Of all the designers debuting spring collections, few were as anticipated as Louise Trotter’s for Bottega Veneta—she is, after all, one of two new female creative directors at the helm of a major fashion house. In furthering the brand’s visual language, Trotter’s tasked with furthering the label’s existing house codes while establishing her own. It’s an exiting time for editors, stylists, and shoppers, who all get the opportunity to immerse themselves in her universe.
“I believe Bottega Veneta creations are for the wearer and therefore everything must be considered,” says Louise Trotter ahead of the digital launch of her first spring collection, available to shop exclusively for Vogue readers, today. “My intention was to imbue craft in the internal construction of every piece, using the house expertise to ensure form and softness were connected.”
On the runway, that connection came to life in the form of sharp structured knits, intrecciato leather separates, fiberglass skirts with incredible movement, and tailoring in fresh color combinations. Not to mention, there was an endless supply of styling inspiration—like layering scarf tops under shirting and blazers—which many of us have already taken to trying: “Bottega Veneta is for confident men and women. It is tactile luxury; it is about a feeling; a way of inhabiting clothes and a way of moving through the world. There is an ease in fit and proportions that allow for the collection to be styled without formality,” she shares.
It wouldn’t be a new era at the house without a fresh lineup of It bags, shoes, and accessories that give us a reason to buy into the brand, large or small. “As this was my first collection for Bottega Veneta, I wanted to open a dialogue between the heritage and my hand. I began by evolving the iconic Bottega Veneta bags: Lauren, Knot, Cabat and Veneta, creating softness through construction and modernity from proportion,” Trotter says. In addition to these reimagined classics that build on the accessories offerings introduced by her predecessors—notably, Matthieu Blazy and Daniel Lee—you’ll also find soft collapsible loafers, studded clogs, and futuristic cat eye sunglasses that round out her first chapter.
Bottega fans, new and old, will find plenty of archival pieces in the making in Trotter’s debut—take a closer look at the collection below, and be the first to shop some of those coveted runway looks.
Soft Power Suiting
No spring wardrobe should be without a great blazer, and Trotter suggests suiting in soft shades and amplified volume. “I believe the new tailoring which brings a rounded structure to the collection is fundamental,” says Trotter. Tailoring in blush-tinted mauve gets paired with crisp light blue shirting, as an alternative to classic black coords. Meanwhile a sculpted artichoke blazer and khaki slacks go great with a lemon yellow knit tied loosely over the shoulders. A soft white shoe and big clutch give these looks their feminine feel—let these be your finishing touches as well.