The gauntness of a strap, the slouch of gussets, and the outward bloat of the body — slight as it may seem when one discusses a shoulder bag — the central focus always returns to its form. It is what makes a shoulder bag handsome — the simplicity of its lines can aggregate its seductive foxiness, a sturdy structuring can prompt its dependability, and the swell of a frame can be a tell-all on its trustworthiness. A lasting impression, though, occurs with a coup d’oeil of a shoulder bag’s lateral perimeter. Unlike other classes of carriers, the shoulder bag is scored on the handsome scale through its side profile. Its build demands the bag to take on a front-facing enterprise, to be cohesively suited to the wearer’s outfit of choice, or to be flexible enough to try.

Bottega Veneta seems to have formulated the golden ratio. Hobo bags have long been ingrained in the house’s DNA — dating back to Bottega Veneta’s pre-rebrand days in 2002 — but the Hop is not to be sidelined any longer. Born from a three-dimensional Intrecciato technique, the Hop takes on a slouchy yet geometrical role. A resultant pyramidal silhouette breathes latitude in its lineaments. Signature thin Intrecciato weaves contour the thicker, tubular handle, while supple calfskin holds up the Hop’s suspension from being hung from a shoulder and pressed against the wearer’s body.

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