Why Bottega Veneta Is AW19’s Coolest Brand

Bottega Veneta has always been a quiet back bencher on the fashion main stage. Their signature woven bags have long been a favourite of those who love understated luxury, but without endless cult new launches the brand has never garnered much industry attention, with column inches reserved for celebrity creative directors and attention-grabbing designs.

However, each brand has their time to shine, and like Loewe last season, all eyes are on Bottega for AW19. A new name at the helm is undoubtedly a catalyst - Tomas Maier, who held the creative director position for 17 years, stepped aside in July last year, making room for Daniel Lee, formerly director of ready-to-wear design at Celine - and therein lies the key to Bottega’s sudden renaissance. The fashion world’s mourning over Old Celine has been well documented, with editors and influencers alike lamenting former creative director Phoebe Philo’s departure and the appointment of one-time Saint Laurent designer Hedi Slimane. Slimane’s complete transformation of the once slick, grown-up and minimalist label into a rock n roll, tough, YSL-inspired behemoth has left a gaping hole once filled by Philo, so it’s no surprise her protege has brought a similar aesthetic to his new employer. It isn’t a great leap - Bottega has always been a sophisticated name in fashion, but in recent years it looked tired - so after a wobbly start (Lee’s first collection was declared ‘awkward, heavy, dark and dystopian by the Business of Fashion) all it took was some key accessories to appeal to those sitting vigil for the Celine of yore, and he had himself a hit.