Bottega Veneta's signature woven leather bags are instantly recognisable, but these aren't all that the cult brand is known for. The Italian label is also famed for its padded sandals and luxe accessories – here's everything you need to know about the fashion powerhouse.
Who started Bottega Veneta?
Founded in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, Bottega Veneta was born in Vincenza, a beautiful north-eastern city near Italy's Bacchiglione River.
Creating artisanal leather goods, the brand developed the Intrecciato, a distinctive method of weaving leather, which was an instant hit. The style was hugely successful, becoming Bottega Veneta's signature look.
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Soon after, the brand opened its first store in 1972 in New York City, before branching out into shoe design in the middle of the decade. By the end of the 1970s, Zengiaro had left the brand, and Taddei passed the company over to his ex-wife, Laura Braggion.
The brand released its first ever ready-to-wear collection in the 1990s and eventually was purchased by the Gucci Group in 2001.
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Who is behind Bottega Veneta?
Now the brand is currently under the creative direction of Matthieu Blazy, who was appointed quite recently when Daniel Lee stepped down from the post in 2021. Previously, Matthieu was second-in-command at the Italian label, and even before that his CV listed no shortage of major brands - he worked under Phoebe Philo at Celine, as well as at Calvin Klein and Maison Margiela.
For his debut, Matthieu's collection focused on playful occasionwear, showcasing his tactile take on the classic slip dress using shiny coloured lace and voluminous ruffle detailing. Full-hoop skirt shapes, reminiscent of the 1950s, with petticoat fringing were also on the agenda, and there was an unmistakeable dynamism in the air thanks to the kinetic energy of swinging hems.
Which celebrities have been pictured in Bottega Veneta?
© Photo: Getty ImagesRihanna wore a Bottega Veneta gown in Barbados
Rihanna is a huge fan of the Italian label, having most notably worn a Bottega Veneta burnt orange halter-neck gown to the 2021 inauguration ceremony, in which Barbados' governor-general, Dame Sandra Mason, was sworn in as the country's president.
The Umbrella singer styled her dress with brown stiletto heels and wore her hair in a braided updo to attend the ceremony which acknowledged her as a national hero.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHailey Bieber wore Bottega Veneta feathered trousers to the 2021 VMAs
Other famous fans of Bottega Veneta include Hailey Bieber, who was spotted at the VMAs in their green feathered jeans, and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley whose wardrobe is full of bags by the designer.
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What should I buy from Bottega Veneta this season?
You can't go wrong with a pair of Bottega Veneta's leather stretch mules, but here are some other items you can't leave off your radar this season:
Stretch Lace-Up Sandal, £820, Bottega Veneta
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Sherbert square-neck dress, £3,200, Bottega Veneta
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Mini Jodie bag, £1,740, Bottega Veneta
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