Louise Trotter Celebrates Intrecciato’s 50th Anniversary in Her Bold Bottega Veneta Debut
PetitePaulina – Louise Trotter has made her mark at Bottega Veneta, embracing the house’s most iconic symbol: the Intrecciato leather weave. This year marks its 50th anniversary, and Trotter used it both as a tribute to tradition and as a springboard for new ideas.
“The most beautiful thing about Bottega Veneta is that it’s really a workshop,” she said during a preview. “Craft has always been how we innovate—artisans and creatives working together to find solutions.”
Craft at the Heart of Design
The debut collection featured dazzling creations. A regal cape took 4,000 hours to hand-weave from ultra-thin leather strips. Trotter also worked with artisans to turn recycled fiberglass into glowing coats and skirts patterned with oversized butterflies. These pieces shimmered and swayed in ways that felt alive.
Her approach echoed Matthieu Blazy’s focus on texture and craftsmanship. But Trotter added her own voice, leaning toward tailored shapes and the elegance of Milanese style.
“Read More : Squishmallows Expands Into Beauty With First Fragrance Collection”
Rooted in Italy, Shaped by Heritage
Since taking the creative director role in January, Trotter has immersed herself in Venetian and Milanese culture. She studied Murano glassmaking, explored Veneto’s colors, and let the spirit of the region guide her. “A slight feel of dolce vita. But my version,” she explained.
The show took place in a minimalist set with arches and glass stools. Woven leather sculptures hung above, setting the stage for a collection that told the story of Bottega Veneta through its female icons.
Homage to Fashion Icons
One tribute went to Lauren Hutton, who carried a Bottega clutch in American Gigolo (1980). Trotter reintroduced the bag, known as the “Lauren,” and invited Hutton to attend. The actress charmed guests by opening her clutch to reveal a compact from her own short-lived cosmetics line.
Another nod went to Laura Braggion, the brand’s first female creative head. She led the house in the late 1970s, traveled to New York, and worked alongside Andy Warhol. Trotter described her fiberglass designs as echoes of that era’s freedom—pieces that could have walked straight into Studio 54.
Balancing Heritage and Modernity
The collection highlighted Milanese classics like crisp white shirts, sharp coats, and wide-legged trousers. Some looks felt heavy for spring, but the weight reflected Trotter’s passion for showcasing intense craftsmanship.
A Designer with Global Experience
Trotter built her career across Europe and the U.S. She directed Joseph from 2009 to 2018, then led Carven and Lacoste in Paris. Earlier, she worked with Whistles in London, Calvin Klein, Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger in the U.S.
At Bottega, she reimagined icons like the Lauren and Cabat bags, giving them new proportions and added functionality. She spoke about her love for “soft functionality,” a house signature she plans to expand.
Looking Ahead
Trotter’s debut proved she can respect Bottega’s DNA while making it her own. Her mastery of Intrecciato set the foundation. Now, fashion watchers want to see her explore more playful ideas, such as the fiberglass coats and molded clogs that stood out as highlights.
Her Bottega Veneta balances heritage and reinvention—a fitting direction for a house that thrives on both tradition and bold creativity.
