Just shy of three years as creative director at Bottega Veneta, Daniel Lee has turned the Italian luxury label into a millennial-generation lust-must. His Pouch clutch – which has been likened to an oversized coin purse – has remained Bottega Veneta’s best-selling bag since it launched in 2019.
And gearing up for the festivities of Chinese New Year 2021 – 12 February marks the first day of the lunar Year of the Ox – requires a stylish handbag, especially if you’re still into giving and receiving actual ang paos. One of Bottega Veneta’s very coveted carriers not only does the job well but also doubles as a conversation starter.
Lee, who studied at Central Saint Martins and trained under Phoebe Philo (Celine) and Nicolas Ghesquiere (Balenciaga), clearly appreciates Bottega Veneta’s ethos, summarised famously as “When your initials are enough”. So his clothes, while minimalist in essence, are impeccably crafted and often play with proportions.
Wardrobe 01, a capsule collection Lee rolled out for Pre-Spring season, focused on easy-to-wear staples in neutral palettes. For Salon 01 – in lieu of the regular Spring/Summer 2021 runway presentation – there were colourful floral-printed frocks, gorgeous knit vests and delicious sherbet hues.
But back to the bags. We round up five – new, familiar and reinterpreted – that will provide the fabulous finishing touch to your CNY outfit with their classic designs and auspicious hues.
01 | The Clip
Leading the line-up for Bottega Veneta Wardrobe 01 is The Clip. A shoulder bag so sleek and compact in appearance, you’d be forgiven for wanting to carry it as a clutch on some days. Over the single front flap, a metal clasp in this season’s most coveted V motif keeps the look both confident and classy. Available in gorgeous colours including almond, grape and racing green.
02 | The Shell
Bottega Veneta’s quirkiest (possibly) arm candy features a drawstring pouch encased within a frame of leather strips that evoke the label’s Intrecciato weave.
03 | The Mini Twist
Whether cuddled close to the bosom or hung from the wrist, this slouchy triangular clutch in Intrecciato Nappa leather may be petite in proportions but promises enormous in style cred.
04 | The Belt Chain Pouch
Lee continues to build on his now-iconic Pouch – by giving it a chunky chain belt. Now you can flaunt the bag around your waist or across your torso.
05 | The Tote
Made for the gents but poised to be a hit among ladies too, this sporty carryall features Bottega Veneta’s signature Intrecciato weave (laser-engraved!) on its rubber exterior. Handles extend from the V motif while sliders by the sides can be adjusted for desired capacity and shape. How easy!