Official bottega veneta chat thread - thread #4

[jbags07]

Leather experts, Does this look like bonded leather to you, on the Loop? Its like the color and leather are wearing off….i was tagged in another thread about the durability of BV intrecciato. It seems to me that the DL and MB era bags really are not as durable as the TM bags. I don’t want to provide misleading info and its just based on my own observations and on the 2 DL bags i purchased and returned w/o using them.

Can anyone chime in who is carrying their New Bottega bags a lot, not just occasional use, but steady usage…. whether this is true or not? Is the new larger weave durable, and how is the leather quality compared with TM era bags? I would love to know if my perceptions are incorrect as it would influence whether or not i make another attempt at adding a New Bottega bag, but i also want to be accurate in terms of the info i provided over in the shopping your own bag closet thread, and not steer anyone wrong. I know the mini mini Cabats are great quality, according to a couple of our og BVettes…..but what i am seeing on the resale market is scary.

If you look at all the Andiamo pix and really zoom in, there is so much wear. More wear on a fairly new bag then one might see on a TM bag that had been used far longer. The straps have quite a lot of wear too thats not fully shown.

BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Intrecciato Medium Andiamo Shoulder Bag Fondant | FASHIONPHILE

This is an authentic BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Intrecciato Medium Andiamo Shoulder Bag in Fondant. This stylish bag is crafted of brown nappa leather, mimicking Bottega Veneta's signature woven detailing. The bag features a leather top handle, and a longer leather strap that can be worn as a...

www.fashionphile.com

BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Calfskin Intrecciato Mini Loop Crossbody Almond | FASHIONPHILE

This is an authentic BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Calfskin Intrecciato Mini Loop Crossbody in Almond. This stylish shoulder bag is beautifully crafted of woven leather in beige. The shoulder bag features a crossbody shoulder strap, gold hardware, and a zip top that opens to a matching beige suede...

www.fashionphile.com

 

[Evergreen602]

Leather experts, Does this look like bonded leather to you, on the Loop? Its like the color and leather are wearing off….i was tagged in another thread about the durability of BV intrecciato. It seems to me that the DL and MB era bags really are not as durable as the TM bags. I don’t want to provide misleading info and its just based on my own observations and on the 2 DL bags i purchased and returned w/o using them.

Can anyone chime in who is carrying their New Bottega bags a lot, not just occasional use, but steady usage…. whether this is true or not? Is the new larger weave durable, and how is the leather quality compared with TM era bags? I would love to know if my perceptions are incorrect as it would influence whether or not i make another attempt at adding a New Bottega bag, but i also want to be accurate in terms of the info i provided over in the shopping your own bag closet thread, and not steer anyone wrong. I know the mini mini Cabats are great quality, according to a couple of our og BVettes…..but what i am seeing on the resale market is scary.

If you look at all the Andiamo pix and really zoom in, there is so much wear. More wear on a fairly new bag then one might see on a TM bag that had been used far longer. The straps have quite a lot of wear too thats not fully shown.

BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Intrecciato Medium Andiamo Shoulder Bag Fondant | FASHIONPHILE

This is an authentic BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Intrecciato Medium Andiamo Shoulder Bag in Fondant. This stylish bag is crafted of brown nappa leather, mimicking Bottega Veneta's signature woven detailing. The bag features a leather top handle, and a longer leather strap that can be worn as a...

www.fashionphile.com

BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Calfskin Intrecciato Mini Loop Crossbody Almond | FASHIONPHILE

This is an authentic BOTTEGA VENETA Nappa Calfskin Intrecciato Mini Loop Crossbody in Almond. This stylish shoulder bag is beautifully crafted of woven leather in beige. The shoulder bag features a crossbody shoulder strap, gold hardware, and a zip top that opens to a matching beige suede...

www.fashionphile.com

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@indiaink and I discussed the topic of bonded leather on the Jodie thread a while back (page 116). As an interior designer, I've always known bonded leather to be ground up remnants of real leather mixed with a binding agent (like polyurethane), to create a "bonded" material. It's very common in low quality, lower priced leather furniture.

When @indiaink referred to bonded leather, she meant that it is a solid leather piece that is adhered or "bonded" to a backing material, like a textile fabric. @indiaink, please correct me if I misinterpreted.

I can tell you from my experience, the look and feel of DL and MB leather bags is much more luxurious than the bonded leather I'm accustomed to in the furniture world. My boyfriend used to have a bonded leather sofa set that felt plasticky, and large sections of the bonded leather face wore off on the armrests, seat cushions and back cushions.

My DL bags have worn very well so far, but I am also at a point where my bag collection is large enough that no bag gets regular use for extended periods.

The Loop bag you referenced looks off to me, though. Something about that intrecciato doesn't look right. I question its authenticity actually. With the Andiamo, I've read a lot about how delicate the bag is. Not so much the leather, but at the straps where they loop the holes. I think it's a poor design, even though it's a beautiful bag.

 

[jbags07]

@indiaink and I discussed the topic of bonded leather on the Jodie thread a while back (page 116). As an interior designer, I've always known bonded leather to be ground up remnants of real leather mixed with a binding agent (like polyurethane), to create a "bonded" material. It's very common in low quality, lower priced leather furniture.

When @indiaink referred to bonded leather, she meant that it is a solid leather piece that is adhered or "bonded" to a backing material, like a textile fabric. @indiaink, please correct me if I misinterpreted.

I can tell you from my experience, the look and feel of DL and MB leather bags is much more luxurious than the bonded leather I'm accustomed to in the furniture world. My boyfriend used to have a bonded leather sofa set that felt plasticky, and large sections of the bonded leather face wore off on the armrests, seat cushions and back cushions.

My DL bags have worn very well so far, but I am also at a point where my bag collection is large enough that no bag gets regular use for extended periods.

The Loop bag you referenced looks off to me, though. Something about that intrecciato doesn't look right. I question its authenticity actually. With the Andiamo, I've read a lot about how delicate the bag is. Not so much the leather, but at the straps where they loop the holes. I think it's a poor design, even though it's a beautiful bag.

Oohhh that makes so much sense. Leather bonded to a backing, rather then actual bonded leather. Thank you for clearing that up i was not aware of the difference. I have not looked at the jodie thread in awhile, i will go peruse the bonded leather chat. To me it seems as if there is peeling going on with some of the newer bags.

Thats great that your bags are wearing well. I will be really curious to see the impact of regular long term usage.

You think that Loop looks fishy? Its hard for me to tell b/c inam so accustomed to TM bags and do not own any DL bags right now. It does seem they are not wearing well tho, there is a thread on the BV forum with a purple Loop that has aged badly too.

Thank you for chiming in! Hopefully some other folks will too.

 

[Evergreen602]

Oohhh that makes so much sense. Leather bonded to a backing, rather then actual bonded leather. Thank you for clearing that up i was not aware of the difference. I have not looked at the jodie thread in awhile, i will go peruse the bonded leather chat. To me it seems as if there is peeling going on with some of the newer bags.

Thats great that your bags are wearing well. I will be really curious to see the impact of regular long term usage.

You think that Loop looks fishy? Its hard for me to tell b/c inam so accustomed to TM bags and do not own any DL bags right now. It does seem they are not wearing well tho, there is a thread on the BV forum with a purple Loop that has aged badly too.

Thank you for chiming in! Hopefully some other folks will too.

Well, what is a little confusing is the bonded leather I refer to for upholstery is also adhered to a backing, usually paper. It's just not durable at all. With regular wear, the ground up bits of leather and binder disintegrate, leaving the paper exposed.

Yeah, that Loop looks fishy to me. The interweaving strips look too narrow. I could be wrong, but I've never noticed them looking that narrow on my DL bags. Nevertheless, it looks like someone just trashed that bag inside and out. It's not just worn, but dirty. The light color may be a factor in showing dirt and wear, though.

 

[whateve]

Well, what is a little confusing is the bonded leather I refer to for upholstery is also adhered to a backing, usually paper. It's just not durable at all. With regular wear, the ground up bits of leather and binder disintegrate, leaving the paper exposed.

Yeah, that Loop looks fishy to me. The interweaving strips look too narrow. I could be wrong, but I've never noticed them looking that narrow on my DL bags. Nevertheless, it looks like someone just trashed that bag inside and out. It's not just worn, but dirty. The light color may be a factor in showing dirt and wear, though.

Bonded leather that is the ground bits of leather and binder has been around for a long time. It was fairly easy to tell that it wasn't real leather. More recently, they now have the ability to slice real leather into very thin layers, then each one of these layers is bonded to a backing for strength. It looks and feels like real leather until it starts to wear. When they use edge coating and lining, you have no way to see the edge of the leather, which would let you see exactly how thick the leather layer is.

 

[jbags07]

Well, what is a little confusing is the bonded leather I refer to for upholstery is also adhered to a backing, usually paper. It's just not durable at all. With regular wear, the ground up bits of leather and binder disintegrate, leaving the paper exposed.

Yeah, that Loop looks fishy to me. The interweaving strips look too narrow. I could be wrong, but I've never noticed them looking that narrow on my DL bags. Nevertheless, it looks like someone just trashed that bag inside and out. It's not just worn, but dirty. The light color may be a factor in showing dirt and wear, though.

I should post over in the authenticate it thread. Now you have me very curious if its authentic!

And to really be careful about leather items i purchase, to ensure if possible they are full grain and not bonded. Although i would think price dictates this too. But not always, perhaps.

Bonded leather that is the ground bits of leather and binder has been around for a long time. It was fairly easy to tell that it wasn't real leather. More recently, they now have the ability to slice real leather into very thin layers, then each one of these layers is bonded to a backing for strength. It looks and feels like real leather until it starts to wear. When they use edge coating and lining, you have no way to see the edge of the leather, which would let you see exactly how thick the leather layer is.

Wow i had no idea! You just explained this really well. Thank you for all of this info, it gives us really great insight into what some brands are doing…… And makes so much sense how brands can make bags look like full grain leather when its just strips of bonded leather.

 

[Evergreen602]

Bonded leather that is the ground bits of leather and binder has been around for a long time. It was fairly easy to tell that it wasn't real leather. More recently, they now have the ability to slice real leather into very thin layers, then each one of these layers is bonded to a backing for strength. It looks and feels like real leather until it starts to wear. When they use edge coating and lining, you have no way to see the edge of the leather, which would let you see exactly how thick the leather layer is.

Interesting, and this makes perfect sense. I would think this type of bonded leather would be difficult for BV to execute on intrecciato weaves. The sides of the strips are fully exposed.

Even with the Loop Bag @jbags07 posted, it does not appear to be bonded leather. I don't see a layer of paper or fabric at the sides of the strips, and suede on the back side of each strip indicates to me it's 100% leather.

 

[jbags07]

Interesting, and this makes perfect sense. I would think this type of bonded leather would be difficult for BV to execute on intrecciato weaves. The sides of the strips are fully exposed.

Even with the Loop Bag @jbags07 posted, it does not appear to be bonded leather. I don't see a layer of paper or fabric at the sides of the strips, and suede on the back side of each strip indicates to me it's 100% leather.

Thats a good point, intrecciato might make it more difficult to use bonded leather. Looking at the wear on the purple Loop and this almond Loop (if its authentic), they definitely did not wear well compared with Old BV. But quality has decreased across many brands.

This guy usually gives BV top grades - i know he did a video on how well made the Arco tote is. This video was surprising tho. Its only a wallet, but still….

 

[Evergreen602]

Thats a good point, intrecciato might make it more difficult to use bonded leather. Looking at the wear on the purple Loop and this almond Loop (if its authentic), they definitely did not wear well compared with Old BV. But quality has decreased across many brands.

This guy usually gives BV top grades - i know he did a video on how well made the Arco tote is. This video was surprising tho. Its only a wallet, but still….

I saw that video a while back, and decided against buying a BV wallet because of it. However, he has since done a video of another wallet (not cassette style), and gave it rave reviews.

 

[jbags07]

I saw that video a while back, and decided against buying a BV wallet because of it. However, he has since done a video of another wallet (not cassette style), and gave it rave reviews.

I will have to look for his other video. For me tho, there are enough quality/durability issues going on with some bags and wallets to dissuade me from purchasing any. The mini mini Cabat is crafted of good quality i read, so thats the only one at this point i would consider adding.

 

[texas2015]

I will have to look for his other video. For me tho, there are enough quality/durability issues going on with some bags and wallets to dissuade me from purchasing any. The mini mini Cabat is crafted of good quality i read, so thats the only one at this point i would consider adding.

I’ve been saying this for so long (even though I own some), but DL era bottegas are not durable at all. They don’t wear well, and show wear so quickly. It’s definitely a bummer. That said, I still bought an Andiamo but I am VERY careful with it. I wish they would figure it out and go back to more durable wear

 

[GoStanford]

Bonded leather that is the ground bits of leather and binder has been around for a long time. It was fairly easy to tell that it wasn't real leather. More recently, they now have the ability to slice real leather into very thin layers, then each one of these layers is bonded to a backing for strength. It looks and feels like real leather until it starts to wear. When they use edge coating and lining, you have no way to see the edge of the leather, which would let you see exactly how thick the leather layer is.

This is an interesting discussion about leather/thickness/grain. I think this is also what happened to Coach when they went from the thick full-grain leather of decades ago to the thinner leather that lent itself to different styles, intermixing with canvas, etc. The superficial layer is still a portion of leather but it's not the thickest stuff.

I'm grateful to have several TM era bags and now trying to find balance in that collection and let the ones go that I don't use.

 

[Lapis]

@septembersiren @jbags07 I'm so sorry. My condolences on your losses.

 

[jbags07]

I’ve been saying this for so long (even though I own some), but DL era bottegas are not durable at all. They don’t wear well, and show wear so quickly. It’s definitely a bummer. That said, I still bought an Andiamo but I am VERY careful with it. I wish they would figure it out and go back to more durable wear

Agree its a bummer. I wasn’t a fan initially but some of the styles have grown on me and i would love to add. The pricepoints are much too high given the lower quality and possibility of wear. Its the same with other brands though. My vintage Chanel is in another league from current bags and look at those pricepoints.

Please keep us posted and update us as to how your Andiamo and other styles age as you carry them over time? I would love to see thank you!

This is an interesting discussion about leather/thickness/grain. I think this is also what happened to Coach when they went from the thick full-grain leather of decades ago to the thinner leather that lent itself to different styles, intermixing with canvas, etc. The superficial layer is still a portion of leather but it's not the thickest stuff.

I'm grateful to have several TM era bags and now trying to find balance in that collection and let the ones go that I don't use.

Great comparison. I have some vintage Coach bags and the leather is amazing compared to newer Coach. Its a shame this has happened across do many brands, and its why i mainly look to add older bags…..

you’ve added a lot of beautiful TM bags from what i’ve seen when you share pix. Its hard to let go even if they aren’t being used, b/c they are getting so hard to find in good shape. I urge caution before selling

@septembersiren @jbags07 I'm so sorry. My condolences on your losses.

Thank you for your kind words, i appreciate the support

 

[Nibb]

HotRod our blind dog, recently lost the use of his hindquarters. He’s so good at racing his new cart he took the checkered flag at Monterey’s Laguna Seca raceway.