Matthieu Blazy’s Summer/23 show at Bottega Veneta was probably one of the most anticipated shows of the season, and Blazy lived up to the expectation. The designer brought his vision and style prowess for design to capture what he calls: “the world in a small room.”
The designer linked up with Gaetano Pesce to create the installations for the set that featured colourful floor patterns using resin. The set was completed with 400 unique chairs built specifically for the show. Against this backdrop Blazy built on the foundation of his earlier collection as he steers the brand through a definitive course with his cross-generational cast.
“Moving between the archetypal and the individual, through clothing and character, we are designing not just for a woman or one man, but for women and men,” Blazy said. “From the perverse banality of the everyday nubuck looks, to the eroticism of ultra-sophistication through tailoring, via the look of the bourgeois left of the past, to the souvenirs worn by a globe-trotter… it’s like the world in a small room.”
The collection offered clothes for all eventualities and occasions, where elegance meets utility. The opening looks may have looked like denim, flannel, and cotton tees, but were actually crafted from leather. Blazy referenced the dynamic silhouette from last season. Trench coats featured storm flaps, while jackets and shirts were cut with curving funnel necklines that gave them a streamlined look.
Tailoring throughout the collection was razor sharp in leather and knit jacquard dresses with fringed hems. Blazy’s ability to create three-dimensional looks is meant to be worn on the street, every day. The clothing is mature and valuable.
Plaid shirts that were printed several times to get the perfect saturation and distressing, were paired with a cashmere tank and nubuck leather printed jeans. Boxy grey T-shirts were worn with a tan sweater tied over the shoulder. The collection is straightforward, and nothing overworked. It is in fact understated luxury for those who know.
