Bottega Veneta “Craft is our Language” campaign//Credits: Bottega Veneta
A story of craft, quiet power, and transition
As the countdown to September’s Milan Fashion Week continues, all eyes are on Bottega Veneta. Not because of a viral campaign or a celebrity collaboration, but because something far more enduring is unfolding. At the heart of the anticipation is Louise Trotter—the house’s newly appointed creative director—who has remained notably silent since her January appointment. Behind the scenes, however, a quiet but powerful story has been taking shape.
This year, Bottega Veneta celebrates the 50th anniversary of its most defining emblem: the Intrecciato weave. Introduced in 1975, this handwoven leather technique has become a symbol of the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship—a language of luxury spoken not through logos but through touch, texture, and timeless design. While the rest of the fashion world courts attention with noise, Intrecciato speaks in whispers, embodying a kind of luxury that chooses discretion over display.
Over the years, creative leaders like Daniel Lee brought scale and boldness to the weave, while Matthieu Blazy refined it with quiet precision. Now, in a strategic prelude to Trotter’s debut, Bottega Veneta has launched a new campaign: Craft is our Language. Directed by British photographer Jack Davison and choreographed by Lenio Kaklea, the project is as restrained as it is reverent. Through cinematic stills and movement, it captures the human hand not only as a maker of objects, but as a vessel of meaning.
In many ways, the campaign is more than a celebration—it is a statement. At a time when the luxury landscape is accelerating into spectacle and speed, Bottega Veneta chooses to stand still, to dig deeper into its roots. This is not just about honoring the past, but setting the tone for the future. Trotter, known for her intelligent minimalism from her time at Lacoste and Joseph, is reportedly aligning her vision quietly with the house’s DNA. Her debut may still be months away, but the message is already clear: this is a maison committed to craftsmanship, to continuity, and to cultivating meaning over momentum.
Fifty years on, Intrecciato is more than a technique—it’s a testament. And in this moment of transition, it is once again the silent thread that weaves Bottega Veneta’s legacy into its next chapter.
