Bottega Veneta’s new runway goes back to their Venetian roots

As part of Milan Fashion Week, Matthieu Blazy stunned audiences for the third time since stepping into the role of creative director for Bottega Veneta. See the looks mentioned throughout this article here.

The Venetian fashion house went right back to its roots with this collection, encapsulating timeless Italian chic with the modern avant-garde elements that fans of the brand have come to look out for.

During its inception in 1966, Bottega Veneta began as a simple leather goods company- and leather was certainly a main focus of this collection. In fact, leather masquerading as ‘denim’ jeans and 'woolly' socks were even seen on the runway, disguising their material within the collection whilst playing with exquisite pyjama-esque silhouettes.

Here’s a rundown of Bottega Veneta's best pieces from their (mostly) leather collection that debuted on the MFW runway:

Look no. 5:

This may seem a relatively simple look for a show that's been deemed as “carnivalesque”, but Blazy’s trickery is most at play. Sans shoes, the model is seen sporting a pair of very fall-coloured Olive Green wool socks - although it is not wool at all, but rather knitted leather.

On top of this, the silhouettes immediately prove to be over-exaggerated. Although subtle, an ‘80s hint flows through the collection. This is especially notably in this outfit through seemingly minute elements such as the puffed up shoulder pads and ankle-length of the focal point: that being the jacket.

Look no. 41:

Absolutely gorgeous detailing, this dress takes on a more vibrant colour palette. These colours accentuate the craftsmanship of the item’s scale-like surfaces that brings an almost mythological element to the Italian designers collection.

This detailing ran down through to even smaller elements such as the model’s bag - a simple black pouch that has been fitted with a dainty murano glass handle.

Look no. 81:

With the recent rise in “Frazzled English Woman” or “dishevelled chic” that takes inspiration from female tropes in adored noughties movies like Bridget Jones, this look (the whole show, to be honest) proved that cosy and practical style was not about to go anywhere.

Closing the show was model Liu Wen in a yoga-mom style outfit, juxtaposing the usual garish expectations of a final runway look. Opting not to present a statement dress or embellished staples, Blazy went more than simple with a white tank and blue “jeans”, seemingly reminding the audience that basic doesn’t mean boring and classic chic will always stand the test of time.

Marking the end of his Italian trilogy that honed in on the past, present and future of fashion, what should we expect next?

Edited by Olivia Booth