The Cabat: A Bottega Veneta Artisan Legend and Size Guide

October 29, 2024

HISTORY and ARTISANSHIP

Introduced in 2001, the Bottega Veneta Cabat quickly became a symbol of the brand's new era under the creative direction of Tomas Maier. As the first handbag designed by Maier and the first to carry its own name, the Cabat marked a significant milestone in the brand's history. Its simple yet elegant design, featuring the iconic intrecciato weave, resonated with fashion enthusiasts, making it a favorite among the jet set.

Tomas Maier's vision for Bottega Veneta was to elevate the brand's focus on craftsmanship and Italian heritage. To achieve this, he established a school dedicated to training future artisans in the art of intrecciato weaving. Since then, the handbags we carry and display in stores today are handmade by personnel trained at the brand's craftsmanship school.

The Bottega Veneta Cabat is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Each bag is a masterpiece, entirely woven from strips of supple leather using the brand's signature intrecciato technique. This intricate weaving process, which involves interlacing the leather strips in a complex pattern, creates a seamless and visually stunning finish.

The absence of a lining in the Cabat further emphasizes its minimalist aesthetic and showcases the beauty of the leather itself. The interior is as carefully crafted as the exterior, with each leather strip meticulously woven to form a smooth and luxurious surface.

The creation of a Cabat is a labor-intensive process that requires the expertise of skilled artisans. It takes approximately two days for a single artisan to complete one bag, highlighting the dedication and time invested in each piece. This meticulous craftsmanship ensures that every Cabat is a unique and enduring work of art.

LIMITED ISSUE

Because of how labour intensive making the Cabat is, each year there are only a limited number of Cabat bags being made. Each Cabat comes with a detachable pouch with a metal plate. It lists the number of Cabats made in that year and the number of this particular bag.

No 256 in 1000 Cabat Made in that year

This rarity and exclusivity made the bag even more desirable despite of its high price tag. Each one is retailed for about USD $6,000.

The Bottega Veneta Cabat is more than just a bag; it's a symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and understated elegance. Its enduring popularity and exclusive status make it a coveted possession for fashion connoisseurs worldwide.

The Cabat's spacious interior and various sizes further contributed to its popularity, offering versatility for everyday use and travel. The bag's success can be attributed to its timeless appeal, exceptional craftsmanship, and the brand's commitment to Italian heritage and artisanal techniques.

SIZE GUIDE

Bottega Veneta offers the Cabat in several sizes to cater to different needs and preferences. Here's a brief size guide to help you choose the ideal one:

Mini Cabat:

Dimensions: 26 cm x 15 cm x 13cm (approximately 10.2 inches x 5.9 inches x 5.1 inches) Handle Drop: 8cm / 3.1in
Comes with a crossbody strap

Small Cabat:
- Dimensions: 30 cm x 28 cm x 12 cm (approximately 11.8 inches x 11 inches x 4.7 inches)
- Ideal for: Everyday essentials, such as a wallet, phone, keys, and a small makeup bag.
Medium Cabat:
- Dimensions: 35 cm x 32 cm x 15 cm (approximately 13.8 inches x 12.6 inches x 5.9 inches)
- Ideal for: Daily commuting, carrying a laptop, books, or additional items.
Large Cabat:
- Dimensions: 40 cm x 38 cm x 18 cm (approximately 15.7 inches x 15 inches x 7.1 inches)
- Ideal for: Weekend getaways or as a stylish carry-on bag.