Everything
Last month, Daniel Lee shockingly announced the end of his tenure with Bottega Veneta. The designer is responsible for catapulting the Italian fashion house to cult status but before Matthieu Blazy takes the helm, Lee will release his final collection “Wardrobe 03”.
Unlike the brand’s Salon line, the Wardrobe collection (photographed by Tyrone Lebon) serves as the break between the major seasonal releases and offers easy to wear staples mixed with high-impact trending pieces. For Lee, the 62 look-strong collection is rooted in a sense of escapism, evading your daily routine to dream and search for adventures far and wide (if only through clothing). It feels fitting given his departure from the brand.
From bold graphic prints and unique muted hues of colour, Wardrobe 03 does not stray away from its cultish style cues. Cartoon-like fuzzy textures, voluminous silhouettes and new cult accessories are at the fore of this collection but that is not to say that it isn’t wearable. Peppered within the androgynous looks are pieces you may already have in your own wardrobe, albeit updated. Think denim jackets and jeans, halter-neck dresses and the fan-favourite trench coat.
Technology embeds itself in every fibre of the collection. The new denim knit took over a year to develop according to the brand while other pieces are made to perform. Fabrications span from technical nylon to crystal-punctured suede.
When it comes to the array of accessories (a huge selling point for the House) jewellery was developed around the idea of found objects. Classic Bottega Veneta bags are reimagined in complete rubber with the famed Intrecciato interpreted in the same material and technical bags for workers are reimagined with the savoir faire.
In an ode to ’70s style, there is a platform chunky heeled shoe in over the knee, court, flat and ankle strap square toed styles aptly titled the “Tower”. Another shoe dubbed the “Ripple” is a wave soled slip-on in both laced and no lace iterations.
Arrivederci, Daniel Lee!
