Matthieu Blazy continues to hone in on his distinct, refined vision for Bottega Veneta, building upon the foundation set forth in his inaugural collection. Traditional Italian craft remains integral to Blazy’s design process but reinvigorated with a contemporary feel. Each collection feels inherently Bottega but defined by Blazy’s modern lens.
Blazy’s first bag for the Italian House, the Kalimero, echoed that sentiment, setting precedence for what we’ve now expected from Blazy since his debut two years ago.
Intrecciato Redefined
The Kalimero, which opened his debut show, takes Bottega Veneta’s most recognizable and important House code, Intrecciato, and reinvents it to feel completely new with a unique technique called foulard.
The foulard technique offers the same identifiable woven leather but with a pinched effect on calfskin leather. This specific, padded woven leather explores artisanal craft in a new, exciting way, and this process, which was first used on the Kalimero Bag, has remained part of Blazy’s study of the brand’s integral DNA.
This unique weave is explored again, introduced on a fun new shoulder bag silhouette, cheerfully named the Cha-Cha bag, which joins the Kalimero family for Spring/Summer 2024.
Aesthetically Eye-Catching
While the Cha-Cha’s shape is simple—a pochette-style shoulder bag with a top zip- the details make the bag. The intricate foulard intreccio leather gives off a slight sheen in the black leather version we reviewed, adding an instant chic appeal to a basic silhouette.
The Cha-Cha bag’s allure is instantly apparent, whether worn delicately over the shoulder or clutched in the crook of the arm like a pouch. Because of its basic shape, the Cha-Cha can be worn day or night. Pair great-fitting denim with a perfect white tee, boyfriend blazer, and classic sneakers, and the Cha-Cha will easily elevate your otherwise basic look.
Conversely, you can dress it up to your heart’s content or pair it with Bottega Veneta head-to-toe for a strong look that screams power.
Quality and Construction
Bottega Veneta’s bags never disappoint in the quality and craft department, and the ornate plisse weave of the leather is where the brand’s attention to detail shines. At the heart of Blazy’s vision for Bottega is the constant exploration of craft, and the Cha-Cha continues to bring that vision to life.
The bag is constructed entirely of this specific woven calfskin leather. The top zip of the Cha-Cha opens to reveal a completely unlined interior, further showcasing the work of Bottega Veneta’s artisans.
The bag is a nice size, offering enough room for your iPhone, wallet, slim sunglass case, and even a small pouch for cosmetics. The shoulder strap is adjustable but can be completely removed for carrying as a pouch. Overall dimensions are 5.5″ H x 9.8″ W x 1.6″ D.
The Cha-Cha, which retails for $3,400, launches today alongside other new pieces from the Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Discover the full range now via Bottega Veneta.