Louise Trotter’s debut at Bottega Veneta proved that the house can draw from its archive while avoiding nostalgia. Known for her precision and quiet perfectionism at Joseph, Lacoste, and Carven, Trotter treated the maison as a workshop, emphasizing craftsmanship and experimentation.
Over nine months, she used the iconic Intrecciato weave as a creative engine for the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, unveiled in Milan before an audience that included Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman, RM from BTS, Zadie Smith, and others. The collection emphasized light tailoring, nappa leather that moved gracefully even in structured silhouettes, and eveningwear with an effortless drape. She applied menswear principles to womenswear, ensuring strength without sacrificing femininity. The neutral palette was punctuated by pops of color in outerwear, while the show’s soundtrack—a duet merging Nina Simone and David Bowie crafted by Steve McQueen—mirrored the woven complexity of Intrecciato itself.
Craftsmanship stood at the core of the presentation. A highlight was a leather cape requiring 4,000 hours of hand-weaving, a testament to artisanal dedication. Accessories also reflected Bottega’s evolving philosophy: the Laurenbecame more flexible, the Knot took on a relaxed form, and the Cabat transformed into a clutch. Alongside these reimagined classics, Trotter introduced new icons—the Squash, the Framed Tote, the Crafty Basket, and even a leather Intrecciato newspaper—blending tradition with innovation.
Ph. Bottega Veneta