Spotlight On: Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta is a luxury fashion label founded in Italy in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. The name Bottega Veneta means "Venetian workshop" in Italian, and it was originally known for its signature hand-woven leather goods.

In the 1970s, Bottega Veneta became known for its understated and elegant designs, which stood in contrast to the flashy, logo-heavy look of many other luxury brands at the time. The brand's signature intrecciato weave, which involves weaving leather strips together to create a textured, durable surface, became a hallmark of Bottega Veneta's products.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Bottega Veneta struggled to maintain its relevance in the fashion world. In 2001, the brand was acquired by the Gucci Group (now known as Kering), and creative director Tomas Maier was brought on to revitalize the brand. Under Maier's leadership, Bottega Veneta experienced a resurgence in popularity. Maier expanded the brand's product offerings beyond leather goods to include clothing, accessories, and fragrances. He also reintroduced the brand's signature intrecciato weave in new and innovative ways, such as on shoes, jewelry, and clothing.

During Maier's tenure, Bottega Veneta became known for its refined, timeless aesthetic and its focus on craftsmanship and quality materials. The brand's designs were characterized by clean lines, muted colors, and subtle details, and were often inspired by mid-century modern design.

In 2018, Maier left Bottega Veneta after 17 years as creative director. He was succeeded by British designer Daniel Lee, who brought a more contemporary, streetwear-inspired aesthetic to the brand. Under Lee's leadership, Bottega Veneta continued to emphasize craftsmanship and quality materials, but with a more youthful edge. One of his most iconic designs is the Pouch bag, which was introduced in 2019 and quickly became a fashion must-have. It features a soft, oversized shape with no visible hardware or closures, and is available in leather, suede, and crocodile. The bag's minimalist design and unique silhouette have made it a hit with fashion insiders and influencers alike.

Equally popular is Lee’s Cassette bag, which features a simple rectangular shape with a wide, padded shoulder strap and a flap closure. The bag is often adorned with the brand's signature intrecciato weave and is available in a range of colors and materials. Lee also introduced a range of popular footwear styles, such as the BV Tire boot, which features a chunky, lug sole and a sleek leather upper. His highly coveted ready-to-wear collections, meanwhile, often featured bold, geometric shapes, unexpected textures and materials, and innovative construction techniques that were a hit with the fashion crowd for bridging the gap between high fashion and streetwear.

After a hugely successful three years, Lee and the brand made a joint decision that it was time to move on. Lee has since taken over the helm of British mega-brand, Burberry, while Matthieu Blazy replaced him at the storied Italian house. The young designer is continuing to shape Bottega Veneta as a fashion-forward youth-infused go-to label.

Today, Bottega Veneta is one of the most respected and influential luxury fashion labels in the world, known for its impeccable craftsmanship, timeless designs, and innovative use of materials and techniques. The brand has expanded its product offerings to include everything from handbags and shoes to home decor and furniture and continues to be a leader in the world of luxury fashion.