By Gracia Phang - published
There was a buzz in the air as guests were invited into the completely white and minimal show space. Excitement and expectations were high for Creative Director Louise Trotter’s third Bottega Veneta collection, for she has proven to have excelled since she arrived at the Italian Maison in 2025.
Neatly-lined rows of resin-coated cardboard stools by artist Illya Goldman Gubin greeted showgoers, each one personally embraced by him for that crumpled and well-loved look. On each seat held a stalk of flower crafted in leather; all in varying pastel hues and kinds—roses, tulips, carnations etc. Consider us enamoured at this point.
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With music created by Mark Leckey alongside sound installations by Florian Hecker, the collection kicked off with a strong-shouldered long coat layered over an ankle-grazing white dress. It continued with variations of familiar neutral-hued looks peppered with the occasional swishing of fringed add-ons, intrecciato carryalls and woven hats that hinted at playfulness. Enter the sudden introduction of pastel in airy silhouettes; think a pink silk blouse styled with butter yellow trousers, a cream button-down worn with a beautiful lavender fringed bubble skirt, and a floral frock that melds into a fully-fringed creation that swished freely with every step. Oh, the joy!
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With the shedding of heavier layers and the discovering of lightness through each of the 62 looks that were shown, Trotter embraced the changing of seasons from spring to summer. With the warmer weather in Milan this fashion week, one immediately had the urge to want to throw on the crocheted numbers, put on some woven sandals, and embrace the floral trinkets scattered through each look. It felt right for this moment in time—refreshingly free and optimistic, and, surprisingly, a sense of quiet invitation.
There was too, no clear segregation of genders here, for silhouettes, colours, and accessories moved fluidly between the two. One thing stood out loud and clear: Trotter’s respect for craft and her boldness to continue exploring and bringing the house codes to light. As much as it is for her to discover each season, it is for us as well.