If you’re looking for a new designer-inspired bag, you may be able to stop your search as of now - especially if you’re in love with Bottega Veneta's gorgeous woven luxury looks, from the £2,000 ($2,500) Intrecciato Leather Pouch, as worn by Meghan Markle, to the Jodie and Cassette Bottegas that are Fashion Week street style stars.
Lately while browsing around doing, ahem, bag shopping ‘research’, I spotted the BEST lookalikes and had to share.
The originals:
- Bottega Veneta Intrecciato pouch bag, £1,970 / $2,500
- Bottega ‘Jodie’ bag, £2,840 / $3,900
- Bottega ‘Cassette' bag, £2,150 / $4,900
The lookalikes...
- Genuine leather: Mango Braided leather clutch bag, £139.99 / $249.99
- Back in stock: Anthropologie Melie Bianco Brigitte bag, from £94 / $69.95
- Anne Hathaway approved: JW Pei ‘Maze’ bag, £129 / $119.99
Of course, we're all clamouring for the original - and Digital Luxe & Commerce Editor Hollie Brotherton explained to me why. "The appeal of a Bottega Veneta handbag lies in its understated luxury. Known for their signature intrecciato weave and minimalist design, they exude quiet sophistication without flashy logos.
"Perfect for those who favour timeless style over trends, it's no surprise they've earned a cult following from the likes of Meghan Markle and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Whether it's the slouchy charm of the Jodie or the architectural edge of the Sardine, each piece feels like an effortless, undeniably cool statement."
© GothamBut they're not within everyone's budget - and there's no shame in wearing a designer-inspired bag. Just look at The Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway, who was spotted carrying what at first glance looked like the the Bottega Veneta Cassette crossbody, with it's distinct boxy shape and luxe woven leather. But the chic bag was in fact by JW Pei, the vegan leather bag brand behind the viral bag worn by Gigi Hadid.
Exact match: JW Pei 'Maze' bag
© JW PeiThe Anne Hathaway fave JW Pei 'Maze' bag is a great affordable look if you love the Bottega ‘Cassette' bag
If you're looking for a clutch style, the Duchess of Sussex carried her iconic Bottega pouch back in 2022 while joining Prince Harry for dinner in Manhattan for a glamorous date night, and it has stuck in my mind ever since. Mango's braided leather clutch bag, £139.99 / $249.99 is so similar - I’d be lying if I said I didn’t immediately want to add it to my handbag collection. It’s not easy to find a genuine leather Bottega lookalike at this price point – it literally saves you thousands.
Mango Braided leather clutch bag
© MangoDid someone say "Intrecciato Leather Pouch"? Mango's leather woven clutch is so similar and comes in two shades.
The Mango version is a buttery soft braided design in 100% bovine leather, with a press stud closure and 100% cotton lining inside. I love the gold bangle hardware, such a chic detail.
Anthropologie Melie Bianco Brigitte Woven Bag
© AnthropologieAnthropologie's Melie Bianco Brigitte bag went viral as a lookalike for the Bottega 'Jodie' bag.
Meanwhile Anthropologie has come through with a small bag that’s so similar to the to-die-for ‘Jodie’ Bottega Veneta bag, which has famously been worn by the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Hailey Bieber. The cruelty-free Melie Bianco Brigitte faux leather bag, from £94 / $69.95 comes in multiple colours - so there’s one for every look in your wardrobe – and it's very close to the Bottega 'Jodie Teen'.
Of course the Anthropologie look isn't genuine leather, or handcrafted, so it's budget friendly but not as luxe. (If you want genuine leather, check out the version at Quince.)
Take note that the Anthropologie bags are also less structured and slouchier than the designer look, plus the strap is longer so, all in all, it has a much more casual vibe. Still, you can style it the same way as you would the luxury version - it would look great dressed up with quiet luxury daywear, or dressed down with jeans and a tee.
No matter how much we want to spend on a bag, we all deserve timeless style, which is where a great lookalike comes into play. You know, for those fashion girlies who have Bottega taste but a Zara budget.
And just think - you could add all three designer lookalikes to your wardrobe at the fraction of the cost of one designer bag. Tempting...
