Last week, Bottega Veneta dropped its new Arco bag at the Salone Del Mobile design week in Milan, ahead of its official Pre-Fall 2019 launch. The bag derives its name from the Arco della Pace neoclassical arch in the heart of Milan’s city centre. This landmark, completed in 1838, also served as the backdrop of the Fall 2019 runway show earlier this year, in February.

With its dome-shaped flap, solidly constructed rectangular base, and the curve of its long tubular handles, it certainly takes after the iconic Milanese monument. The Arco comes with an orthogonal intercciato weave, that’s looser, and more deconstructed in style and nature. Utilising a new variation of French Calf, the leather is bonded with suede, and comes with an unlined interior, that makes the bag’s construction visible. The absence of any lining is also a plus point, because it makes the bag more lightweight.

Available in 4 sizes in a palette of natural leather colours including chocolate brown, black, white, tan, and olive, the Arco also comes in nonn-woven variations, including soft crocodile, and Palmellato (a type of grained calf and soft shine). The largest size, the Arco 75, is available for men, and alternates French Calf and suede woven leather panels.

Images courtesy of Bottega Veneta