8 Timeless Bags Minimalist Fashion People Still Love Years Later

If there's one brand that's dominated the fashion world (and our saved folders) more than any over the past few years, it would have to be Bottega Veneta. Once considered a heritage label, the Italian fashion house found itself a hot topic once again upon its appointment of Daniel Lee as creative director in 2018. It's fair to say interest in the brand hasn't waned since—even after Lee was succeeded by his right-hand man, Matthieu Blazy, in 2021.

While very much minimal, Bottega's modern approach to pared-back style was previously undefinable. Where other brands have opted for ultra-simplicity, with borderline "boring" colour palettes and oversized silhouettes, Lee and Blazy have instead made Bottega Veneta's minimalistic designs look incredibly luxe, with details such as gold metal hardware set against premium, buttery soft leathers.

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

And while shoes and coats have proven to be some of the brand's most in-demand pieces, the hardest item to get your hands on in recent years has to be one of Bottega Veneta's bags. The brand recently launched its commitment to expert craftsmanship and luxurious materials with an announcement of a new lifetime warranty on its bags. The Certificate of Craft program offers unlimited complimentary refreshes and repairs on their bags, ultimately encouraging less waste. Bottega bags for life you say? Er, yes please.

Celebrities, industry insiders and the public have found themselves falling head over heels for Bottega Veneta's arm-candy offering, leaving wait lists in their wake. The frenzy first started with The Pouch; a buttery-soft, for the lack of a better word, clutch, with wide-framed jaws that clasp together to create a gathered leather effect. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (above) was one of the first to tote Bottega Veneta's The Pouch, and in the time since, it's come to define the fashion zeitgeist.

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

Even after five years, The Pouch is still top of fashion's most-wanted list (proving just how smart an investment Bottega bags are). That said, some of Bottega Veneta's other bags are nipping at its heels. Take The Jodie, for instance— no stylish wardrobe is truly complete without this woven sidekick these days. And, like the Pouch, it's now gone way beyond cult It bag into the realms of a luxury classic. As such, we decided it was time to bring you a definitive edit of the best Bottega Veneta bags for your consideration— should you be in lucky position to have a few thousand to spare!

From The Pouch to the Cassette, with a foray into the new Sardine along the way, keep scrolling to see and shop the best Bottega Veneta bags that have not only stood the test of time, but are still the most covetable accessories money can buy.

SHOP THE BEST BOTTEGA VENETA BAGS

1. THE POUCH

Bottega Veneta's The Pouch has practically become fashion-girl uniform and continues to repeatedly sell out across luxury shopping sites every time a new iteration is released. The fact we found some in-stock to share with you in this feature came as a shock.

Shop the Pouch:

2. THE JODIE

Boasting the brand's trademark intrecciato lattice work, The Jodie expertly channels Bottega Veneta's heritage charm, in a very of-the-moment silhouette.

Shop the Jodie:

3. THE ARCO

While you might be tempted to keep her for best, The Arco is one of Bottega Veneta's more practical bag styles, with enough room in the medium version to tote all of your daily essentials and then some.

Shop the Arco:

4. THE CASSETTE

After the reception The Pouch received, you'd have thought Bottega couldn't reach higher heights. But it did with the Cassette, which now comes in classic, padded and chain versions.

Shop the Cassette:

5. THE LOOP

A relative newcomer to the Bottega Veneta bag roster, we're predicting big things from the Loop, which is the brand's practical yet extremely classic crossbody.

Shop the Loop:

6. THE ANDIAMO

The Andiamo is new this year and it has already got fashion people talking. Big enough to hold all your essentials but still undeniably chic, this is an understated accessory that says "I'm in the know".

Shop the Andiamo:

7. The Sardine

True to Bottega's style, the Sardine is expertly crafted using the label's signature weaving technique. We are sold on the sculptural gold-tone handle.

Shop the Sardine:

8. The Brick Cassette 

The Brick bag is part of the much adored and renowned Casette range and showcases the same intrecciato weave as the rest of its relatives, except with a magnified version you're sure to adore.

Shop the Brick:

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.