Bottega Veneta Jodie Bag

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

I've also read back in the BV threads to the earliest posts from ~2007 and saw A LOT of posts about fraying/curling on the edges of the smaller weave and concerns about wear and tear, so sounds like it was always an issue, not just with the DL bags. Just found that interesting considering how much rhetoric there is about the inferior weave of today's bags, etc. Doesn't seem to be totally true. ;)
 
I've also read back in the BV threads to the earliest posts from ~2007 and saw A LOT of posts about fraying/curling on the edges of the smaller weave and concerns about wear and tear, so sounds like it was always an issue, not just with the DL bags. Just found that interesting considering how much rhetoric there is about the inferior weave of today's bags, etc. Doesn't seem to be totally true. ;)
It is inferior in that it’s bonded leather, not the single piece that was used before Daniel Lee. There’s no rhetoric - it’s a truth. This is why there is so much more wear and curling than previously - the bonded pieces are separating.
 
Last edited:
It is inferior in that it’s bonded leather, not the single piece that was used before Daniel Lee. There’s no rhetoric - it’s a truth. this is why there is so much more wear and curling than previously - the bonded pieces are separating.
As an interior designer, I have to confirm - my understanding is bonded leather is basically a composite leather. That is, it's leather scraps that are ground up, mixed with a binder agent, and then processed onto a paper backing to create a "leather" sheet. It's commonly used on lower end leather furniture.

Do you mean the pieces in older BV are one continuous strip, and newer BV pieces utilize strips that are sewn together instead? I'm curious, because I have not noticed the issues with my newer BV pieces yet. Perhaps I have not put them through enough wear and tear.

ETA - some of the conversation around newer BV showing wear more quickly reminded me of an older YouTube video. In the video below, she describes how quickly her Nodini Pillow bag showed wear. My personal take - I think design, construction and how we use our bags are major factors. TM used a smaller weave that was tighter, but also flatter. Therefore, I think his pieces probably will age better over time. DL used a wider weave that was looser, but also allowed more of the ruching, twists, and knots you see on his designs. Either way, the edges are raw on most intrecciato bags, regardless of designer. I think that in itself is a factor in wear and tear.

 
Last edited:
As an interior designer, I have to confirm - my understanding is bonded leather is basically a composite leather. That is, it's leather scraps that are ground up, mixed with a binder agent, and then processed onto a paper backing to create a "leather" sheet. It's commonly used on lower end leather furniture.

Do you mean the pieces in older BV are one continuous strip, and newer BV pieces utilize strips that are sewn together instead? I'm curious, because I have not noticed the issues with my newer BV pieces yet. Perhaps I have not put them through enough wear and tear.

ETA - some of the conversation around newer BV showing wear more quickly reminded me of an older YouTube video. In the video below, she describes how quickly her Nodini Pillow bag showed wear. My personal take - I think design, construction and how we use our bags are major factors. TM used a smaller weave that was tighter, but also flatter. Therefore, I think his pieces probably will age better over time. DL used a wider weave that was looser, but also allowed more of the ruching, twists, and knots you see on his designs. Either way, the edges are raw on most intrecciato bags, regardless of designer. I think that in itself is a factor in wear and tear.


I meant ‘bonded’ as in one side is bonded to the other side - usually leather on one side, some other textile on the other.

Lambskin bags usually start showing wear on the corners, just from sustained use.

TM was a master of design, as you probably know from this thread:
Bottega Veneta Unique Treatment and Weaving
 
I meant ‘bonded’ as in one side is bonded to the other side - usually leather on one side, some other textile on the other.

Lambskin bags usually start showing wear on the corners, just from sustained use.

TM was a master of design, as you probably know from this thread:
Bottega Veneta Unique Treatment and Weaving
That makes sense. Thank you for the clarification. I'll be curious to see how my DL bags wear, but I don't carry any of my bags for more than a week before switching to another bag. I'm also very careful how I handle them. I expect to see corner wear on the lambskin more quickly than I would see wear to the intrecciato edges on my bags.
 
  • Like
Reactions: indiaink
It is inferior in that it’s bonded leather, not the single piece that was used before Daniel Lee. There’s no rhetoric - it’s a truth. This is why there is so much more wear and curling than previously - the bonded pieces are separating.
Respectfully, I disagree. The quality and craftsmanship of just the post TM-era bags vary wildly, so it would be incorrect to make a blanket statement about how they are all made. I'm attaching some product photos of the mini loop bag from netaporter, where I purchased mine, from my 2021 order vs the ones on the site today. The materials and technique used to create the bag look very different to me. The new model looks like there is some kind of textile or paper layer in the middle, like what you are referencing, and definitely looks like it could be as you say. However in the early model it does not look like that at all, and the bag also had a lining. I also purchased my Jodie brand new at the end of 2022 and the weave is just like the old model of the photos that I have attached, so the materials vary across the brand at any given time as well.

I fully believe that the TM-era bags could be of higher quality as everything was better quality back then, and I really appreciate the older styles and craftsmanship, especially the Veneta and the Lauren; would love to get my hands on some. I am not trying to deny that point. What I said in my post was that I do believe a lot of it to be rhetoric and not entirely true. Also, this is a thread to talk about the Jodie bag, one of DL's most beloved designs, so I find it unnecessary and nonsensical for anyone trying to contribute to a positive environment to start chatter about how TM was better and the new bags are bad in this thread. As a new fan of BV, I do not feel welcomed by this community and wish there was less gatekeeping in fashion in general; I wish that we at least could have our dedicated threads where we can enjoy new BV without having our items incorrectly being put down. This also falls in line with the "status" phenomenon that luxury fashion so heavily profits from; old money vs new money, "I'm better than you because I was rich before you" that is highly present in western society and very toxic (leads to societal issues such as racism which then fan out into larger problems like international conquest, etc). I am so frustrated by this thought pattern and I simply wish to stop disinformation occurring about these items especially when it is inaccurate to my firsthand experience. It's just a bag. There's no reason to put other people down especially when it's not factual.

If this post offends anyone I can leave the thread. Just wanted to make my thoughts known and speak up for those who maybe feel the same in this community but don't feel empowered to stand up for themselves.

This is the old model, which looks like my bag that I purchased in 2021 for $1150:

1690395808912.png
1690395149482.png
current model retailing for $1950:

1690395821562.png
1690395193394.png
(edited to reorganize images)
 
Respectfully, I disagree. The quality and craftsmanship of just the post TM-era bags vary wildly, so it would be incorrect to make a blanket statement about how they are all made. I'm attaching some product photos of the mini loop bag from netaporter, where I purchased mine, from my 2021 order vs the ones on the site today. The materials and technique used to create the bag look very different to me. The new model looks like there is some kind of textile or paper layer in the middle, like what you are referencing, and definitely looks like it could be as you say. However in the early model it does not look like that at all, and the bag also had a lining. I also purchased my Jodie brand new at the end of 2022 and the weave is just like the old model of the photos that I have attached, so the materials vary across the brand at any given time as well.

I fully believe that the TM-era bags could be of higher quality as everything was better quality back then, and I really appreciate the older styles and craftsmanship, especially the Veneta and the Lauren; would love to get my hands on some. I am not trying to deny that point. What I said in my post was that I do believe a lot of it to be rhetoric and not entirely true. Also, this is a thread to talk about the Jodie bag, one of DL's most beloved designs, so I find it unnecessary and nonsensical for anyone trying to contribute to a positive environment to start chatter about how TM was better and the new bags are bad in this thread. As a new fan of BV, I do not feel welcomed by this community and wish there was less gatekeeping in fashion in general; I wish that we at least could have our dedicated threads where we can enjoy new BV without having our items incorrectly being put down. This also falls in line with the "status" phenomenon that luxury fashion so heavily profits from; old money vs new money, "I'm better than you because I was rich before you" that is highly present in western society and very toxic (leads to societal issues such as racism which then fan out into larger problems like international conquest, etc). I am so frustrated by this thought pattern and I simply wish to stop disinformation occurring about these items especially when it is inaccurate to my firsthand experience. It's just a bag. There's no reason to put other people down especially when it's not factual.

If this post offends anyone I can leave the thread. Just wanted to make my thoughts known and speak up for those who maybe feel the same in this community but don't feel empowered to stand up for themselves.

This is the old model, which looks like my bag that I purchased in 2021 for $1150:

View attachment 5829883
View attachment 5829875
current model retailing for $1950:

View attachment 5829884
View attachment 5829877
(edited to reorganize images)
I agree a blanket statement about the quality of post TM bags being inferior may not be entirely accurate. Among the major designer brands, I think BV quality and craftsmanship stands out even today.

However, I have seen posts on this thread from people who own both old and new BV commenting that their Jodies are not aging as nicely as their Venetas (the style most similar to the Jodie). I think these comments about the quality of newer BV bags are relevant for those considering the Jodie, or any BV pieces.

I've weighed the pros and cons, and purchased two Jodies. So far, I have no issues with them. I also have a pre-loved Belly Veneta, which obviously did not see much use before me, evident by the fact its shape has not relaxed yet. Therefore, it's impossible for me to judge the quality of the two styles without using them more.

I think there is room for the various opinions on quality here. I appreciate the different viewpoints and experiences in the BV subforum. People come here to research potential purchases and share their experiences, and I like knowing what I can expect if I'm about to drop a large sum of money on a designer bag.
 
I agree a blanket statement about the quality of post TM bags being inferior may not be entirely accurate. Among the major designer brands, I think BV quality and craftsmanship stands out even today.

However, I have seen posts on this thread from people who own both old and new BV commenting that their Jodies are not aging as nicely as their Venetas (the style most similar to the Jodie). I think these comments about the quality of newer BV bags are relevant for those considering the Jodie, or any BV pieces.

I've weighed the pros and cons, and purchased two Jodies. So far, I have no issues with them. I also have a pre-loved Belly Veneta, which obviously did not see much use before me, evident by the fact its shape has not relaxed yet. Therefore, it's impossible for me to judge the quality of the two styles without using them more.

I think there is room for the various opinions on quality here. I appreciate the different viewpoints and experiences in the BV subforum. People come here to research potential purchases and share their experiences, and I like knowing what I can expect if I'm about to drop a large sum of money on a designer bag.
I agree with what you've said here. Specific feedback on various bags actually owned and used by people and how they are aging is really valuable. I also very much welcome differing viewpoints as I think intelligent and respectful discourse is the fuel of strong, authentic opinions.

To recapitulate on my previous post and lean into your point on quality, I definitely can believe the older bags hold up better, whether it's by simple virtue of the quality of materials or the newer larger weave; I'm not surprised by the Jodies not aging as well as Venetas. As you say, the quality today definitely stands out, but I am sure the quality of the TM days was absolutely spectacular. This phenomenon can most likely be observed across many brands when comparing quality of older bags vs today.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Evergreen602
I recently scored two mini Jodie’s at 50% off but only really want to keep one - help me decide! The first is the shearling in plum and the second is patent pink version? Which do you prefer?

I should add this will be by second mini Jodie hence why I can’t really justify keeping both (or can I….)

IMG_1896.jpeg
 
I recently scored two mini Jodie’s at 50% off but only really want to keep one - help me decide! The first is the shearling in plum and the second is patent pink version? Which do you prefer?

I should add this will be by second mini Jodie hence why I can’t really justify keeping both (or can I….)

View attachment 5829956
I don't like the one that looks like fur.
 
  • Like
Reactions: earthygirl
I recently scored two mini Jodie’s at 50% off but only really want to keep one - help me decide! The first is the shearling in plum and the second is patent pink version? Which do you prefer?

I should add this will be by second mini Jodie hence why I can’t really justify keeping both (or can I….)

View attachment 5829956
Gorgeous minis!! If you love plum/berry shades, I can see the case for keeping both, especially at 50% off. I'm one of those people :lol:

If you must only keep one, I'd say you should keep whichever makes you the most excited, period. That approach always works for me personally. From a more "logical" perspective, I'd vote for the patent intrecciato. The shearling is more limiting in how you might wear it in my opinion due to its strong seasonal vibes and shearling being very trendy currently; I think it will date much faster, if that's something you care about. Can't go wrong with classic intrecciato. The patent is also nice for weather resistance, but is also considered by some to be high maintenance; you will have to be careful of things like ink from receipts or pens getting on the bag, etc.

Lately I've stopped trying to "logic" my purchases and choose the one that pulls my heart more. Have had greater success with my purchases this way, but of course everyone is different!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ary234
Respectfully, I disagree. The quality and craftsmanship of just the post TM-era bags vary wildly, so it would be incorrect to make a blanket statement about how they are all made. I'm attaching some product photos of the mini loop bag from netaporter, where I purchased mine, from my 2021 order vs the ones on the site today. The materials and technique used to create the bag look very different to me. The new model looks like there is some kind of textile or paper layer in the middle, like what you are referencing, and definitely looks like it could be as you say. However in the early model it does not look like that at all, and the bag also had a lining. I also purchased my Jodie brand new at the end of 2022 and the weave is just like the old model of the photos that I have attached, so the materials vary across the brand at any given time as well.

I fully believe that the TM-era bags could be of higher quality as everything was better quality back then, and I really appreciate the older styles and craftsmanship, especially the Veneta and the Lauren; would love to get my hands on some. I am not trying to deny that point. What I said in my post was that I do believe a lot of it to be rhetoric and not entirely true. Also, this is a thread to talk about the Jodie bag, one of DL's most beloved designs, so I find it unnecessary and nonsensical for anyone trying to contribute to a positive environment to start chatter about how TM was better and the new bags are bad in this thread. As a new fan of BV, I do not feel welcomed by this community and wish there was less gatekeeping in fashion in general; I wish that we at least could have our dedicated threads where we can enjoy new BV without having our items incorrectly being put down. This also falls in line with the "status" phenomenon that luxury fashion so heavily profits from; old money vs new money, "I'm better than you because I was rich before you" that is highly present in western society and very toxic (leads to societal issues such as racism which then fan out into larger problems like international conquest, etc). I am so frustrated by this thought pattern and I simply wish to stop disinformation occurring about these items especially when it is inaccurate to my firsthand experience. It's just a bag. There's no reason to put other people down especially when it's not factual.

If this post offends anyone I can leave the thread. Just wanted to make my thoughts known and speak up for those who maybe feel the same in this community but don't feel empowered to stand up for themselves.

This is the old model, which looks like my bag that I purchased in 2021 for $1150:

View attachment 5829883
View attachment 5829875
current model retailing for $1950:

View attachment 5829884
View attachment 5829877
(edited to reorganize images)
OK.
 
I’m late to the Jodie-wagon and never really cared for them much until I came across the suede version. Anyone here have it and can talk about wear and tear? TIA!
I have the teen suede Jodie in the color Thunder, and it just may be my favorite bag (and I have a huge collection of BV, Hermes, Chanel, and Dior, with a few Fendi and Ysl mixed in). I’ve worn it a ton and it still looks amazing. I think it actually gets better with age as it relaxes and is just beautiful!
 
Top