Meet Ciao Ciao, Bottega Veneta's Latest It Bag

I was walking through the Who What Wear office in New York the other day when a co-worker of mine stopped me in my tracks. She knew right away what bag was on my shoulder and needed to see it up close. It's at the top of her wish list—hell, it's on the wish lists of everyone I saw during New York Fashion Week. We ogled it together for a good five minutes before I had to run to a show across town, where three more people inquired about it. Clearly, I've been carrying 2025's most-wanted handbag, and since I'm not one to gatekeep, I'm here to share every last detail about the designer experience.

The bag in question is one of Matthieu Blazy's final creations for Bottega Veneta. Named the Ciao Ciao, it's the latest addition to the beloved Andiamo family. It comes in two sizes—regular and large—and a variety of colors, including neutral Barolo and Black as well as spring-ready Rose and Matcha. It recently debuted in the Italian fashion brand's summer 2025 campaign, which went viral on social media for its upbeat, fun, and overall positive energy that doesn't exist across the fashion landscape these days. Its name reflects this same light, joyful air: "Ciao ciao" is used in Italian to say both "hello" and "goodbye" as a relaxed and playful way to greet and send off loved ones. This bag should be by your side in these exact moments, accompanying you as you travel to and from beautiful destinations.

Ahead of NYFW, I received an email about the bag. It was coming out soon, and as the proud owner of an original Andiamo bag, I knew I had to compare and contrast the styles in person. Bottega Veneta was kind enough to loan me one to do just that, so I put it to good use during one of the busiest weeks of my year. For six days, I loaded my Ciao Ciao with everything under the sun, from water bottles and green juices to phone chargers, snack bars, headphones, sunglasses, and more. I carried it with the long crossbody strap for a hands-free experience; tried out different handle methods with the bag's braided, brass hardware–clad shoulder strap; and enjoyed the classic top-handle option. I even went as far as to tote it around like a very large clutch purse, using none of the handles at all.

On the fifth day, I sat down to give the Ciao Ciao its formal review. Scroll down to read my thoughts on what's sure to be one of 2025's top handbags and see how I styled it throughout NYFW.

Shop the Bottega Veneta Ciao Ciao Bag:

Bottega Veneta

Ciao Ciao in Black

Bottega Veneta

Ciao Ciao in Barolo

Bottega Veneta

Ciao Ciao in Ecru

Bottega Veneta

Large Ciao Ciao in Fondant

Bottega Veneta

Large Ciao Ciao in Rose

Bottega Veneta

Large Ciao Ciao in Matcha

My review + how I styled it during NYFW:

Wearing: Mango Leather Blazer With Buttons ($500); Tibi Sheer Gauze Maxi Pencil Skirt ($325); Oliver Peoples x Khaite 1998C Cat-Eye Metal Sunglasses ($485); Bottega Veneta Ciao Ciao Bag ($5900); Flattered Tove Leather Heels ($138)

Day one: The thing I appreciated immediately upon receiving the Ciao Ciao bag and exploring it was how truly practical it is. I find this to be true with most Bottega Veneta bags, which often feature multiple strap options and a bevy of internal storage. To my count, this specific bag can be carried four different ways: from its top handle, with the attached crossbody strap, on your shoulder when you adjust the braided straps to fit, and handheld. Honestly, there could be even more options that I didn't even think of. It has two main compartments on the inside of the bag, which is completely made of suede other than one zippered pocket woven using the brand's intrecciato technique for a IYKYK touch. Suffice it to say, I wasn't running low on storage space. Most days during fashion week, I had my bag stuffed Jane Birkin style with paper show notes, little bags of Happier Grocery almonds, extra eyewear, and a dozen different cords and devices. On the outside, though, you'd never know it. In fact, the Ciao Ciao looks even better full than it does empty.

I remember when the first day of NYFW felt quiet, but this season, it was one of my craziest, most jam-packed days because of all the previews, appointments, cocktail parties, and dinners. Funnily enough, I only had one actual show, and it was all the way at the end of the night. I didn't sit down the entire day and traveled from the Upper West Side where I live to Bryant Park, FiDi, East Village, NoMad, SoHo, Brooklyn Navy Yard, and back again, and those are just the locations I can remember off the top of my head. I basically lived out of my Ciao Ciao bag.