Leveridged

There was fringe, fiberglass, feathers and leathers

Care and craftsmanship immediately come to mind, having witnessed Bottega Veneta’s Summer 26 show, herstory in the making.

Louise Trotter’s debut collection for the brand beautifully weaves form, function and design, making for an astonishingly creative collection, making it one of the biggest standouts of the Spring-Summer runways. She has carefully carved out a new silhouette through the use of scale and magnetism, skillfully adding Bottega’s infamous intrecciato to garments in bold, unique ways.

This collection could be summed up simply by its details. It was interesting, attractive and bold, creating numerous statements. From bold texture, to bold colour, to bold form, Louise’s care and craftsmanship were seen in every detail. 

Bodies in motion

Louise accounted for bodies in motion, how the garments would operate in flow.

They were fluid, life-like and energetic.

Some pieces moved freely while others held their structure and firmness, allowing for the shape to be the talking point. The most unique part of her debut collection was the fibreglass fur blended pieces that had a playful dance and sheen due to the blend of materials and construction of garments. The sheer amount of imaginative thought in the Bottega Veneta Summer 26 collection speaks to the creative team’s skill and dedication to step out of the box. Presenting inspiring looks found beyond the usual realms, allowing intrigue to seep in, satiating thought, producing something memorable and fantastical. 

The secondary beauty of the collection was its practicality.

These pieces could accent any wardrobe. Fashion can be artful and sometimes impractical, being more of an installation than wearable clothing. However, these pieces could fit into the quietest or loudest wardrobe, adding flair and substance.

While details were thoughtfully intricate and silhouettes uniquely exaggerated, the collection was quite wearable. Fanciful, yes, but extremely wearable. Adding exquisite touches to any outfit. The styling suited urban-chic living through sophisticated engagements, with effortless formality. The collection’s palette was a mature blend of warm moss, tempered cream, bold red and shimmering fibre, along with feather light whites and pops of poplin. The infamous intrecciato weaving was seen on shorts, coats, and bags in a variety of leathers, adding the signature Bottega flair to the garments. Some pieces, void of the structural signature, had nuanced structural integrity that blended beautifully to tell the story Louise set out to share.

There is a design story in this Summer 26 collection, with a footnote of stylish living, by elevating an ensemble with a detailed eye. Louise Trotter for Bottega Veneta injected excitement, intelligence, and care into the collection through distinct details. Her eye for design is a celebrated welcome to the luxury house, as she moulds and shapes a legacy of her own. Louise Trotter for Bottega Veneta is herstory in the making.