The latest collection from Bottega Veneta might well have been inspired by the words of Mark Twain, “There was a song in every heart; and if the heart was young, the music issued at the lips. There was a cheer in every face and a spring in every step.” Perhaps with this in mind, Matthieu Blazy invites us on an odyssey—an odyssey inspired by liberation and hope.
Bottega Veneta (Instagram) takes us on a literal and figurative journey for Summer 24 through a collection that draws inspiration from all over the world, embracing influences that range from the manmade to the natural. It’s a season of boundless creativity, with a global spirit that traverses continents and oceans.
In the collection, the quest for inspiration takes centre stage, driven by dislocation, travel, and imagination. The pieces embody a sense of transformation and fluidity, as models transition from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Liberated from the constraints of the manmade world, they begin to embrace the primal and natural elements, both in their clothing and in their essence.
The collection’s initial silhouettes pay homage to a bygone era, with knitted swim costumes that hark back to a different time. This signifies a symbolic act of “getting changed,” shedding the garments of previous seasons. These discarded layers find a new home in oversized, basket-woven intrecciato bags and expansive duffles. What was once business-like evolves into something daringly subversive.
From the daily grind of city commuting to the existence of a castaway on a distant shore, the collection captures this metamorphosis. The strong, structured shoulders and tailored suits make way for the homespun, natural, and primal. “National dress” transcends into “international dress,” blending archetypes from across the globe. The mood is nomadic, with clothing that at times proudly displays flags from imaginary places. Accessories become travel mementos, from leather newspapers that transform into Foulard bags to footwear and bags crafted with meticulous care from tropical leaf patterns, pool blue hues, raffia, and ropes. Oversized intrecciato Sardines add a touch of novelty to the collection.
This stunning collection stood out amid the Milanese catwalks. While many other houses went for minimalism and classic lines, Blazy went big, with bold colours and patterns, lines and suggestions. It was a creative tour de force and the designer had clearly pushed the boat out in this imagined journey around the world.
This international, occasionally code-hopping collection is best summed up by its creator, “There is a need to reconnect to a primal world of animals, minerals, and plants. It’s like collecting seashells – beautiful, meaningful or meaningless. It’s linked to the beauty of small marvels and natural wonders. It’s embracing something freeform: these are clothes without codes,” said Blazy.
At its core, Bottega Veneta’s latest embodies the joy of dressing without boundaries. From cactus and nautilus shell dresses to floral motifs, fireworks, and rock formations, it’s a celebration of the personal pleasure of dressing up. Bottega Veneta invites you to be whoever and whatever you desire, transcending both imagination and the physical world through clothing.
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