All About That Andiamo!

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Euclase

Euclase

O.G.
Nov 3, 2011
730
2,234
#1
I mean, it’s gonna be a thing, so let’s get a thread going… ;)

I fondled a medium Andiamo in travertine at my local BV boutique recently. Pic shows it next to small Andiamos (I didn’t see a large) plus me wearing it with my Medium Cervo Loop. I’m short, 5’3. Thoughts:

IMHO Andiamo is like the love-child of a Roma and a Garda.

The straps were soft, not as stiff as I had I had expected. They felt luxe and I imagine they would soften nicely with use That said, I personally wouldn’t wear this crossbody except in the small size.

The gold accent was beautiful; I’m not usually a big hardware person on BV, but I’d make an exception for this. It’s easy to reposition the hardware to emphasize it more or less and I loved how the curves contrasted with the sharp angles of the intrecciato.

The inside was nicely finished and organized, and the top has a gentle magnet closure.

My one immediate reservation, esp maybe in light colors, is how well the strap holes will hold up to normal wear and tear from the straps moving?

This bag in a small Nero or Fondant could be tempting for me. :angel:

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#3
I would get the white and in that smaller size. The pistachio color one looks really big on you. And the light color makes it look even bigger.

I have a white BV bag similar to this style, from back in the days. It's held up extremely well. But I rotate my bags and I have many bags, so it's not like I wear it all the time and in all weather.
 
#4
Grande Latte said:
I would get the white and in that smaller size. The pistachio color one looks really big on you. And the light color makes it look even bigger.

I have a white BV bag similar to this style, from back in the days. It's held up extremely well. But I rotate my bags and I have many bags, so it's not like I wear it all the time and in all weather.
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atlantique said:
What do you think of these „sharp edges“? I think they could show signs of wear after a few times of using the bag!?
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Grande Latte, yeah the medium size is far too large for me. I was just modeling it for the benefit of TPFers.

I like to haunt the local BV stores and see what’s new to report back here. Everything I own currently is from the TM era, but I do like a handful of MB’s’s designs.

I’m thrilled to hear that your white BV has held up so well! :nuts:

Atlantique, when I said sharp angles, I just meant the texture of the intrecciato weave.

But yes, Andiamo does have a ‘cornered’ base instead of a rounded base like my hobo, so I imagine it would show normal edge/corner wear over time. I tend to avoid sharp-cornered bags because I’m afraid I’d beat them up! :-s
 
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#5
I quite like the look of this bag and the Medium does look huge to me - almost like a work tote size. My main concern is that there is only 1 top handle. It reminds me of the Fendi Peekaboo in this regard.

Did it seem like it could handle a lot of weight with only 1 top handle?

I actually like the cornered bases to it as I like structured-looking bags.
 
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#6
_Moravia_ said:
I quite like the look of this bag and the Medium does look huge to me - almost like a work tote size. My main concern is that there is only 1 top handle. It reminds me of the Fendi Peekaboo in this regard.

Did it seem like it could handle a lot of weight with only 1 top handle?

I actually like the cornered bases to it as I like structured-looking bags.
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Oh gosh, that’s a good question. I didn’t pack anything into it and really put the bag through its paces since I had no intention of buying one then. My hunch is that a Cabat would be better for that purpose, esp since the bottom isn’t quite as reinforced as a Cabat. It could probably hold a tablet in a pinch, but if I were to stuff it I’d put in a lightweight extra like a scarf.
 
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#7
Yeah, BV used to do smaller work totes with two handles, and these square corners. They are just glorious. I wonder why the fashion house stopped.

In terms of wear and tear, since the bag is lined inside, all your contents will be contained in the lining, it's not like anything will protrude out of the bag. The corners will grow softer, and will not be a nuisance to take care of. This I'm sure.

I've included a few photos from he Internet to share. I used to see a lot of these types of bags and thought they were all very beautiful.

My white bag is in my vacation house, otherwise, I'd pull it out and take a few photos to share with you.

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#8
It’s a pretty bag and I appreciate the review and comments. The strap is longer than the original Garda/Bella. BV originally did the ‘holes’ in covered leather and then went to the Brunito metal. If you google older Garda those holes show wear. But even the Brunito metal holes get scratched because it’s a lot of friction. The rounded strap may help reduce it a bit.

I like the metal accent too.

Sadly I won’t have use for it as I’m retired and don’t need a dressy day bag. But if I wasn’t, it’d be tempting. This bag in a deep darker color could be spectacular.
 
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#9
I have seen it and tried it on and like it a lot. I let my old guarda go and miss it. This feels the same in the best ways. I tried the medium size one. The metal accent opens so you can remove the strap. There would be no reason that I can think of to do that but I might to remove the insert and replace the strap.
 
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#11
annie9999 said:
I have seen it and tried it on and like it a lot. I let my old guarda go and miss it. This feels the same in the best ways. I tried the medium size one. The metal accent opens so you can remove the strap. There would be no reason that I can think of to do that but I might to remove the insert and replace the strap.
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I have sold my Garda too and I regret it very much!
I don‘t like golden or silver hardware or details on BV bags, and the Garda was perfect for me. I have sold it because I have had a Cabat, but for me the Cabat is too big and heavy.
 
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#12
atlantique said:
I have sold my Garda too and I regret it very much!
I don‘t like golden or silver hardware or details on BV bags, and the Garda was perfect for me. I have sold it because I have had a Cabat, but for me the Cabat is too big and heavy.
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I don’t mind the gold detail. The way the strap moves it could be adjusted so it’s not front and center like a bow. Next time I go to BV I’ll take another look- maybe it can be removed. I have one on hold for me.
 
#14
I like the dimensions of the Andiamo compared to the Garda. I looked at the Garda many times over the years and didn’t like how narrow it was and how short the straps werr. I’m slim 5’6” and as a shoulder bag the Garda seemed fussy and not quite long enough. I would consider trying the Andiamo but the big weave is still hard for me to get past as a fan of the classic intrecciato. I would have to see the hardware in person, too. I’m particular about any hardware on my bags.
 
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