BOTTEGA VENETA

Bottega Veneta is a luxury fashion house that was started in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. Best known for their leather goods, Bottega Veneta developed their own weaving method, called “intrecciato,” which crosses the leather in a braid-like pattern. This interwoven design would become the brand’s trademark and it was the beautifully handcrafted designs and the quality of their materials, which were further accentuated by an unassuming and logo-less design, that gained Bottega Veneta notoriety in those early years. Co-founder Renzo Zengiaro left Bottega Veneta in the late 1970s, with Michele Taddei following suit a few years later.

In the 1980s, Bottega Veneta's popularity among celebrities around the world began to grow, and Andy Warhol was among the brand's biggest fans. However, the company faced financial difficulties in the 1990s, and as a result, its design changed to more closely reflect the trends of the time. In 2001, German fashion designer Tomas Maier was appointed the company's new Creative Director, and his influence helped Bottega Veneta regain its popularity. Today, the brand is owned by the Gucci Group, a subsidiary of the Kering Group.

To restore the brand's identity, Maier removed all visible logos from products and emphasized the handcrafted nature of the brand's products, including the intrecciato weave that was once a hallmark of the company. These changes were successful, and Bottega Veneta began introducing new additions to its existing lines, including fine jewelry and fragrance as well as handbags, small leather goods, shoes, gifts, and even home furniture.

Bottega Veneta is known for its high-end handbags, which are made of leather. The company has a history of supporting the art of leatherworking, and has a school that selects future leather artisans. Vogue once used the term “stealth wealth” to describe the brand’s appeal. Bottega Veneta's leather goods are some of the most popular and sophisticated in the market.