I went to the Bottega Veneta trunk show to preview their Fall 2008 bags, but it was this spring/summer crocodile frame bag that had my full attention. This picture is criminal in its injustice; the actual bag is so spectacular that it really puts everything else to shame. The shape is lady-like and a total classic that will outlive anything, but it is also very updated and modern. It is wide at the bottom and has one big loose gather on each side. This is a frame bag, but not any typical frame. It has 6 hinges, so the bag opens up 
entirely (the opening becomes a big hexagon that allows you to access the whole interior). It is really easy to open and close and has a beautiful fold-over clasp closure. I am not crazy about this ash color shown here. The one I am eyeing is white with charcoal grey shadow, like the bag on the left (that bag is also great, but it is a messenger so too casual for a croc). This bag will be used year round. The white, of course, is the most amazing thing you can imagine for summer, but how fabulous would it be with a grey sweater and black pants for fall? Oh dear god, I really want this bag really, really badly. The catch, of course, is the price. It is $16,800, which is decent for a croc of this caliber, but I need a plan!! Call Katherine at Bottega Veneta in Beverly Hills at (310) 858-6533 to inquire. $16,800.
Hi Kelly I like the handbags in your report.
I like anything that has to do with exotic skins.
I like the shape of the frame bag even the color, the skin looks flawless.
I really don't like the charcoal gray shadow ( is grey spell gray )I don't know maybe the coffee got to me.
Like I was saying I don't like the one in the left that looks like grabble that people use for stepping stones.The first one love the color
What a beatiful bag! I completely agree with you, Kelly, on the color- white will be perfect! I am eyeing a white alligator bag myself. Hope you get it..
The charcoal grey definitely is the color I too like. The frame bag does look nice, but it is far too expensive for me. Maybe I could sometime in the future splash that much money on a bag,but it would have to be an all around ,more informal and a larger one.
I love this one. I have a secret obsession with frame bags. I sort of collect them from thrift shops. I have a brown alligator frame bag I got from an Out of the Closet here in LA. The top one, the color is a bit interesting, I would not say no if someone offered it to me. The ashen is nice, but you are definitely right on about the casuality of the shape.
The white ash gray is awful. I prefer a true gray croc.
I have been a Bottega fan for too many moons to count and they are just out doing themsleves recently. However, I am obessing over a Bvlagri grey croc twist bag. And, only for $14,500, a grand saving of $2000. : )
Hi all, Kelly is in Hawaii, she scheduled a couple of stories before she left.
By the way, the white gray color is gorgeous in person... ashy and edgy :)
And it's Bottega... so you know it's just buttah soft and luxurious.
Simona- did you get the white alligator? I got mine today :)
Kelly, I know I say this often, but I really mean it this time when I say this has to be one of the best bags you reviewed. I love frame bags. I have a soft heart for them. This is lovely.
perfection!