The Tamesis
Of all the designers debuting a spring collection, few are as anticipated as Louise Trotter’s for Bottega Veneta—she is, after all, one of two new female creative directors at the helm of a major fashion house. To further enhance the brand’s visual language, Trotter was tasked with further developing the brand’s existing brand norms while establishing his own. It’s an exciting time for editors, stylists and shoppers, who all have the opportunity to immerse themselves in her world.
“I believe that Bottega Veneta is created with the wearer in mind, so everything has to be taken into account,” Louise Trotter said ahead of the digital launch of her first spring collection, which is only available online Fashion Today, readers. “My aim was to incorporate craftsmanship into the inner structure of each piece, using the brand’s expertise to ensure a marriage of form and softness.”
On the runway, this connection manifested itself in the form of sharp structured knits, intrecciato leather separates, dynamic fiberglass skirts and tailoring in fresh color combinations. Not to mention, there’s a never-ending supply of styling inspiration, like layering scarf tops under shirts and blazers, which many of us are already trying: “Bottega Veneta is for confident men and women. It’s tactile luxury; it’s about a feeling; a way of wearing clothes, a way of moving through the world. The loose silhouettes and proportions allow for an eclectic collection of looks,” she shares.
A new era for the brand wouldn’t be here without a fresh line of It bags, shoes and accessories that give us reasons to buy the brand, big or small. “This is my first collection for Bottega Veneta and I wanted to create a dialogue between tradition and my hand. I started by refining the iconic Bottega Veneta bags: Lauren, Knot, Cabat and Veneta, creating softness through structure and modernity through proportion,” says Trotter. In addition to these reimagined classics that build on the accessories launched by her predecessors, notably Matthieu Blazy and Daniel Lee, you’ll also find soft foldable loafers, studded clogs and futuristic cat-eye sunglasses that round out her first chapter.
Bottega fans, old and new, will find plenty of classic pieces in the works at Trotter’s debut show—take a closer look at the collection below, and be the first to shop some coveted runway looks.
Soft power package
A great blazer shouldn’t be missing from your spring wardrobe, and Trotter recommends choosing one in pastel tones and a loose silhouette. “I believe the new cuts that bring rounded structure to the collection are fundamental,” Trotter said. Pair a lilac tailoring with a crisp light blue shirt as an alternative to classic black. Meanwhile, an artichoke blazer and khaki slacks were paired with a lemon-yellow sweater tied loosely around the shoulders. Soft white shoes and a large clutch add a feminine touch to these looks—and make them your finishing touch.
