About a year ago it was announced that longtime Bottega Veneta creative director Tomas Maier would be replaced by young designer Daniel Lee, an alum of Balenciaga, Maison Margiela, and most notably as director of RTW at Celine under the direction of Phoebe Philo. The move was not entirely shocking as parent company Kering aimed to modernize and hiring a fresh-faced new designer would target a younger customer base. Earlier this year Lee presented his first runway collection for the brand, and it was immediately apparent that Lee had put his own spin on Bottega Veneta’s iconic aesthetic. Then, just in time for Spring 2019, Lee introduced a new bag for the brand, The Pouch, which immediately gained attention amongst celebs, editors and influencers alike.
Lee’s designs posses a modern sensibility and an easy to wear vibe, which is reminiscent of Celine under Phoebe Philo’s direction. As #OldCeline fans look to fill the void that Philo’s departure left it’s quite possible that many of them don’t have to look much further than Lee’s new bags for Bottega Veneta. I say this with a humble but reasonable confidence as the impact that Philo had on Celine and women’s fashion as a whole cannot ever truly be matched. Nonetheless, Lee’s new designs are a refreshing take on a brand known for its rich history and unrivaled craftsmanship.
When I saw one of Bottega’s newest releases, the Marie Bag, I couldn’t help but compare it to Phoebe Philo’s Celine. Immediately I was drawn to the antique gold hardware clasp, which is reminiscent of the clasp on the Celine Classic Box Bag (a classic bag that I still lust over!). The simplicity, clean lines, and luxurious leather are also evocative of the Box Bag and I’m here for it. Take a close look below and shop now via Bottega Veneta.
