Hello lovely blog readers,
In this post I will be reviewing the Bottega Veneta Olimpia bag in the nero color (a.k.a black) and in the small size. Bottega Veneta is one of those understated luxury brands that makes intricate woven leather bags in their nappa leather (which is lambskin). I have always had a Bottega Veneta bag on my wish list however it has never been at the top of my wish list (trendy it bags tend to top my list on a rotating yearly basis). In other words it’s a brand I’ve had my eye on for a long time however never really seriously pursued … that is until now. I purchased a replica version of the small Olimpia Bag because I needed a new everyday bag that I can quickly grab and go to run errands. What I absolutely love about the brand Bottega Veneta as a whole is that they do not have their logo plastered all over their products. In fact they explicitly have a motto that states, “When your own initials are enough.” This is quite a refreshing perspective on luxury goods considering the current hot trend is logo-mania as you may have noticed when perusing social media.
When I was debating whether to go authentic vs. replica for this bag I came across a thread on Purse Forum where many ladies mentioned that the resale of Bottega Veneta bags drop significantly (40-60%) from their retail sticker price on the second hand market. Additionally I read some criticism about the structure of the bag and leather not holding up well over time. The original retail price of the bag in the actual Bottega Veneta boutique is $2,900 USD. Now if I’m paying that much for a bag I’d expect it hold up for quite a while, and so I was naturally swayed towards choosing a replica instead of an authentic version. The bag came packaged in a dustbag and had plastic wrapped around its hardware. It did not come with a box.
The replica version of the bag is a pretty good replica. The authentic counterpart of the bag is compromised of 80% lambskin and 20% brass (the hardware). The chains on the replica bag are nice and heavy and made of real brass and not some plastic-y counterpart you’d expect on a fake. The silver hardware has a matte finish which adds a cool touch to the bag. The leather is also buttery smooth lambskin. If you’ve ever come across a Chanel Jumbo in lambskin you’ll have an idea as to how soft lambskin can be. Now this softness is not without detriment – the leather is much more easily scratched than more rough leathers (e.g. caviar leather). The leather on this Bottega Veneta bag is especially soft and buttery, and I would say it scratches even easier than a Chanel bag in labmskin (you can even see some scratches in the pictures below).
Of course as I have mentioned numerous times the leather on a replica bag is one of the key indicators of the quality of the bag. If the leather and hardware of the replica bag is on point then the chances are the rest of the bag should be good to go as well. Another key point to pay attention to when analyzing the accuracy of a replica bag is in the interior of the bag. Often manufacturers get sloppy and make mistakes on the interior where it is less noticeable. Luckily this Olimpia bag is just as well done on the inside of the bag. Like the original the interior was lined with a nice beige suede leather that is made of genuine leather as well. Also the interior of the bag is divided into two compartments and fitted with a handy zip pocket.
I am overall very impressed with the replica version of the Bottega Veneta Olimpia bag I received, and am glad I went with a replica over an authentic in the case of this particular model considering the flaws many authentic purchasers have noted as having with the original version of the bag. What do you think of my Olimpia bag? Let me know in the comments below as I’d love to hear!
15 Comments
I have a real BV Olimpia in the larger size and let me tell you I had to sell the bag after wearing it about 8 times because the end of the flap on both sides lifted. I would never buy an original Olimpia again. It’s a total waste of $$$
I feel a lot of the authentic handbags and shoes are not being mades as well as they used to be. I have a real problem with that with what they cost. The stitching on shoes and handbags are getting sloppy. And, not lasting or holding up. The workmanship is not the same anymore. Probably, now is why you can get authentic items from the online outlets like Tradesy, The Real Real, Rebag and FashionPhile cheaper now. Buying the products is much like buying a car. It depreciates time you buy it and start using it.
Hello and thanks for that peice of info. If you are able to can you disclose how much I can expect to pay an excellent replica Olimpia. Ang thanks for keep us in the know.
Agreed! It’s sad that the authentic brands quality is going downhill because it makes paying full price even harder to swallow!
Hi Cary66, I paid around $420 for the bag!
Ouch! That’s terrible to hear. Well hey at least you know it’s better to go for a rep with some brands now!
Hi, Firstly I’d like to say I love reading your blog, its always very detailed and very informative. I’m also looking to buy a Bottega Veneta handbag. Are you able to tell us where you purchased it from as there are so many sites but very few that offer great quality and aren’t a scam.Thank you from ‘Down Under.
Madeleine
Hi, First of all I love reading your blog and hearing all your wonderful advice. I find it very informative. I am also looking to buy a Bottega Veneta bag. Are you able to let us know where you purchased it from.thank you, Madeleine
oops sorry, I didn’t think my first post got through, hence the second. Sorry, Madeleine
Exactly. I never purchased replicas until I started following your blog. I have spent a lot of money on authentic pieces. Then, after a while I am uninterested in carrying it or wearing them. I am a shopaholic. Then, when you resale it you never get near what you paid for it. You try and recoup something. My poor hubby said he was tired of buying 1500.00-2000.00 handbags. LOL LOL So, I have stopped asking. I buy my own replica pieces now. I can afford them. LOL LOL Save that money for a great vacation!!
Hi Madeleine, thank you for the feedback! Glad you find the blog useful. I bought it from counterluxury.cn which is no longer in business. I’d suggest you go over to the recommended replica sellers list and read the comments/look at other recommendations there who should have the same quality!
I purchased an authentic Bottega Veneta Olimpia bag in November 2017 and returned it end of February 2018. The black finish on the chain was worn off in several locations exposing a chrome finish . I didn’t expect. 3500$ bag to develop esthetic flaws . Got my money back and now on the hunt again for my once in a life time luxury bag. Looks like a replica is the way to go?
Where can I purchase this!?
Instead of buying a replica of a high end bag, why not buy a less expensive, good quality brand? Or go for a second hand one? The fake bag you purchased is illegal, that is copyright infringement. It is not even a BV inspired’ bag, it is straight up using the brand name. As a blogger with followers, you are encouraging the support of fakes
Dear Purse Queen, I am on the hunt for a perfect replica of the Hermes Evelyne bag. The two sites I knew of, Voguekingbag and bagsheaven apparently are not good! Any suggestions. Their prices were good and some my friends that purchased in the past from them did have luck with the bags and the wallets. They looked great.