I Tried Out a Second-Hand Bottega Veneta Sardine Bag. Here’s My Thoughts
Alice Hartwell
Is pre-loved king when it comes to luxury handbag shopping?
For the select few, dropping by the hallowed accessory halls of Harrods or Selfridges to pick up the latest designer ‘it-bag’ is a regular ritual. For the majority, however, shopping for luxury second-hand offers a more accessible, and, importantly, circular route.
Designer Exchange is an online and in-store retailer that specialises in the buying and selling of luxury goods, standing as a beacon within the British premium, pre-loved economy. Last month, I borrowed one of their Bottega Veneta Sardine bags to explore whether it’s worth the (heavily reduced) splurge.
Meet Bottega Veneta's Sardine Bag, via Designer Exchange
Named for the shape of its fish-like handle, the Sardine bag is one of Bottega Veneta’s most singular designs, created under the then creative director, Matthieu Blazy.
The addition of such a sculptural handle alongside the brand’s signature intrecciato woven leather solidifies it as a coveted piece for the minimalist fashion set seeking timeless accessories with a little touch of personality.
Shopping it new will set you back nearly £4000. Designer Exchange is selling this one for £2,500. So, what’s the catch?
Predominantly, you’re trading savings for the appeal of a “like-new” purchase. That means accepting that a pre-owned bag may not be in its original, pristine condition. For some, the bag’s history is part of its charm and character; for others, particularly those seeking an investment piece with strong resale potential, signs of wear may be less appealing.
The leather of this Sardine was almost flawless—a few small marks, but ones you could easily forget about. Most of the damage was on the handle itself, with small dent marks dotted in various places. Again, it’s something most people could get past, knowing they are saving nearly £2000, but it’s a shame that the standout element of the bag is the most compromised in this case.
About
The Bottega Venta Sardine bag comes in a few sizes—mini, small, medium/large. Mine was the latter, featuring the signature sardine handle (to be carried as a clutch) and also leather handles (to wear as a shoulder bag). While the versatility is welcome, I’m more partial to a shoulder bag.
My first issue is that the straps, which transform the bag into a shoulder style, aren’t particularly comfortable. I found them too thin, causing them to dig in when toting a heavier load.
While the soft leather feels luxurious to the touch, it also feels somewhat flimsy with little structure, and the magnetic closure designed to keep the bag together isn’t always as secure as it could be.
A few days into carrying this bag, it became clear that it’s perhaps better suited to style than practicality. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to make a statement at brunch, but it may prove less ideal for the daily commute to and from the office.
Looks can also be deceiving when it comes to size. While the bag appears spacious at first glance, its capacity isn’t quite as generous as you might expect.
Everything You Can Fit In the Bottega Veneta Sardine Bag
At first glance, this bag appears hobo in nature. I thought I would fit anything and everything in there. In reality, I wasn’t able to fit much more than the essentials. My MacBook Air didn’t stand a chance.
Here’s everything I managed to haul:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Sunglasses
- Power bank
- Cardholder
- Hairbrush
- Airpods
- Lipstick/balm (given the occasion)
Final Thoughts
My final thoughts on this bag fall into two categories: how it performs as a standalone piece, and how well it has held up as a second-hand purchase.
As for the former, it’s not necessarily a bag I’d rush out to purchase. That said, I’d feel far more comfortable buying it knowing I hadn’t paid full retail price. Equally, I wouldn’t feel too aggrieved if I decided to sell it on, as I’d likely be able to recoup much of what I paid. And that’s the real beauty of the second-hand market: it allows you to experiment with luxury purchases without the same level of financial commitment.
As for shopping with Designer Exchange, I genuinely don’t think you could ask for much more. Each item comes with full transparency regarding its condition, and prices are reflective of that, allowing buyers to make informed decisions. More importantly, the platform is helping to make luxury fashion more accessible, opening the door for a wider audience to enjoy pieces that might otherwise feel out of reach.
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