It bags are something I’ve studied at length. As a handbag-obsessed editor, I’ve spent years analysing the trajectory of rising new styles, delving into pieces that have held It titles for decades, and most recently, digging deep into returning icons. By now, it’s clear that 2025 is the year of the returning It bag; from Chloé’s Paddington to Fendi’s Spy bag, and with this nostalgic trend set to continue into 2026, I’m predicting that the Bottega Veneta Campana will be even more illustrious in 2026.
Julianne Moore carries the Bottega Veneta Large Campana bag.
This year has been defined by nostalgia, with luxury brands digging into the archives to unearth icons that still translate to the present day. What sets these luxury designers apart is their heritage. The decades of expertise and iconography that have formed along the way have ensured their status as the best designer brands. Amongst them is Bottega Veneta, which celebrates its rich history with the return of the Campana.
Our reintroduction to the Campana came earlier this year, though the bag has had a slight update to bring it back to the present day. First released in the spring of 2004, the bag was ahead of its time for its pared-back appeal and understated look, a striking contrast to the bold logomania of the ‘90s, but perfectly aligned with the trends of the new millennium, which were focused upon craftspersonship, hardware accents and tactile detailing. Think of the metal accents of Balenciaga’s Le City bag or the sturdy locks embellishing both the Mulberry Bayswater and Chloé Paddington. For its modern return, the metal details on the bag’s straps have been removed to reinforce the sleek appearance of the bag, and if possible, refine it even further. In turn, it instantly caught the eye of stylish people everywhere and has nestled seamlessly into the wardrobes of the most elegant celebrities around.
