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Lifestyle

Why Every NBA Star Suddenly Has a $5,000 Bottega Veneta

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Photo: Freepik, Bottega Veneta, Wilson

Gone are the days when NBA players showed up to the arena in only sweats and backpacks, and their definition of luxury was massive Louis Vuitton monograms and Gucci stripes. Quiet Luxury, aka “stealth wealth” has kicked in, which is why everybody suddenly has a $5,000 Bottega Veneta, the brand famous for having no visible logo. That’s kind of a flex, isn’t it? A brand that everybody who knows fashion recognizes. It also says, “I have so much money I don’t need to tell you where I shop.” Enter: The “Andiamo Effect.”

Related: The Rihanna Effect: Why Fenty’s Leap into the WNBA is a Marketing Masterstroke

The “Andiamo” Effect

If you’ve seen a bag that looks like a woven basket with a gold knot on the front, that’s the Andiamo, and it doesn’t come cheap.

The Price Tag: Bags with the Andiamo Effect typically range from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on size, meaning… it ain’t exactly cheap.

Why NBA Players Love It: Simple. The name Andiamo literally means “Let’s go” in Italian. For a player hopping off a private jet or walking into an arena, it’s the ultimate “grab-and-go” bag that fits their essentials (tablets, headphones and skincare) while looking effortlessly chic.

Redefining Masculinity in Fashion

Remember the “murse” era, and how people would instantly be made fun of if they had one? No more! We are now seeing a massive shift in how NBA players approach gender-neutral fashion. Players like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton are increasingly carrying bags that were traditionally marketed to women. By carrying a $5,000 Bottega “purse,” they are signaling that they are high-fashion connoisseurs who aren’t afraid to break traditional “jock” stereotypes. And we love it. Or as WWD puts it, “Today, the brand remains at the forefront and has captivated insiders and celebrities alike. It continues to be celebrated for its understated, elegant handbags, which can be seen in popular styles like the Cassette, Sardine, Lauren 1980, Pouch, Andiamo, and Jodie.”

The “Matthieu Blazy” Effect

Upon taking over Bottega Veneta in 2021, Matthieu Blazy totally revamped the brand, focusing on “craft in motion.” This means the bags are designed to look better when they are being carried and moved. For an athlete whose life is defined by movement, the brand’s philosophy fits like a glove (or a very expensive leather sock).

The Bottom Line

The Bottega takeover isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a calculated move. As the NBA continues to merge with the world of elite European fashion, the $5,000 Bottega has become the ultimate status symbol—a way to look expensive without looking like you’re trying too hard. And you’ll be seeing plenty more of it.

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.

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