related items. But while it can be used for humdrum purposes, the woven sides leave no doubt that this is Bottega Veneta. $3,200; 800 845-6790
To contact the author of this story: James Gaddy in New York at jgaddy@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chris Rovzar at crovzar@bloomberg.net, Justin Ocean
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