By Bag Snob Tina on April 18, 2012 5:53 pm Tina Craig

A few weeks ago, I received an invitation from Bottega Veneta to visit Milan during the Salone del Mobile (the world’s largest furniture fair) and attend the launch of a new online initiative for the brand. With few details offered for fear of a pre-launch leak, it was all very mysterious and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t even know who amongst the remaining handful of bloggers would be attending the event, but I did know this much: a thrilling time was in store. I mean, it’s BOTTEGA VENETA! And indeed, it’s been a whirlwind since I arrived.

Last night, we attended a cocktail hosted by Mr. Tomas Maier himself, and we were at last introduced to the new Initials program. Bottega Veneta has always been the singularly most understated and refined brand.  With focus on innovation, in both design and craftsmanship, which has always been the backbone of the house’s strength. Their famous motto – “When your own initials are enough” – now takes on new meaning. It should come as no shock that Bottega Veneta now offers a special online program (available only in the US, UK and Japan) where you can actually put your own initials on a Bottega bag!

Mr. Maier tells me he is most excited to begin the program, which launches this month, primarily because “it allows us to take the customer-centered philosophy of Bottega Veneta one step further.” With a spirited monogram, the timeless woven bags have a newly uplifted, lighter, and spirited appeal. And Mr. Maier further elaborates: “The service is truly personalized and the process is fun.”

Here’s how it works: the user-friendly program allows you to choose the bag, the color, and your initials (to be ready within 8-12 weeks). First, choose your style, as you must pick one of the styles available for monogramming, spanning from large Cabat-style totes to menswear messengers or belts to wallets and iPad cases. They are all executed in the brand’s famously classic intrecciato and lined in suede. The new bags are incredibly lightweight (as if that seemed possible; my BV bags are the lightest in my collection) and most notably, very youthful-looking. Thanks to the minimalist lines and clean shapes, which possess a decidedly fresher flavor. Then pick among four different colors: nero, ebano, blood red, and antique white. Finally, you get to select the color and size of your lettering, out of eight different shades, from sunset yellow to Irish green.

We were all given the opportunity to customize a bag for ourselves at the cocktail event. Needless to say, I almost literally jumped at it, though it proved to be a hard decision! I finally opted for a men’s messenger bag with large hot-pink lettering (three sizes are available). It was an unexpected choice for me (as I am the ultimate girly girl)– as much as it for Bottega Veneta to launch such a tongue and cheek initiative.

Bottega Veneta classicists may have a problem with this different look but as a collector myself, I welcome the change of the new younger sibling to my collection. Utilitarian, functional, and utterly feminine, now your prized Bottega piece can be truly your own. I am totally obsessed and want to have an entire suite of Bottega Veneta Initial bags, belts, wallet and cosmetic cases with my initials on them. This messenger marks the beginning of an initialized family! They make excellent gifts, as well (Mother’s Day is coming up- how cute would it be to gift your mom a BV bag with MOM on it!)

Prices range from $1,100-$1,700. Only available in the US, UK, and Japan. Starting in July, the service will be available for luggage, too. Go to www.bottegavenetainitials.com here.


It’s as unexpected for a girly girl like me to choose a men’s messenger bag as it is for Tomas Maier to do something so cheeky.

Here I am at the Salone del Mobile, one of the most fun trips I’ve ever been on thanks to the BV team!