Ask a fan what Bottega Veneta means and she’ll mostly likely say, “Understated luxury and exquisite craftsmanship.” It actually translates to “Venetian shop,” a deceptively humble and straightforward title for a house that is 50 years strong, whose signature bags are synonymous with quality and timeless dressing. And timeless dressing is what has always been in the brand’s DNA and which designer Tomas Maier, who’s been with Bottega for 15 years, has made his mission. To celebrate the house’s 50th anniversary, he mixed men and women, sporty and feminine, polished and relaxed, the past and the future.

From the outset, the collection oozed confidence and subtle sensuality. Leather and croc coats and jackets topped high-waisted cropped trousers, and sheer knit tops, some colourful, some all-black, were tucked into cinched full skirts. Several looks were paired with old-fashioned saddle shoes, which served to illustrate how timeless the pieces were — a switch of shoe and bag could give the look a vintage spirit or an ultra modern one.

The materials, as always, were luxurious. Treated cottons were spun into shirt dresses and flight suits detailed with leather while silk and cashmere knits offered a softer kind of dressing via relaxed double-breasted blazers, louche blouses, pleated midi-skirts and culottes and tons of layers in hushed tones.

Print and pattern showed up via relaxed floral dresses or a series of graphic knits belted tight, with open collars and full skirts. So effortlessly chic was Joan Smalls in a yellow, blue and black pattern and carrying a little printed python bag, she may as well have been sightseeing along the canals of Venice.

And as if to prove how the appeal of Bottega is ageless, out came the divine Lauren Hutton in a smart, buttoned khaki trench. Her arm candy? Gigi Hadid in a glossy pink cotton top and cuffed trouser. Two bombshells cut from very different cloths who looked equally at home in Bottega.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR US