In a shocking twist of events that took the fashion world by storm, Bottega Veneta announced that it would part ways with changemaker Daniel Lee late last year in a “joint decision to end their collaboration.” Not long following the announcement, a successor was named, Matthieu Blazy, who was promoted from within to the role of Creative Director, effective immediately. Blazy’s resume is quite impressive, having worked as a menswear designer for Raf Simons before joining Maison Margiela, Celine, and eventually Calvin Klein. Fans eagerly awaited Blazy’s runway debut, and now, it’s finally here.
Over the weekend Bottega Veneta presented Matthieu Blazy’s inaugural collection to much fanfare. The buzz surrounding Blaizy’s debut was met with well-deserved praise for the collection, which at its core explores what makes Bottega Veneta, Bottega Veneta. It was that fundamental return to the essence of BV’s brand DNA that is ever apparent within the Winter 2022 collection. As is the way of fashion today, it builds upon the past in a modern way while also evoking a look towards the future.
Matthieu Blazy’s vision for Bottega Veneta in 2022
“Bottega Veneta is, in essence, pragmatic because it is a leather goods company. Because it specializes in bags it is about movement, of going somewhere; there is fundamentally an idea of craft in motion. It is style over fashion in its timelessness. That is part of its quiet power.” – Matthieu Blazy
There is power in simplicity, and Blazy’s take on the everyday pieces of a wardrobe play with motion through the use of poignant materials and techniques. Plisse dresses and skirts appear alongside other RTW pieces with fringed details, highlighting the movement in this collection. There are strong outerwear pieces and plenty of leather, and overall the collection is an exciting, promising look at the new #NewBottega.
As for the bags, plenty of BV’s iconic intrecciato appeared throughout on shapes and silhouettes that felt entirely new. Models clutched leather pillow bags as well as woven leather boxes, which were meant to create conversation, and show notes describe how it’s ultimately the wearer’s decision how to move and live in the pieces from this collection. Blazy continued to focus on craft, highlighting the artisanal history of BV throughout, and the bags are no exception. Some pops of purple and red appeared, but overall the tones were more muted than in the past.
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