Bottega Veneta
The Beginning: Born in Montebello
Bottega Veneta started in 1966 in a tiny town called Montebello Vicentino in northern Italy. It was founded by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro, and from the beginning, it was all about craftsmanship. No logos, no noise, just really good leather and quiet luxury. Their early motto said it all: “When your own initials are enough.”
The Intrecciato Era
Their signature move? Intrecciato. It’s a hand-woven leather technique they developed because the leather they used was too soft for traditional stitching. It ended up becoming their thing, simple, elegant, and recognizable without needing a giant logo slapped on it.
It caught the attention of artists and fashion insiders early on. Even Andy Warhol was into it. He liked it so much he made a short film inside one of their stores.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, Bottega wasn’t doing great. Then Gucci Group (now Kering) bought it in 2001 and brought in Tomas Maier. He stripped things back and brought Bottega back to its roots. Clean, minimal, leather-focused. No logos, just really refined design. It worked. Quiet luxury before TikTok made it a thing.
Daniel Lee and the Glow-Up
In 2018, Daniel Lee stepped in and gave Bottega a sharp new vibe. He kept the DNA but added edge. Think oversized bags, square-toe shoes, and sculptural accessories. The Pouch bag blew up. Suddenly Bottega was everywhere, without trying to be everywhere.
He also gave us Bottega Green, that super-bright, highlighter green that became instantly recognizable. One of the most genius brand colors in recent memory.
Then in 2021, they did something wild. They deleted all their social media. Just vanished. No Instagram, no TikTok, nothing. It wasn’t a fluke, it was strategy. And honestly, it made them feel even cooler.
Matthieu Blazy’s Legacy
Blazy took over in 2021 and continued building on what Lee started. He stayed true to the brand’s minimal, luxurious spirit while introducing a new direction. Under his leadership, the focus was on beautifully crafted, clean designs, with pieces like the hand-painted denim leather and structured, fluid silhouettes that caught attention for their quiet sophistication. Blazy's final collection before his departure in 2024 was a perfect culmination of his time at Bottega, staying rooted in timeless elegance while embracing a contemporary edge.
The Next Chapter: Louise Trotter Takes Over
In 2025, Louise Trotter was announced as the new creative director of Bottega Veneta. Known for her sharp design and expertise in global fashion, Trotter is set to continue Bottega’s legacy of understated luxury. She’ll bring a fresh perspective while preserving the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, minimalist designs, and a subtle approach to luxury.
Even without social media, Bottega is everywhere. Celebs like Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Kendall Jenner wear it all the time. It’s never overexposed, it just always feels fresh. Trotter's vision for the brand is expected to maintain its status as an icon of quiet luxury while pushing Bottega Veneta further into the future.
Signature Elements of Bottega Veneta
Intrecciato Weave – Handwoven leather that’s instantly recognizable
No Logos – Branding is subtle or nonexistent
Square-Toe Shoes – A major signature of the Daniel Lee era
Bottega Green – Introduced by Daniel Lee and now iconic
Artisanal Techniques – Like hand-painted leather made to look like denim
Social Media Silence – Staying relevant by staying mysterious
