Decoding the Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch bag
The clutch bag you need to get your hands on
More than a decade since it was first introduced by then-creative director Tomas Maier in 2001, the Bottega Veneta Knot clutch has had many iterations and, along with the Chanel 2.55 as well as the Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags, is considered as one of the most classic bags every fashion-savvy women worth her Christian Louboutin heels needs to have in her wardrobe.
But before we get into that, let’s take a look back at how this bag came to be.
Why the Knot?
In 2001, when Maier first joined Bottega Veneta, the Italian designer when through the House’s archives in search for ideas, and came across the House’s simple and small rounded box clutch from way back in 1978. So interested was he in this arm candy from the archives, he decided to create his own rendition of it. While he kept its shape, Maier gave it a twist (quite literally) with a knot-shaped closure in leather. He then christened it the Knot.
Now, ever since its debut in the spring/summer 2002 collection, the Knot constantly made an appearance in all of the House’s seasonal collections, and became a mainstay. Soon, it was seen in the hands of celebrities and red carpet luminaries, and its popularity increased tenfolds. Despite this, Bottega Veneta only produced the Knot in extremely limited quantities, ranging from a maximum of 100, to as little as 25 of each.
What we love about the clutch bag is that it’s iconic intrecciato weave and knot clasp design is a logo in itself. It is not over-the-top, and does not scream for attention, which makes it the perfect accompaniment to most outfit. This overall vibe also stays true to Bottega Veneta’s house motto: “When your own initials are enough”.
How to style it?
Over the years, we’ve seen so many celebrities and other red carpet luminaries carrying the arm candy dressed to the nines. Basically, we always get the sense that you need a formal occasion to carry this bag. While this may be true for the most part, it is not necessarily always the case. You see a good clutch bag can be carried with any style of dressing, and you don’t have to attend a red carpet event to carry one either.
But why exactly is the knot clutch a must-have? After all, a clutch bag is a clutch bag, no?
You see, the allure of the classic Knot clutch is in its simplicity and understated elegance. Apart from its obvious function, the arm candy boasts a rounded shape that fits comfortably in your hands. Sure, the size of the bag - which is roughly 17cm in length, and 9.5c in height - may not afford you much space to bring everything with you, but it is just enough for your essentials. Ok maybe not for those with big Android and Apple phones, but that is exactly why you should get the elongated version, called the Stretch Knot. You’ll also be happy to know that there’s also a larger version of the Knot clutch, which fits a slightly bigger phone size.
Plus, and one of the most important reason to have one, the bag has been discontinued in 2019 ever since Maier left the Italian fashion house and was replaced by Daniel Lee - new boss, new look, as they always say. What this basically means is that you can no longer waltz into a BV boutique expecting to find one. Luckily, though, the secondhand market exists, and at THE FIFTH COLLECTION, we’ve had a few come our way in the last few years.