Bottega Veneta may be an Italian brand, but its cultural curiosity knows no borders. Launched in 2022 in Dubai, ensuing a Tokyo edition, Bottega Veneta’s “The Square” is the brand’s latest initiative to highlight the local culture, art and people of the chosen location, by hosting an event that features immersive, site-specific installations. With the aim of underlining and further strengthening the Italian house’s core values, The Square also seeks to engage its visitors in conversations and dialogue based in curiosity beyond bounds.
THIS YEAR, BOTTEGA VENETA IS HEADING TO BRAZIL
Having already hit up Asia, Bottega Veneta’s latest destination was South America for this year’s edition of The Square, hosted in Brazil’s lively São Paulo. Apart from the varied cultural richness of the country, Bottega Veneta also chose this specific location as it marks the brand’s 10 year anniversary in Brazil. The 11-day program hosted local talents, engaging in discourse led by those who make São Paulo what it is.
CELEBRATING THE LATE LINA BO BARDI
The embodiment of a convergence of two worlds, the late Lina Bo Bardi was commemorated throughout the event. The Italian-born architect and designer learnt her craft in Italy but quickly became intrigued by Brazil’s domestic and functional design aesthetic. By the late 40s, Bo Bardi left post-war Italy to reach Brazil, in which she settled and spent the rest of her days in. Known for her modernist approach to architecture, her work blends Italian rationalism with Brazilian expressivism, creating a truly unique blend of two cultures.
One of her most famous works happens to be her own Casa De Vidro, or Glass House, inaugurated in 1951, the same year Bo Bardi received her Brazilian citizenship. Honouring Bo Bardi and her accomplishments, Bottega Veneta took over the iconic Casa De Vidro, with its head-to-toe windows looking out into the vegetation of Morumbi. Keeping the indoor furnishing, Bottega Veneta brought its guests into Bo Bardi’s own world, secluded from the rest, immersing everyone in Brazil’s artistic offering.
A ROUNDUP OF ARTISTS, WRITERS, ARCHITECTS & MUSICIAN
While Bo Bardi may have the brightest spotlight on her, Bottega Veneta’s timelessness and commitments to uplift current artists also saw The Square showcase an array of creatives from all over the country curated by set and art designer, gallery and film designer, and photographer Mari Stockler. With so many talents to showcase, the Glass House was separated into four paths: The Casa De Vidro In Three Times, Geometry And Spirituality, Tropical Roots, and Sound Roots.
From Bossa Nova in Brazil’s culture at large to Bo Bardi’s own take on spirituality as a mode to inform her architecture, The Square sparked conversation across countless themes, just as intended. We saw pieces from artists such as Davi De Jesus, Ibã Huni Kuin, Glauber Rocha, Lenora De Baros, João Camareiro, just to name a few, as well as hearing from panel talks led by Bel Coelho, chef and activist, and Estevão Ciavatta, film director and screenwriter.
Both informed and salivating for more, Bottega Veneta’s São Paulo The Square was an artistic celebration of Brazil, leaving the floor to those who know it best, its own people.
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