Working as a fashion editor, specifically for Who What Wear UK, you learn the knack of knowing when a handbag has, or is about to have, It bag status.
Whilst accessories can garner widespread popularity on the streets or on our Instagram feeds, the coveted "It Bag" badge is about much more than being prolific. There needs to be an enduring appeal and a high level of craftspersonship, and the bag needs to be carried not by many people, but by the right kind of people. Think stylish celebrities, insiders during fashion month and those truly in the know.
When it comes to luxury, especially luxury accessories, there’s no brand doing it quite like Bottega Veneta. And whilst bag trends may come and go, Bottega Veneta's Andiamo has unquestionable long-lasting appeal. The perfectly practical, deliciously designed accessory, with its signature knot hardware, top handles and sumptuously soft leather, has become the staple bag for the chicest dressers out there.
Nowadays, more luxury brands signify their accessories as unisex, but it’s not so often that we actually see men carrying them. When it comes to the Andiamo, however, not only have we spotted it with models, fashion indisers and actresses, we’ve also seen it carried by rappers, sports stars and everyone’s favourite (and latest) internet boyfriend; thus cementing its staying power and cult status.
Whilst the Andiamo family includes many styles, offered in different silhouettes, sizes, colours and fabrics, its most classic iteration is the signature Intrecciato woven leather exterior. To celebrate 50 years of the Intrecciato leather technique, Bottega Veneta has joined forces with iconic London department store Harrods, creating a pop-up space and capsule collection.
The design of the space itself is inspired by the Intrecciato method, featuring furniture and fixings with interlocking systems, including two leather modernist armchairs and a large shelving system made from Italian walnut sourced from the Veneto region, where the brand hails from.
But perhaps the most exciting and notable feature is the exclusive capsule collection of accessories that the House and Harrods have created together. Offered in Harrods' signature emerald green colour, as well as a rich burgundy, seven bags and two pairs of sandals are available exclusively at the department store and on Harrods.com.
In light of this collaboration, and because it’s our job to road-test and style the industry’s most-loved pieces and work out if they’re worth your investment, we took two of the collection's standout bags for a spin. Read on for our thoughts, along with the key details of each style and notes on how we're wearing them below.
SMALL CHAIN ANDIAMO
Style Notes: The small shoulder Andiamo is a perfect everyday bag. Big enough for the essentials, but not so big that you can’t take it to dinner or a special occasion, it’s an easy way to elevate even the simplest pared-back look. Here it's worn with a patchwork oversized black leather jacket and tailored trousers. See how this bag can lift the most simple of outfits?
Simple, neutral shades are a perfect backdrop for the "Harrods green" hue. This specific colour, in case you’re unfamiliar, is an almost-royal green: it’s rich, deep and whilst on the darker side, still quite bold, making it perfect for the autumn/ winter season. Tonally, it complements but pops well against fashion's favourite shade, black, and I think it would also work well against denim, white, navy and creamy or taupe shades. Although it's styled it for a typical work day, one where we may be in the office for a few hours and out for breakfast meetings, lunch and even a few drinks after work, you best believe it would be gladly styled on the weekends with a sleek satin dress and slingback heels.
Bottega Veneta's emerald green, in case you’re unfamiliar, is an almost-royal green: it’s rich, deep and whilst on the darker side, still quite bold, making it perfect for the autumn/ winter season.
THE FINER DETAILS
Along with the Interaccio woven leather and emerald green hue, another key feature is the bag's signature knot hardware in gold, which has the Bottega Veneta name engraved on the side. The bag can be carried in multiple ways for ease of wear: by the top handle, or crossbody with the long chain strap, which can also be doubled up to create a double shoulder strap.
What fits inside: iPhone 16 Max, small tablets (like a Kindle), compact mirror, small hairbrush, iPhone charger and keys.
Other details:
– Compartmented interior
– Interior zipped pocket and a further two internal slip pockets
– Magnetic fastening
– Lambskin bonded Intrecciato lining
– Eligible for Certificate of Craft
Dimensions: Approx. H20cm x W25cm x D10cm
DAISY ANDIAMO CLUTCH
Style Notes: A clutch is a true wardrobe staple. Granted, it's not something you’ll wear every day, but invest wisely, and you’ll count on it time and again. I’m personally mostly drawn to clutch bags that feel classic, as it's not a bag I tend to use as much as others, and therefore look for something with quiet, understated elegance.
Typically, clutch bags accessorise occasionwear for special events, so we wanted to show how the Daisy Andiamo could be styled for something more day-to-day. Here, it's paired it with a camel-coloured shirt and jeans—a look that would work for anything from a day in the office, or a lunch or dinner out.
Let’s talk about the colour, which, in this intense burgundy shade, is an autumn classic. It pairs beautifully with warmer shades of red and purple, as well as other earthy tones like muted olive greens and browns. What I love most about a folded flat clutch is that, yes, it may be an elevated accessory, but it’s still more wearable than a box clutch or minaudière.
Granted, it's not something you’ll wear every day, but invest wisely, and you’ll count on it time and again... I’m mostly drawn to clutch bags with quiet, understated elegance.
THE FINER DETAILS
The Daisy Andiamo clutch is like the classic Andiamo; crafted from the signature Intreccio woven leather and featuring a top handle, but it also has an enamelled daisy enclosure with green cord attachment. Comfortably hold its body or carry it by the top handle, or casually slide it under your arm for the chicest way to show it off.
What fits inside: iPhone 16 Max, AirPods, cards, lipstick and other small essentials.
Other details:
– Six card slots, one additional pocket
– Gold-tone hardware
– Fold-over flap style with turn-lock fastening
– Eligible for Certificate of Craft
Dimensions: Approx. H13cm x W31cm x D3cm
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