We’ve all seen it; Daniel Lee is to depart Bottega Veneta imminently, being replaced by Matthieu Blazy in a less-than-comfortable reshuffle by Kering. After the showing of Bottega’s SS22 collection (Salon 03) in Detroit, Bottega has revealed its Wardrobe 03 collection – a pre-spring or Resort 2022 offering that will be the last Bottega collection under Daniel Lee.
With pieces from the collection already spotted on Rihanna when accepting her title of National Hero of Barbados a couple of weeks back, this collection is lighthearted and playful, but still works in some signature Lee design motifs.
However, this collection still feels refreshing from the luxury brand – instead of the expected sharp tailoring, Lee manipulates and updates traditional denim and corduroy with new, neon colourways and colossal contrast stitching. Other items that stand out in the lineup include the Bottega puffer, now reimagined in green and cream leather and quilted on a bias.
Upgraded, detail-oriented staple items seem to be Bottega’s forté, at least from what we’ve seen the brand accomplish under Lee. This notion is never more evident than here, with the addition of shearling-lined bathrobes, complexly beaded and crocheted dresses and masterful use of spandex, adorned in an ongoing bold pattern. Lee has also included some of his key design tropes such as the double-breasted blazer and a whole host of ‘Bottega Green’ looks.
It seems that for his last collection, Lee has taken what he knows works, and ran with it, as well as continuing to reimagine futuristic updates for wardrobe essentials, in that distinctively-Bottega way. Textures are plentiful and luxe, patterns too, and this last offering goes some way in encapsulating the essence of his work at the helm of the house. We’ll have to wait until February to see how Matthieu Blazy changes the approach of the brand, which after this collection, we will be eagerly anticipating.
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