WORDS BY LUCY HARDY
Fashion has shifted gear from maximalist logomania to modern minimalism, and it’s Daniel Lee, Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, who’s largely responsible for the change in pace. From ‘Old Céline’ to ‘New Bottega’, the former director of ready-to-wear at Céline is often credited with picking up where Phoebe Philo left off with his Bottega designs, answering the prayers of low-key luxury lovers everywhere.
The Bradford-born designer certainly transports us to minimalist heaven with his fresh take on Bottega’s iconic legacy, offering a masterclass in brand reinvention in the process. It’s the accessories that have really struck gold, especially the bags and shoes. Bottega’s heritage has been revived for a new era. The signature Intrecciato weave receives an amplified update, square-toe shoes have officially been made cool and the dumpling-shaped Pouch bag has left the fashion world hungry for more.
Enter the BV Jodie Bag. Whilst The Pouch and The Cassette are Daniel Lee’s fashion-forward hits, the Jodie satisfies a minimalist’s cravings for a classic, marrying the brand’s core values of craftsmanship with a modern silhouette. The slouchy design is named after actress Jodie Foster (of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ fame) and inspired by the time she was pictured using her Bottega bag to shield from the paparazzi. As with all Bottega Veneta bags, the Jodie is crafted in Italy from supple world-class leather and comes in a range of colourways and an ever-expanding lineup of five sizes. Read our Bottega Veneta Jodie bag sizing guide to discover which BV shoulder bag is right for you.
With the BV Mini Jodie, Daniel Lee serves the mini bag trend with a minimalist take. Like the other Jodie sizes, this design features the trademark Intrecciato weave and knot detail. It’s small enough to be tucked under your arm like a baguette bag, but big enough for your phone, cards and keys. The bag may be mini, but it packs a punch in a range of bright colors, from hot pink to acid green. Dimensions: Depth: 2in. Handle: 3.1in. Height: 4.7in. Width: 7.9in.
Simply named the Jodie, this Bottega handbag is the standard and most practical size in the collection. With space for your essentials and more, this size is the perfect choice for an everyday bag. With the brand’s signature Intrecciato weave all over, the design is Bottega through and through. Select a color to suit you, from basic black to beige and bright neons. Dimensions: Depth: 4.7in. Handle: 4.7in. Height: 9.8in. Width: 17.7in.
The Padded Jodie is the newest addition to the family, debuting in spring/summer 2021. It retains its sister bag’s original charm courtesy of Bottega’s iconic weave, this time blown up to padded proportions, hence the name. The style forgoes the signature knot in favour of an uninterrupted handle. This small bag works as part of an evening look, with space for essentials and makeup touch ups. Dimensions: Depth: 5.1in. Handle: 3.9in. Height: 7.9in. Width: 9.8in.
The Large BV Jodie shoulder bag
The large Bottega Veneta Jodie shoulder bag is bigger than the standard Jodie, but smaller than the maxi, making it an ideal work bag. The slouchy, roomy silhouette accommodates space for a laptop, notebook, water bottle, a spare pair of shoes, and everything else you need to get through a day at the office. Dimensions: Depth: 5.9in. Handle: 7.9in. Height: 11in. Width: 18.5in.
If you’re the type for whom the bare necessities just won’t suffice, then this one’s for you. Mini bags have dominated in recent years but supersize styles from the mid ‘00s are making their comeback. The largest of the collection, the Bottega Veneta sling bag is designed to be worn rather than carried. Hanging below the knee, this Bottega woven bag is more of a statement piece than a practical design, but features a very spacious interior if you are inclined to use it every day. Dimensions: Depth: 8.7in. Handle: 19.7in. Height: 15.7in. Width: 25.6in.