Bottega Veneta | I Did NOT Expect This | Leather Review & Wallet Deconstruction

This was unexpected. One leather detail on the outside almost fooled me.
Having used this Bottega wallet for about 3 months I was not suspicious that they would even use anything less than full or top grain leather. That is, until we finally deconstructed this wallet.
My previous leather reviews of Bottega Veneta were favorable. I had even developed a lot of respect for their exquisite leather selection and craftsmanship in the luxury brand category.
Despite my disappointment regarding the exterior leather material, this leather wallet was well constructed the interior leather was great.
DISCLAIMER: I am, in no way, affiliated with the brand mentioned. This video is solely for educational purposes only to let you know about the leather that the brand uses for its products and to provide you with a better understanding of its quality. At the end of the day, you still have to decide if it’s worth it for you or not.
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[@victorcraraujo]

This channel is pure public service. Thank youuuuu

[@YourRav]

WOW, you’ve really changed my mindset when it comes to luxury leather products.

[@nemanjadzepina]

luxury leather does not have big brand names. There's a lot of leather ateliers making top quality products.

[@CLBOO6]

I feel so betrayed and I didn't even pay for it.

[@kendalson7100]

My dad has a Bottega wallet from 30 years ago and it's still going strong. This seems strange but I guess brands will do anything to save a few $$$, which seems antithetical to the "luxury" market.

[@Gotchalaboom]

Might be better quality than nowadays

[@gunmetal2445]

The new global luxury model is just not sustainable. It's hard to maintain quality, pay the insane rental at those high end retail to run those boutiques, run their business operations, pay salary etc. So they have to somehow do their best to maintain the illusion that customers are getting the best thing ever when the quality has went down a lot. It will only get worse as inflation goes up.

[@chiochio3471]

maybe some wallet in another brand can stay the same long time or even longer

[@tuukkap601]

Please, make more of these. I’ve been aware of most of these facts for quite some time but there are never enough of true craftsmen like you, who most certainly have absolutely nothing to lose exposing these so called ’luxury’ fashion houses for their scam.

[@hannie.haneul]

I had been buying leather bags and jackets from small local handmade brands, and I love them! I wish there's a way to send you some samples because I'd love to see your review.

[@hannie.haneul]

@@minxili3317 wow, thank you very much for your suggestions!! I will visit Japan this April, I'll see if I can grab some local leather bags 🥰

[@bensa6016]

Great video. I must say that you managed to find the niche I was looking for. There are lots of channels that deal with the quality of traditional men`s wear, but you are really the only one that is looking at the quality of designer items that also appeal to women. You should get a female host or co-host and review all the brands that appeal mostly to women. Your channel will blow up.

[@briannegarcia8265]

Yes!!!! I have watched so much you tube on luxury products but we need more of this content!

[@cavelleardiel]

The push from influencers to buy designer items is fueling the ability for these companies to benefit in any way they see fit.

[@DenBank1]

If it's luxury being pushed by KZbinrs, I am suspicious and therefore not buying.

[@cavelleardiel]

@@DenBank1 I like some of the designs and look for sewing patterns or dupes to purchase if I really want it. Chanel bags feel like plastic to me.

[@thetravelingboulderer]

People don't have to buy it or listen to the influencers... You can't blame your own bad shopping/budget choices on marketing.

[@alidagualtieri3256]

Great video. I think that buying well kept very vintage items is the way to go with almost all of the popular luxury brands as items were made much better then.

[@tdog3753]

I love shopping second-hand leather! esp when it's vintage, I usually assume it's going to be much better quality. Thank you for your content it really helps us consumers be aware of what we're putting our money into.

[@mightypossum5996]

Thank you for the honest reviews and breakdown of the items you do! ♡

[@einstijn138]

I love videos like this. It really shows how much of the value is attributed to the materials and labour and how much is just the name. I would love to see you 'review' a wallet made by Secrid. They sell for like €60-80 but also have a metal card protector that protects against bending but also has RFID protection.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Nothing surprises me anymore! Thank you for the video.

[@adayinmyworld]

They always say, "You are just paying for the name." I always say "no, it's the craftsmanship and quality." Wow, I can't even see myself saying that anymore now that I see it's not true. Maybe it's true with vintage luxury items.?🤔

[@cinemaocd1752]

Good point. I'd like to see some vintage luxury leather goods pulled apart! It would be an interesting comparison...

[@QAJenova]

A lot of vintage luxury items yes, there were genuine craftsmanship and quality. Back in the day, Chanel used to actually use 24K gold plating for the handbag hardware. While gold plating is still the cheapest method of gold usage, genuine 24K gold is still more precious than just obscure "gold tone" metal- and still sold at lower prices than today's MSRP, even when accounting for inflation. With all these fashion houses consolidated into a couple of major conglomerates and outsourcing their labor and supplies overseas, with only the final touches actually being in-house, it really isn't worth it.

[@fszhang9163]

The marketing departments will always find new ways to spin their narrative to appeal to the uninformed consumer. Not too long ago, they were showing how some of their products were made in atelier in some shop in Europe, when in reality most of their lines are made by underpaid immigrants in a Free Trade Zone somewhere in Europe. Other try selling basic customisation services like hot stamping your initials as “bespoke”… ppfffttt it’s not even “Made to Order” which I would have given a mediocum of respect. Last but not least “Handmade” doesn’t necessarily mean assembled entirely by hand. I believe there is a certain percentage that qualifies a product as handmade in the EU. The only brand which I would acknowledge as handmade is “Hermes” as I know ex-Hermes artisans who used to work in the Birkin and Kelly lines who have decided to set out on their own. I do have respect for Hermes. Their usual customers are entirely another matter however…..😅

[@hilmir]

from a very very honest BV sales assistant, she did share that the new design with the jumbo XL weave will affect the longevity of the product, and therefore the leather has been "treated", she even showed the edge-coat which was super thick. in this case, please buy the older BV products, the weave is smaller, the leather strips are high quality and it will age beautifully. i did eventually buy a casette but from a dupe shop! it has the same construction as this! suede bonded with the plastic upper! no regrets - as i do love the updated design, but cannot justify the cost and the poor quality. the cutting of corners is a real turn off,

[@meowctrum485]

You paying for design included. This guys creating trend and they want some money for 'innovations'

[@Kati3-kat]

Very eye-opening. Thanks for making these!

[@gunmetal2445]

I used to shop from Bottega Veneta 8-9 years ago and they seemed like a different entity back then. I did suspect the quality went down alot from viewing recent unboxing videos. They used to have excellent well made packaging, very hard sturdy cardboard boxes and thick cotton dust bags. It was admittedly a bit bookish/ dull looking and not trendy., I remember seeing an influencer wannabe unboxed his purchase and the bag was just wrapped in plastic and placed in that new green paper bag. No proper packaging or protection. He even paid retail for it. I casually mentioned to him don't you think it's funny that the brand charges you so much money but does not even bother to supply a cardboard box and dustbag? It's practically insulting. He was like yeah thats true but it's ok...it is what it is. And then I realised if the new clients are not discerning or demanding enough, luxury brands are just gonna get away with alot of unacceptable things.

[@krazzysu]

a lot*

[@lololop58]

This is very true particularly on your last point.

[@CoachCraze]

This is absolutely ridiculous (and shocking).😟 Bottega?? Definitely reduced my respect for the brand. Yours has very quickly become one of my favorite channels. Thanks for sharing, and PLEASE keep it up!

[@hilmir]

from a very very honest BV sales assistant, she did share that the new design with the jumbo XL weave will affect the longevity of the product, and therefore the leather has been "treated", she even showed the edge-coat which was super thick. in this case, please buy the older BV products, the weave is smaller, the leather strips are high quality and it will age beautifully. i did eventually buy a casette but from a dupe shop! it has the same construction as this! suede bonded with the plastic upper! no regrets - as i do love the updated design, but cannot justify the cost and the poor quality.

[@vonasianmemories]

I can attest to the great quality of the older products. I have intreccatio handbags and small leather goods from 2007-2011. The best leather and quality construction I’ve ever seen.

[@alfrist]

dyou know if this 'treatment' applies to the intrecciato wallets as well, or just the cassettes?

[@mateusvahl5072]

This made rethink if I'm buying this

[@張宇翔-o3u]

Please review the Hermes cardholder and tell us about the letter they use thank you so much love your video as always

[@jonelodosa502]

Really a very good job! I'm learning a lot from you. Keep on working that way.

[@cmwattam]

I'd be really interested to see a review of some horse tack (ie saddles, bridles, etc)! Loving this content

[@janicemaslanko1376]

WOW I really appreciate your work. Your raising the bar.

[@mtchung5646]

Thank you for the clip! I have a BV leather bag...hopefully, my one is made from authentic leather. Could you do reviews on Celine and Loewe in the near future? Would love to learn your insights!

[@dyenzendavidson7579]

Again, thank you for the honest review. ❤

[@katlynang]

thank you for your videos. You really changed my mindset when it comes to luxury bag/wallet shopping

[@Barryhatchet]

The outer layer having the plastic can be good as a protective layer. I can see it having purpose. I applaud your work in keeping the industry honest but I would love to hear from the brands themselves. I would love for you to make homages towards some of these leather goods in absolute top quality. I would buy them.

[@Platina]

Thank you for exposing this for us! I really appreciate your work!

[@elsinina]

Wow, I just discovered your channel, I really love what you do. Respect!

[@loveleiest1]

This is so insightful 👏

[@mmmlc620]

I LOVE that you do this!

[@miriancavalcanti5794]

you are a god send. I love Ferragamo. they are umbeatable,

[@janaicr9629]

I know you reviewed Louis Vuitton's canvas and the leather on their canvas pieces but they have whole leather products too and they are trying to push customers to buy those instead. Could you take apart and review their emprient leather? I've heard it is durable and feels high quality. It should be because they charge hundreds more for the same product to come in empriente instead of canvas.

[@katerinaschenke819]

Just discovered your channel yesterday and am hooked!

[@nkydgv]

Can you also review LV Epi leather, please? I am looking for a review about that leather, and I don't see any in YT! Thank you 🙏

[@katethegr8324]

Could you check Aspinal of London please 😊

[@thehandbaghousewife]

insane!

[@carlahabib1768]

Thanks so much for waking us up!

[@tallisinwonderland4724]

Please do a mulberry bag

[@ryeofoatmeal]

right I've been wondering about this a lot!

[@tallisinwonderland4724]

@@ryeofoatmeal I really wonder what he’d make of them, I think their pebbled leather is excellent quality but it would be interesting to see his take on it

[@ryeofoatmeal]

@@tallisinwonderland4724 yeah bcos I heard so many claims that mulberry leather is very good but they're extremely overlooked by consumers. unlike other high fashion brand. I have bayswater handbag, bought 2nd hand. she had for 11 years with minimal wear & tear. I am shocked, got it in such decent price! so happy. I restored the bag with leather conditioner, wipe a bit with wet cloth. it looks alive again 😂 but I notice since they changed their creative director, the quality is downgraded. their bags looks stiff... not sure if they're good quality leather anymore. their design almost like celine bcos the creative director was at celine

[@angelinas1216]

Review Celine!

[@fszhang9163]

Firstly thank you for making this video. I am not surprised at all with the disappointing result. As somebody who’s collection is part bespoke. As long as it is marketed as a “luxury good” in a magazine by some overpaid marketing drone, being mass produced that every wannabe noveau rich and their pooch has one and machine stitched, it’ll never pass my definition of “luxury”. To me luxury means having an input to the design of the product, being a “one of a kind” or at least part of a limited run that only a few hundred over 8 billion people have it, materials so rare that even a famous overrated French brand got rejected because of their mass luxury philosophy; having the product made entirely by hand; and last but not least getting to know the artisans who made it personally (and knowing I am paying them fairly as well as being able to quote the provenance of the product).. that is what I call luxury. And by the way I have no issue with folks who use more affordable brands as long as there is quality in the materials and they are not asking for an obnoxious price. Which is why I am fond of Uniqlo and Muji as well as lesser known brands like Bleu de Chauffe, Mismo, etc. I would actually recommend Bleu de Chauffe for a breakdown. Good veg tan leather for a reasonable asking price. TLDR - be an individual! Support your local (and international) artisans! You’d be surprised that some artisans actually charge less than what you would pay for a mass luxury brand and that’s because you’re not paying for the various other departments that a fashion house have.

[@999Akshay]

The Armani Exchange wallet is made from Polyurethane (artificial/unreal) leather and cost’s over $200 whereas the local brand is selling full grain wallet under $60.

[@ladydusk1]

This channel is so enlightening thank you. Is there anything such as eelskin leather? I remember having a supposedly eelskin wallet many years ago. I liked the feel of it too.

[@neleawest7196]

This is great content! Please do more of these!!

[@terrydjpren9787]

Would you please review a Dooney & Bourke purse?

[@myy5430]

Thank you for this review!

[@Shjwhdicj]

Like… what the f**k Bottega. I trusted you. I was almost about to pay shit ton of my precious money. Thank god KZbin’s recommendation.

[@cocoatmidnight7611]

Purchasing their brand only. Love your videos. Thanks

[@marcusng8047]

I wish I can see you deconstruct a Hermes, please…

[@lindab8853]

Could you review vintage Coach handbags--from 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s? They had very nice leather

[@smoutchie]

thank you for your review, I bought a bag from Arthur & Aston and unfortunately it's like this wallet... a ton of plastic on a weird leather base.

[@noelosstaht]

have you tried to deconstruct any products from maison margiela? would love to see if their quality is up to par still

[@hinas_for_life]

Oh boy, Bottega Veneta is really the only leather goods brand that I actually wan the only leather goods brand that I actually want to buy but but with this

[@alichemarinochamorro]

Please review a piece by Lemaire or The Row. Lemaire produces vegetable-tanned leather bags with molded designs. And I just want to know why The Row bags are so so expensive…

[@charles-xk9mh]

Thanks for the video! It’s really disappointing BV do false advertisement, and it’s a shame to use such low quality hybrid leather for the price they charge

[@sciagurrato1831]

This is current (D Craig) BV. Was better in all respects (including non-leather design) under Tomas Maier.

[@jennifers6435]

The bottega product I have touch in the last 20 yrs have the quality of counterfeit..that I’ve seen in high end stores..nothing like the bottega of the 1970’s

[@RobertoHaddad-ko3ul]

This kind of finishing Is called release .they cover all sorts of defects with a layer and It looks good. Good luck

[@lunaf11]

Thank you for exposing companies that are trying to rip people off😢 can you do one for chanel classic card holder

[@travis_vh]

great video, but maybe get a micro lens for the camara like rose navil has in his video to show the leather grain.

[@SethInNYC]

Was this purchased from BV or an authorized retailer?

[@Quan-xx]

I’ve been using my intrecciato wallet for over a year now and I always thought of it as high quality leather due to how durable and soft it is. Guess I was wrong :( thankfully I got it at quite a discount so I don’t feel as bad. But it is disappointing that these brands are upscaling their price so much for such inferior quality.

[@hilmir]

no, the newer poorer quality leather is used for the newer collection with the XL weave. if you have the classic smaller weave, rest assured it is made with the high quality leather strips, which can only withstand the tight weave. they had to change to this poor hybrid leather, due to the updated design. the large weave will deteriorate much faster, so it needs more durability.

[@disappearintothesea]

@@hilmir If that's the case then luxury brands need to be more transparent. If something is advertised as leather then I'm expecting leather, not some hybrid.

[@hilmir]

@@disappearintothesea if they tell you everything, they will lose the customer. I mean you are buying for the ststus after all.

[@Andomosity]

Something i realized is that you can show everyone that these are made from fake materials, yet some people will continue to buy them because of status. I'd pay a lot of money for a high quality "no-name" product rather than spend a lot of money for a low quality product that has a higher status name. The fact that anyone would pay $600 for a wallet blows my mind. I bought a nice leather wallet in mexico for $50 and it still looks like it did the day I bought it... 2 years later.

[@kyosoykibbles]

I was eyeing the candy wallace but damn, why would they do such a thing. breaks my heart. hope they can make honest products

[@iliacholakov5926]

Please make a review for Balenciaga !

[@Wilysfoliage]

can you do Michael Kors collection. or tory burch

[@zypherdose]

I would really like you to review Bottega's Intrecciato leather

[@DamarysSavchenko]

I still love my LV reverse monogram HIDUPZ clutch! It's versatile, fits a variety of items, and is definitely a workhorse! I think seeing it everywhere (like the LV speedy) is proof that it's

[@IrinaVanRonkel]

Thank you for such a great video. Can you please analyze Ralph Lauren Ricky bag?

[@josieblanco4587]

Wow good job

[@Millie-R.0731]

WOW !! So disappointing !! Thank you for doing this , more and more leaning towards Coach and Dooney & Bourke. Can you do a Gucci Soho or Marmont bag and also a Dooney & Bourke please , thank you !!

[@heather_lux]

Wow, that is false advertising! Glad I sold off all my Bottega honestly.

[@zeldahopper]

Thank you

[@lavyDW]

Hi please review Hidesign Bags.. They claim that's original. Leather

[@brianjohnson1665]

Was thinking of buying a Bottega belt bag too. Maybe I’ll stick with an LV instead even tho I know they’re not much better :(

[@pinkpotatoes9849]

Hi, Can you make a video for when the plastic topped suede of some bags start 'melting'? The rest of one of my bag is beautiful after 15 years but the strap just started sticking to every thing!

[@holliegolitely6245]

I did not expect this…I’ve lost respect for the brand, too. I no longer want their products.

[@Avraine13]

I remember my mum bought me a Coach wallet from the airport store in Shanghai and the interior completely peeled off it was horrible and unusable (pu not leather on the inside). It costs hundreds too, and didn't look counterfeit.

[@discorangutan]

Same, mom bought a Coach wallet and she didn't use it for a year or two during Covid and the interior completely peeled off. Shocking what brands get away with these days. Most of the time you pay for the brand and not the quality :(

[@warmhugss]

can u do one for kate spade pls!!!

[@redferngully]

I clearly see why anyone would be 'very disappointed' in discovering the the actual materials that this wallet is made from - if this same 'constructed' wallet is marketed into Australia, Bottega Veneta might also be very disappointed. Australian consumer protection laws carry huge fines for companies found to have made false or misleading claims. It really is quite mind blowing to think that a company would penny pinch on such a small material cost when such stratospheric profit margins are involved.

[@rosealaska6595]

SMH unbelievable i don't look at these big brand names the same way since I've watched your channel

[@mobosada16]

Grateful if you can share what’s a good brand with quality leather for male wallets. Thank you!

[@besalevi]

Please, review Lotuff Leather!

[@moniloulou428]

what a disgrace to ask for that price and slap your name on it. keep up the good work and sharing.

[@studywithmezh3913]

Make a Goyard video 😊 please

[@gwynethmedina]

Thats craaazzyyy

[@garigari5245]

Can u deconstruct Loewe next? Curious of their selection of pebbled leather and calfskin

[@emmaradloff6802]

Same!

[@alannis101]

I have a FAKE Bottega Vendetta wallet because I was unsure if I wanted to spend the money on the real…. I’m so glad I got a fake- I bet they are the same quality materials too, they look identical! Thank you for this!

[@somnaventu_s2475]

Some modern pleather is becoming crazy unrecognizable, but anyways, the product quality of these hype luxury brands like this, Balenciaga, Lou Vuitton, etc, should be cautioned, always. Once they have gotten taste of making a huge bucket out of popularity, that would be when they’d do anything to reduce the cost and up the production numbers.

[@cory4643]

Could you do a Gianni chiarini bag?

[@VampChainz]

This is why I only buy vintage luxury. I’ve some vintage full grain calfskin Buscemi slides for about 10 years now, they look better with age.

[@Dinedun]

So what is a good leather brand for wallets now finally?

[@dryden0100]

I'm surprised. I think it would have been better to show the certificate attached to the wallet to prove that it's a real Bottega Veneta. There should be a tag that says "Certificato di Originalita" on the back with a serial number.

[@cavelleardiel]

Just as an aside......could it be the manufacturer is manipulating and not letting the company know how they are making the product?

[@CatWearingHeadphones]

It sure could, but it’s still Bottega’s responsibility and they’re still selling a bad product

[@orangemoonglows2692]

even still, do you still think what they put together would be worth a $600 wallet?

[@ryeofoatmeal]

that means the quality control isn't good 😐

[@cavelleardiel]

@@CatWearingHeadphones But what about the manufacturer slipping in every 5th wallet like this? To build their profit margin and it is harder to catch?

[@kendalson7100]

Bottega is one of the very few brands that doesn't outsource manufacturing their leather goods. They have a very glamorous looking factory outside of Venice. I don't know enough about the new stuff, but vintage BV is fantastic.

[@DenBank1]

I am waiting for the concerned luxury brands to reply and defend themselves. :)

[@sweetlylene]

Yeah my puppy chew one of my bottega wallet it took a while but its definitely ruin😆

[@shengfeichien5660]

I just bought this wallet in grained leather version before watching this video. I'm wondering if it will have the same issue as mentioned in the video.

[@RagingUmbreon]

That one in this video is an outlet piece, not the real deal so I doubt you will. He's either lying about everything or he isn't as experienced as he wants people to believe since anybody who knows anything about leather will be able to feel the grain with full grain leather.

[@princedakkar2251]

@tanner is this the same for the smaller weave Bottega products? Very disappointing if so.

[@withallduerespectcompletely]

What were the brands he approved so far?

[@orangemoonglows2692]

me before watching the video: hell no. me after watching the video: wtf. helllll to the damn no.

[@nicolek7735]

What good leather/good price would you recommend?