-SPECIAL- “Bottega Veneta” 00’s intrecciato braided handle oversized leather tote bag

Symbolizing intrecciato woven leather, Bottega Veneta has long valued the quality of the materials and the very craft of its artisans—without relying on a conspicuous logo. We are pleased to present this exceptionally rare piece, where craftsmanship and ornamentation beautifully come together.

Anchored in deep navy leather so dark it can appear black at first glance, it features a large, finely woven intrecciato made from narrow leather tapes set precisely at the center of the front. The piece is then framed by a thick border of smooth leather, creating a striking sense of depth and a shift in texture within the same color.

The deep navy used here has a refined, almost black-like character indoors or in shadow, yet under natural light, a calm blue tone emerges subtly—an exquisitely balanced shade. It conveys depth and softness that black cannot offer. While it brings understated ease to styling, the fact that the color impression changes with light and viewing angle is also a significant added value unique to this bag.

A key feature is that the intrecciato is not finished as a uniform weave across the entire surface, but instead is presented like a single panel. The delicate shading formed by the fine weave and the elegant lines of the outer edge complement one another, adding architectural beauty to the brand’s signature technique.

Moreover, the way light is received differs between the intrecciato section and the surrounding smooth leather. The deep navy color lends subtle gradations to each individual thread of the weave. Though monochromatic, it does not look flat; through the material transitions and the artisans’ skill, a rich, expressive character is achieved. This is where Bottega Veneta’s quiet luxury truly shines.

Especially striking is the handwoven handle, created in a three-dimensional knit from multiple leather parts. At both ends, it is set with glossy gold-toned cylindrical hardware, and connected via a short chain to the circular eyelets on the body—so that the handle itself becomes decoration.

With the jewelry-like brilliance of the hardware added to the intrecciato’s quiet refinement, the look remains restrained while never feeling weak. The deep navy leather’s gravitas is artfully arranged into a more radiant whole. The classic combination of gold and navy offers timeless elegance, and the bag is finished with an ideal balance—dressy throughout, yet never overly ornate.

While the top is neatly defined by straight lines, the side gussets on the left and right provide ample depth, creating a structure that forms a soft, natural swell as you store your belongings. By avoiding the flat impression common to large bags, it achieves both the structural presence of the front and the supple volume on the sides—so its practicality is maintained while its elegant silhouette remains undisturbed.

Beautifully executed piping along the outer edge and the crisp transitions that clearly define the boundary between the smooth leather and the woven section further enhance the design. The more closely you look at the details, the more you can feel Bottega Veneta’s design approach—one that brings everything together into a single form by calculating and harmonizing each material’s character, rather than simply combining them.

Regarding the era, considering the narrow intrecciato, the woven handle, circular eyelets, short chain, and glossy gold-toned hardware—together with the decorative configuration and the large-capacity, soft tote silhouette—we judge that it is most likely from around 2004 to 2007, specifically, within the period from about 2003 to 2008. This conclusion is based on how well the bag’s expression aligns with the styles seen in Thomas Meyer’s early-to-mid tenure.

Also, while it can be incorporated into everyday outfits with a near-black sensibility, in the light the deep navy reveals an intelligent, thoughtful color character. It offers both the practicality of a staple shade and the special appeal expected of an archive piece. For those who prefer understated brand expression yet seek unmistakable individuality in the materials, structure, and the depth of color—or for those who want not only capacity that works in daily life but also sculptural beauty—this is a piece we particularly recommend you experience in person.

For styling, we suggest pairing it with a tailored long coat or a structured jacket, incorporating the bag’s volume as a focal point of your look. It also pairs beautifully with long dresses or flowing skirts: the deep navy’s gentle color and the gold hardware become a well-balanced accent. The result is a genderless style that feels classical yet carries a modern sense of ease and breathing room.

We would be delighted for you to take advantage of this opportunity.