When Louise Trotter stepped into the creative helm at Bottega Veneta, the fashion world braced itself. Her Spring/Summer 2026 collection confirms the wait was worth it: a delicate balance of heritage craftsmanship and modern sophistication, where each look feels both effortless and meticulously constructed
As the lights dimmed in Milan, the audience was transported into a realm where craftsmanship met modernity. Louise Trotter’s debut collection for Bottega Veneta unfolded like a cinematic narrative, each look telling a story of understated elegance and refined sensuality.
The runway was a tapestry of tactile contrasts. Soft, buttery leathers were juxtaposed with sheer, whisper-thin silks, creating a dialogue between structure and fluidity. The colour palette was a study in subtlety, muted earth tones, delicate pastels, and the occasional pop of jewel tones, all chosen to evoke a sense of timelessness.
Trotter’s silhouettes were sculptural yet wearable. Tailored jackets with exaggerated shoulders hinted at a nod to the ’80s, while flowing skirts and dresses moved with a grace that suggested a contemporary reinterpretation of classic forms.
The interplay between volume and precision was evident, with each garment seeming to breathe and shift with the wearer’s movement.
Known for its signature woven leather, the house takes a surprising turn here, experimenting with a new texture and shine. Three shimmering shirts in particular held the runway spellbound: thick, tactile, almost fur-like in richness, yet glinting with metallic tinsel. They demand to be touched, examined, and experienced up close
The show was more than just a presentation; it was an experience. The venue’s industrial setting was softened by warm lighting, casting long shadows that added depth to the collection. A minimalist soundtrack underscored the proceedings, enhancing the immersive quality of the event.
This collection doesn’t shout. It breathes. It asserts itself in the quiet revolutions in the soft folding of a bag, in the slant of a lapel, in the meeting of structure and ease. You walk away feeling you’ve draped yourself in craft, in histories quietly carried, reknit for now.
Louise Trotter, one of the few female creative directors, brings softness and movement to Bottega without losing its signature sophisticated structure. Her gender doesn’t define the clothes, but Trotter’s perspective adds thoughtful balance to Bottega’s DNA.
The helm of Bottega has passed and the house is undoubtedly in safe, visionary hands.
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