IT IS testament to the house of Bottega Veneta that when going through their latest SS24 collection, each look sung with an individuality, an exquisite repertoire of craftsmanship, and ultimately, an ‘actually, that’s my favourite’ remark to each piece.
There’s no choosing best dressed in the world of Bottega because, quite simply, everybody is. SS24 marks Matthieu Blazy’s sixth collection for Bottega Veneta, and with it, the end of the Italian narrative and instead a steering to a global stage.
The runway was painted like a map, adorned with fish and bird motifs, allowing the models to figuratively travel around the world.
From the crocheted raffia dresses with XL pompom embellishments, to the intrecciato woven knitwear oozing in paddle pool blue, the pieces on the runway showed a more adventurous spin to the real life relatability that Blazy has become renowned for.
Some looks have even been noted post-show as potentially one-off creations. The strapless fringe feather dress, for instance, had each of its feathers dipped in blue paint to create the brightly tipped finish. Thus demonstrating an abstract, couture twist to the everyday codes of Bottega Veneta.
These abstract ideas were applied to Blazy’s SS24 reflection of his journey at Bottega Veneta, and the appearance of a bag in the first look was packed with Blazy’s first ever look that he debuted at Bottega Veneta to signify this.
It’s a metaphorical celebration of the freedom he now feels to explore more risky territory, one that requires a reminder of the safer ground he tread to get there.
The cross cultural worldly references that Blazy was so keen to explore for SS24 were translated most clearly in the sculptural form that built the dresses.
Even the suits became unusual echoes of what they once were, now constructed as giant swaths of fabric, thrown across the shoulder and tied around the waist, building greater and completely unique proportions to the oversized silhouette.
The straw bags and oversized duffels signified a sense of escapism, and the rolled up leather accessories paired with laptop cases and Bottega notepads hinted to the working explorer on the go. This is a wardrobe for any adventurer and any adventure.
The beauty and adaptability of language is also put on a pedestal, with one black dress being covered by embroidered letters of the alphabet. Blazy has created, in turn, a blending of worlds.
by Lily Rimmer