Why I Must Have ... The Cabat by Bottega Veneta?

It takes a courageous warrior to slay a ferocious beast. In the same manner, it takes a skilful and experienced craftsman to “tame” a leather’s toughness and fashion it into coveted luxury goods.

Since its inception in 1966 by founders Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, Bottega Veneta has been synonymous with luxurious leather goods crafted in a style that’s unique to the maison – the intrecciato weaving. Like most luxury brands, Bottega Veneta was one of many favourites of the former First Lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis as well as the former Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi.

In the mid-2000s, after its acquisition by the Gucci Group (now part of the international luxury group Kering), Bottega Veneta, under the helm of its current Creative Director Tomas Maier, bloomed from an artisanal leather goods purveyor into a full-fledged yet discreet fashion house. 

2006 saw the German-born fashion designer presented its women’s ready-to-wear show for the first time in 2005. This was followed by the men’s ready-to-wear show in June of the following year.

Besides the maison’s globally known icon Knot clutch bag, notable for its fluidly knotted clasp, another Bottega Veneta’s celebrated or must have icon is the Cabat.

What is so great about the Cabat? To me, it’s just another bag.

Cabat is special because it is a bag that has a seamless silhouette. One may not know where the seams are due to its organic shape. Furthermore, it was one of the first designs debuted by Tomas Maier in his first collection for the maison circa 2002.

Other than that?

Compared to other bags that are usually gender-centric, Bottega Veneta’s Cabat is suitable for male and female. Moreover, the Cabat also comes with a matching zipped pouch with an engraved Limited Edition tag. 

A discreet luxury indeed, you will not see the brand name emblazoned on the bag, just as its renowned tagline says, “When your own initials are enough.”  

Does it have internal or external compartments?

Apparently, no. The bag has neither external nor internal compartments. But since it is so spacious, you don’t have to worry about misplacing items within the bag.

I don’t have much of a time within the span of 24 hours. I need a bag that I can carry from day to night. Is the Cabat suitable for that purpose?

If you were looking from the practicality and functionality perspective, yes. 

Albeit the shape of the bag tend to suggest it is great for casual wear, it’s common for the stylish women ― as well as men ― on the move to carry them all day long. Best of all, it's non-seasonal hence making it timeless and forever relevant fashion statement. 

What it is made of?

Like many Bottega Veneta leather products, the Cabat is oftentimes available in many hides and leathers. They include lambskin, buttery calfskin and crocodile skin.

I’ve seen woven leathers everywhere, but what makes Bottega Veneta’s version so distinctive?

Artisanal is always the key word at Bottega Veneta. Whilst most woven leathers you had seen in the market are likely to be machine made, Bottega Veneta’s intrecciato weaving is entirely done by hands. In fact, according to the renowned Purse Blog, to create the Cabat alone, it takes two people and two full days to weave the leather!

Where the Bottega Veneta artisans work?

The artisans work their magic within the vast expanse of Bottega Veneta’s atelier in Montebello Vincentino. 

Set in a restored and expanded 18^th century Italian villa within an historical park, the Atelier is the epicentre of Bottega Veneta’s savoir-faire. It is where everything is executed – design, development, production and so much more.

Who are the artisans of Bottega Veneta?

Good question! The artisans of Bottega Veneta is a group of skilled craftsmen who have devoted much of their lives and passion in creating beautiful objet d’arts. 

They are known for their arcane precision and professionalism. Their skills were honed from years of training and traditions, handed down from one generation to another.

Do they work solely with hides and leathers?

As a full-fledged maison, Bottega Veneta artisans do not work on leathers or precious hides alone. 

They also use their skills to materialise other products offered by the label such as fine jewellery, ready-to-wear, shoes, eyewear and even furniture.  

Speaking of training, is there a special school where the artisans-to-be need to attend before they could be part of the company?

Yes. In 2006, Bottega Veneta created the La Scuola dei Maestri Pellettieri di Bottega Veneta (School of Leatherworks Mastery of Bottega Veneta) to train new generation of artisans. 

Here, both students and also employees are able to learn and indulge in the brand’s know-how values, theoretical information and practical skills to ensure the continuity of the maison’s venerated cultural heritage and expert artisanship.

Ok, back to the Cabat. Do I need to order it in advance to own it?

Unlike most ‘it’ bags that require a year-long waitlist, Bottega Veneta’s Cabat is always available at all Bottega Veneta stores around the world.

How much is the damage?

For this stylish carrier that represents the highest standard of Italian leatherworks savoir-faire, paying RM40,670.00 is certainly a small sum. But again, think of the satisfaction you'll earn with your style investment. 

Where can I get it?

The Cabat is available now at Bottega Veneta stores worldwide as well as Bottega Veneta’s online store (http://www.bottegaveneta.com/).

*Photos courtesy of Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta - Shop G21-22, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; Lot 2.30.00 Level 2, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur