When Bottega Veneta began manufacturing in 1966, its sewing machines were not adequate enough to work with most leathers. As they were sourced from the local region (Veneto in northeastern Italy), which was famous for ready-to-wear, their needles were not long enough to accommodate the thicker leather typically used for handbags and accessories. Bottega had to substitute finer, more supple leather – most commonly, Nappa. To reinforce and strengthen it, Bottega Veneta developed an innovative technique known as Intrecciato. In the late- ‘60s, it began cutting the leather into strips and weaving them together (Intrecciato is Italian for ‘intertwined’), making it much more durable. Intrecciato has since become a signature of the house.