Bottega Veneta – The Knot Turns 36

December 2014 – In preparation for the holiday season, the search for that perfect clutch is on. Instead of buying something new, I decided to look through my closet first. This brought me to a rediscovery of the Bottega Veneta Knot clutch.

When Tomas Maier took the helm of the luxury house in 2001, he redesigned the bag’s closure in the form of a leather knot and renamed it– the Knot. Bottega Veneta’s Knot just turned 36 this year.

Let’s take a look at the evolution of this iconic arm candy!

First is a vintage clutch in black intrecciato satin. This piece was acquired in 1996 from BV in Italy. There were limited designs at that time – the evening clutches came in a few shapes – oval, round and rectangular (like mine pictured here). Colors were also limited, dominantly in black satin. The closures were made of crystal and each clutch had a tassel on the end. After three decades, this is still a timeless classic!

Fast forward to 2002, after Tomas Maier’s revival of the classic piece. I found this limited edition gold beaded clutch in Hong Kong. I am not sure how many were made, but there was only one in the BV shop at time of purchase. Later, I spotted a picture of this rare piece in an editorial in an American fashion magazine.

The interior’s plate was engraved “Limited Edition – Lavorazione Fatta a Mano,” which translates to “Made by Hand.” The beads were weaved with golden threads, hence very delicate.

The Knot is in every Bottega Veneta collection, and has been made in every material and color imaginable. This season, they come in the prettiest pastels – peach, candy pink, baby blue, lilac and apple green with lizard trims. There is a color for everyone!