The Bottega Veneta Jodie Legacy 

Bottega Veneta’s “if-you-know-you-know” designs have taken the luxury industry by storm, and their bonafide it bag, the Jodie, has joined its place among the fashion stars. Creatively conceived by British designer Daniel Lee, who was creative director between 2018 and 2021, his designs have returned this legacy brand to the spotlight. First, with the slouchy Pouch and celebrity-staple Cassette bag, the Jodie has become a similarly coveted contemporary classic that belongs in any fashion-forward individual’s wardrobe –and not in just one colour. 

Over the years, the brand has been known for its woven hobo bags, but the Jodie stands out as a modern update. Named after American actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs, 1991; Taxi Driver, 1976), the inspiration struck when she was captured using her Bottega bag as a protective shield against the paparazzi.

Details

The Jodie bag is a fantastic accessory to style because of its unusual round shape and distinctive knot detail, which adds a unique twist to the design. Apart from this detail, the bag is recognised by Bottega’s woven Intrecciato design –a signature look of the Bottega brand.

Crafted from Nappa leather on the exterior and lambskin or calfskin on the interior, the Jodie bag boasts a substantial weight yet defies expectations with its notably soft and supple texture. This characteristic contributes to its inherently slouchy feel, a quality that only becomes more pronounced over time. As it ages, this lived-in appearance imparts a rich character to the bag, never taking away from its quality. 

On the inside, the bag has one additional pocket, but this feature is only available in sizes “small” and larger. A bit of consideration is prompted regarding accessibility due to its rounded shape. 

The Jodie Evolution

The Vintage Intrecciato Hobo Bag

Many find the knotted Jodie’s predecessor is the vintage Bottega Veneta Hobo bag from the early 2000s. This classic style experienced a resurgence in popularity upon the introduction of the Jodie, offering an excellent alternative for those who may not be fond of the knot detail.

Despite the vintage version appearing taller, it’s actually sewn tightly together, resulting in a narrower width and a flatter overall look. The Intrecciato weave, presented in the “classic” style, is slightly smaller compared to the modern Jodie, with the leather strings intricately woven together, leaving minimal gaps. In contrast, the knotted Jodie exhibits greater potential for wear, and its fabric strips are more prone to curling, a tendency mitigated by the inner lining.

Another distinction extends to the zipper, as the new Jodie features a sturdy metal one, while its vintage counterparts sport a leather pull. Additionally, the once-suede interior has been replaced with leather in the newer bags, adding a touch of weight but enhancing the overall luxurious feel. Consistent with both the small Jodie and larger sizes, the vintage Hobo bag comes equipped with a single inner pocket.

A newer style similar to the vintage Hobo bag is the Bottega Veneta Hop bag, which was released in Fall 2023. Also knotless, it’s a bit more squared off at the bottom compared to the vintage Hobo bag. But if you want that oversized slouchy look without the Jodie knot, the Hop bag might be a good alternative for you!

The Padded Jodie

Similarly knotless like its vintage predecessor, the newest addition to the Jodie Family is the Padded Jodie, debuting in spring/summer 2021. It retains its sister bag’s original charm courtesy of Bottega’s iconic weave and rounded shape, this time blown up to padded proportions, hence the name. This small bag – sitting somewhere between the Candy and Mini Jodie in size – works as part of an evening look, with space for essentials and makeup touch-ups. 

Materials: To Intrecciato or Not To Intrecciato

As you might have spotted, most Bottega Veneta Jodies are crafted in the signature Intrecciato style. However, Bottega continues to release other renditions over time. As such, the Jodie in tubular laminated lambskin has been seen all over Fashion Week this year. Bottega also released the Mini Jodie in alligator leather, printed lambskin designed to look like a cotton shirt, with a red heart detail, a knotted bow, and a playful dragon design for Lunar New Year. These limited editions come and go, so keep an eye out if you like any of them.

Colours & Hardware

Bottega Veneta stands out for its extensive colour palette. To find the perfect Jodie bag for daily wear, assess your wardrobe for the ideal hue. Whether you’re drawn to understated neutrals like brown or sage, or prefer a vibrant splash of colour, there’s a shade for every style. Pair it with hardware in gold or silver to elevate your ensemble with an elegant finish.

Sizes & What Fits

You’re not only spoilt for choice when it comes to materials and colours; the Jodie also comes in a vast array of sizes! 

The Candy Jodie

The Candy Jodie is the first, and most petite size. It daintily fits just on the crook of the arm and is perfect in-hand, embodying the epitome of the micro-bag trend from recent years. The Candy has just enough space for your keys, phone, and lipstick.

The Mini Jodie

Initially released in 2020, the Mini size has undergone a slight evolution, with newer versions showcasing a more rounded, crescent shape. Older models are more elongated with pronounced, almost squared-off corners, giving them a more rectangular and structured silhouette. While the old Mini Jodie would house larger phones more easily due to its rectangular shape, the rounded model, with all its modernity, simply requires a bit more tactical manoeuvring. 

The Teen Jodie

Going one size up is the Teen Jodie. Although it is possible to sling around the shoulder to carry your bag hands-free, it might get a bit tight with poofy jackets or knitwear. In addition to the essentials, such as a full-sized wallet, glasses case, bodyspray, hand sanitiser, phone, mini hairbrush, keys, and a few small make-up articles, the Teen Jodie might fit an iPad. Alternatively, you can switch out the electronics for a handbag liner for easier access. 

The Small & Medium Jodie

Don’t let the name fool you. The Small and Medium Jodie are deceptively large and warrant a try-on if you have a more petite frame. Due to their larger size, the shoulder drop makes it easier to carry on the shoulder on top of winter coats. Yet combined with the leather lining, both the small and medium sizes may be a bit heavy, but this simultaneously increases its slouch factor, which we definitely love. 

Alongside your appurtenances that could be carried in the Teen Jodie, a Small will fit a Macbook with some care. Alternatively, you can switch out your laptop and replace it with several larger items. The Medium fits even more and could even be used as a weekend bag –if you’re a light packer, that is. 

The Maxi Jodie

The Maxi Jodie is the last in the Jodie Family. Though it is clearly a fashion bag and not a wardrobe workhorse, it’s the quintessential statement oversized tote. Wear it either on the shoulder or cross-body for even weight distribution. 

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Prices

The pricing for the Bottega Veneta Jodie bag varies based on whether you purchase it in-store or secondhand. As of 2024, the prices stand at €1,300 for the Candy, €2,200 for the Mini, €2,900 for the Teen, €3,200 for the Small, and €3,400 for the Medium (the Maxi size is discontinued in-store). 

Opting for a vintage piece can be more budget-friendly, often available for under €1,000, although prices have risen as Bottega Veneta gains further recognition. Despite the initial cost, the investment is justified by the exceptional quality you receive. Furthermore, the Jodie generally maintains around 90% of its resale value, making it a savvy choice for those looking for luxury with enduring value.

Peruse the SACLÀB website and find the Bottega Veneta Bag of your dreams!