News
If this show felt especially anticipated at Milan Fashion Week, it’s because Bottega Veneta was turning a new page. Louise Trotter was stepping out for her first collection, the house was looking toward its sixtieth year. And it’s safe to say, it proved fruitful because she treated the crowd with sculpted, exaggerated silhouettes, strong shoulders, and the woven leather that defines the house.
Louise treats “bottega” as a real workshop, keeping the making visible in the way pieces move. The collection showcased summer-weight tailoring, Nappa trenches, and cotton-lined evening dresses.
Of course, the house’s signature leather weaving technique had its moment. Intrecciato appeared at its classic nine and twelve millimetre scales in ready-to-wear and accessories. Meanwhile, both womenswear and menswear oozed Italian masculine tailoring, which gave the collection its crisp finishing and functional discipline.
Accessories, which the brand is beloved for, had their own spotlight. The Lauren adjusted its proportions, the Knot was softened, and the Cabat was cut into a clutch, with the triangle geometry carried into jacket shoulders. New shapes, such as the Squash, an elongated Framed Tote, and the Crafty Basket extended the line.
The soundtrack that attendees grooved to was also one to note. Steve McQueen’s ’66–’76 blended Nina Simone and David Bowie’s “Wild Is the Wind” into a single piece.
The takeaway is obvious with this one. Louise put fit, fabrication, and finish at the forefront, and allowed the house’s signatures to shine. If you go to Bottega for the craft, this is your season, and a reason to visit a boutique soon.
