The Next Generation of Handbags: Environmentally Conscious and Stylish

The new bags, first showcased in the 2013 Cruise Collection unveiled in May, are an eco-friendly specification. They are made using only sustainable materials and environmentally conscious dyeing and finishing methods, with absolutely no animal-derived components. Crafted by skilled artisans in Vicenza, Italy, by hand, just like other products, they inherit the elegance and the brand's iconic design sensibility found in Bottega Veneta's leather goods.

The collection features two types of precious new materials. The first is a very rare type of jersey, woven in France and dyed in Italy. This lightweight, lustrous jersey is treated like leather, reinforced, then intricately perforated and hand-woven. Due to its unique strength, unlike other materials, it can only be handled by highly skilled artisans. This material is available in two designs and four colors: Nero, Shadow, Appia, and Cream.

The second material is Japanese washi paper, made from the bark of young trees such as kozo. Washi paper has only recently begun to be used as a textile, and there are very few artisans in Japan with the knowledge and experience required to create durable and resilient washi textiles. This item is crafted by cutting these washi textiles, made by such skilled artisans, and then carefully weaving them, leaving the edges intentionally unfinished. This material is also available in two designs, both in Nero (black) only.

Creative Director Tomas Maier commented, "We received requests from customers for environmentally friendly, sophisticated designs made by artisans, without using leather. This inspired us to create bags using jersey and paper. While challenging, this initiative was a highly stimulating endeavor. I am very satisfied with the results of this collection."

These new bags are scheduled to arrive in stores this autumn. However, for the "Fashion's Night Out" events taking place in cities worldwide in early September, 100 pieces globally will be exclusively pre-released. The items available for this special pre-sale are jersey handbags in one design and the color Nero. In Japan, they will be handled exclusively at the Bottega Veneta Omotesando store. Get your hands on these highly anticipated bags before anyone else!