Bottega Veneta Returns to Roots
Louise Trotter's second collection for Bottega Veneta showcased a return to the label's Milanese roots with a show at the historic Palazzo San Fedele. The collection emphasized quiet luxury, featuring sculpted tailoring and sumptuous leathers that drew inspiration from the city's architecture.
The move to Palazzo San Fedele is more than a change of venue; it's a homecoming. The historic 19th-century building, located near the Duomo, now serves as Bottega Veneta's official headquarters, solidifying the brand's deep-rooted connection to Milan. The renovation project, carried out in agreement with the Superintendency, has repurposed the approximately 10,000-square-meter space to include offices and retail showrooms. Louise Trotter is the first female creative director at the helm of a Kering-owned fashion house since Sarah Burton's departure from Alexander McQueen. Her appointment in December 2024 followed the departure of Matthieu Blazy. Trotter previously held creative director positions at Carven, Lacoste, and Joseph. Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966 in Vicenza, Italy, by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. From its inception, the brand has championed a "stealth wealth" aesthetic, famously using the slogan, "When your own initials are enough." This philosophy emphasized craftsmanship over conspicuous logos. The brand's signature "Intrecciato" weave was born out of necessity. Early sewing machines at their Venetian workshop weren't strong enough for thicker leather, so artisans wove delicate leather strips to create a more durable material. This technique has become an understated symbol of the brand's quality. Over the years, the brand has seen several creative shifts. After its founders, the brand was led by Laura Moltedo. In 2001, Kering (then Gucci Group) acquired the company and appointed Tomas Maier as creative director, who is credited with reviving the brand's original focus on quiet luxury. More recently, Daniel Lee ushered in a period of renewed buzz often referred to as the "New Bottega," introducing iconic items like the Pouch bag and Lido sandals. He was succeeded by Matthieu Blazy in 2021, who continued to build on the brand's momentum before Trotter's appointment. The Fall 2026 collection marks Trotter's second for the house. Her work is anticipated to build on the brand's legacy of "understated innovation" and modern relevance, a vision she honed during her time at Carven. The brand is also approaching its 60th anniversary in 2026.
