BOTTEGA VENETA’S WILD BERLIN WEEKEND

by Juliette Eleuterio 2 years ago

by Juliette Eleuterio 2 years ago 2min

Since Bottega Veneta’s total social media disappearance back in January, the brand has continued operating in secrecy. Its latest show, “Salon 02”, was showcased at Berlin’s very exclusive nightclub Berghain. So exclusive we don’t even know what the collection looks like.

Like many other Kering-owned fashion brands, Bottega Veneta strays from fashion’s traditional calendar. The latest collection, under Daniel Lee’s creative direction, offers an extension of the brand’s SS21 “Salon 01” collection, presented back in December in London.

Known for its strict ‘no photos’ policy, what happens in Berghain definitely stays in Berghain – including Daniel Lee’s collection. The “Salon 02” collection has not (yet) been revealed to the public. Instead, Lee invited a roster of celebrities like Virgil Abloh, Honey Dijon, Skepta, Slowthai, Burna Boy and Berghain’s very own Sven, the famously ruthless bouncer whose most spoken word is undoubtedly ‘nein’. The celebrities were seen walking up to the famous nightclub, as well as joining designer Lee at an afterparty at Soho House, another of Berlin’s famous clubs.

Following the events, the luxury brand and show attendees have faced backlash on social media for partying during the pandemic. The German capital has been in a strict lockdown since November, and the world-famous nightlife has suffered from it. Brenda Weischer, founder of Disruptive Berlin, took to her Instagram to expose leaked footage of the party. She also posted a message from an alleged Soho House employee stating there were “no rules whatsoever” during the afterparty and the staff working there were not given regular covid tests. Many are now demanding that Bottega Veneta returns to social media to address the controversy.

Even though Bottega Veneta wishes to work in full secrecy, their total dismissal of lockdown restrictions has now become a highly discussed topic all over social media. And the house’s lack of response or apology is only making things worse.