The symbol of Italian luxury turns 50 and is back in the game! A total hit for fall 2025.

Intrecciato braiding is one of the most recognizable symbols of luxury fashion. For five decades, it has graced iconic Bottega Veneta handbags, combining exquisite craftsmanship with timeless elegance. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this unique technique, we take a look at its history and most important designs.

Let's be honest, today's fashion changes so quickly that it's difficult for a sudden "hit" to last more than two seasons. Yet some brands have managed it. We see a tweed jacket, we think Chanel . Loafers? Gucci , of course. Nylon trim, undoubtedly Prada . And what about Bottega Veneta ? Here we have the iconic intrecciato braid, which is celebrating its... 50th anniversary . To mark the occasion, we decided to take a closer look at this extraordinary technique.

Bottega Veneta Sardine bag in the iconic intrecciato weave / Shutterstock

Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966 in the Veneto region of Italy , but its most significant milestone came nine years later. In 1975, limited by the capabilities of sewing machines, artisans began hand-weaving thin strips of soft nappa leather. Thus was born the intrecciato technique—elegant, minimalist, and yet functional. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention.

Among the most famous intrecciato designs is the Cabat , a geometric tote bag that debuted in 2001 under creative director Tomas Maier . It's one of the brand's most recognizable models: entirely hand-woven, unlined and unsupported, and featuring a distinctive, removable pouch inside.

Daniel Lee , who breathed new life into the brand's image in 2019, used braid to create bestsellers like the Pouch —a soft, minimalist clutch resembling a cloud—and the Jodie , a rounded bag with a distinctive knot. The latter was named after Jodie Foster , who once shielded her face from the paparazzi with a Bottega bag .

Jodie Bottega Veneta bag in the iconic intrecciato weave / Shutterstock

Matthieu Blazy has consistently developed the language of weave . In 2022, he presented the Kalimero model – a structured yet soft bucket bag, entirely formed from seamless weave. A year later, the collection was joined by the Andiamo (the name means "let's go" in Italian) – an elegant, spacious bag with a metal detail.

Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag in the iconic intrecciato weave / Shutterstock

Over the course of half a century, the intrecciato has become not only a brand hallmark but also a favorite accessory of global style icons. In the 1980s, red woven clutches were worn by Lauren Hutton and Princess Diana .

Tina Turner chose white models for everyday wear, while Madonna paired them with rebellious, black styles.

Modern stars are continuing this trend. Rihanna showed up with a miniature black duffle bag at the A$AP Rocky trial.

We can't forget about the it-girls: Jodie loved Jessica Mercedes , Kylie Jenner chose the voluminous Hop model, and JLo is faithful to the classic Pouch .