With Milan Fashion Week in full swing, the Italian label -- known for its leatherwork skills -- is set to unveil its spring/summer 2017 collection at a fashion show event. As well as marking the brand's 50th anniversary, it celebrates 15 years with creative director Tomas Maier at the helm.
Founded in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, then bought by the Gucci Group in 2001, Bottega Veneta is celebrating five decades of existence, of luxury goods and of savoir-faire in 2016. The brand's discreet success hails from its standout leatherwork skills -- fostered since its creation -- and has been buoyed by creative director Tomas Maier, who has headed the fashion house since 2001.
© Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
A strong identity
Since its creation in 1966, Bottega Veneta -- which means "Venetian Workshop" -- has specialized in artisan-crafted leather goods. The firm even developed its own artisanal leather-weaving process, called Intrecciato, which became one of the brand's emblematic signatures over the years. This woven finish helps make its handbags particularly supple.
On his arrival in 2001, Tomas Maier used the technique to craft his first handbag as creative director of the label, the Cabat, made from thin strips of double-sided leather woven by hand. This exceptional piece requires no less than two days' work, modernizing the woven-leather look and promoting the skills on which the label's reputation was built.
Bottega Veneta has, in fact, always kept the focus on craftsmanship and expertise, turning its back on the kind of tricks used by other major fashion houses. Visible logos, for example, were purposely removed from the brand's products.
Another striking fact about the label is the length of Tomas Maier's reign as creative director. The designer has been a faithful guiding creative to Bottega Veneta for 15 years, at a time when designers frequently flit from one brand to the next.
A special event
To celebrate these two anniversaries, the Italian brand is holding a fashion show event in Milan, Saturday, September 24, during Fashion Week. This will see men's and women's collections presented together at an event held in the prestigious Brera Academy. It promises to be a spectacular runway show that's sure to make an impression.
Reissues, iconic pieces or collaborations? For the moment, the label hasn't said what to expect from this eagerly awaited mixed collection.