MILAN, Jan 16, 2003 /FWD/ --- For those on the maddening quest for a chic computer bag, you can all thank Tomas Maier of Bottega Veneta for putting a decisive stop to the ridiculous search.

The creative director of the exclusive Italian luxury goods brand, who has proven to be a masterful wizard of high-end functionality, has now put his brainpower towards two new computer bags.

One is a sleek enlarged envelope in either crocodile or natural calfskin with suede padding, the other a slim briefcase style with retractable handles.

Both are chic enough to satisfy even the most discerning of fashion editors.

It's not everyone that can dream up a casing that will be technologically appropriate as well as a highly coveted item in and of itself.

But Maier, the German born designer who splits his time jaunting between Paris, Milan, Miami, and New York, is designing the items that the jet-setting, multi-tasker would like to use himself.

"Most men do a lot of things on the road - go to the gym, carry an over night bag, lug around a computer. I'm just trying to make their life a little easier," Maier said.

And a little bit more gorgeous.

Maier's 24-hour bag, just one of the many functional pieces, features special compartments for shirts, umbrella, shoes and computer, and is rendered in aesthetically correct short handles.

"Men just look so much more chic with hand held bags" says Maier.

"I really think this whole long strap bag is on its way out."

It might not seem like the most convenient arrangement in the world, especially since none of the BV luggage has those dreadful, but life-saving, rollers.

But Maier points out, his selection of top of the line leathers and natural fabrics make his bags some of the lightest and most functional around.

There's nothing worse than a bag that weighs more than your clothes, and with BV's fabrics, like the newly introduced natural calf suitcases, there's no threat of such nuisance.

And continuing with the luxe leathers, on Maier's feet today in Milan were BV's new fighter-boots, whose thick laces and rounded flat form looked straight from the set of "Gangs of New York."

In typical fashion, though, the boots feature a special leather inlay at the Achilles heel to allow for ease of ankle movement.

Also noteworthy for BV's shoe business are the clark boots in pony felt which have been dusted in small butterflies, an icon of the Italian label.

Since Gucci bought the traditional leather goods house two years ago, the label has undergone rapid expansion, launching three new concept stores in London, Milan and Paris this year alone, and developed a wide product range, which also includes a capsule collection of luxury clothing.

Asked whether Maier is feeling the pressure to perform under the newly vamped spotlight, the relaxed, yet focused designer said, "I'm just on my path, moving step by step."

Bottega Veneta