Unless You’re Touching It, Identifying Which Pieces Are Leather Will Be a Challenge for Bottega Veneta’s FW 23 Collection
I dare you to identify which pieces in Bottega Veneta's Fall/Winter 2023 line are made of leather (ps, it's impossible). Matthieu Blazy proves once again that he knows what it takes to be the Creative Director of the luxury Italian brand. Last season he made leather pants modeled to look like denim, and now he's turned socks into shoes made out of, you guessed it… leather.
Bottega's Fall/Winter 2023 show took place during Milan Fashion Week. The set had a dark atmosphere with dimmed lights. On the runway were the sculptures of the Bronze runners of Pompeii and the Boccioni' Forme uniche della continuità nello spazio', loaned from museums. The Italian architect and furniture designer Gio Ponti crafted the carpet and the Superleggera chairs.
K-pop fans flooded the Bottega Veneta hashtag on Twitter as BTS group leader Kim Nam-Joon, professionally known as RM, was in attendance. They were arriving in Milan the night before to attend the show. Seated alongside him was singer Kelela. Our favorite models, Anok Yai and Italian models Mariacarla Boscono and Vittoria Cerretti, walked the show.
With the aesthetics of simple and effortless chic, Bottega has mastered the ability to have timeless pieces with a modern twist. There was no specific mood or trend throughout the show; 81 different looks suited for any occasion. The silhouettes were perfect with contoured coats and dresses that cinch at the waist. Other pieces were reminiscent of the '80s, with shoulder-padded coats and trenches.
Throughout the show, there was a mix of textures and fabrics. Some outfits were made entirely in what is now Bottega's signature undistinguishable leather, an optical illusion. However, leather wasn't the only fabric of illusion. A sequence of squiggly lines on dresses was made of rubber.
As a tall girl, I was living for the knee-high boots, and Blazy gave us some in leather, their signature woven design, and in tortoiseshell, a prominent pattern in the show. As always, their weaving design was on the carpet, not only as boots but as their beloved bags, many similar to last season, and some with gloves to match. The menswear was just as sensational, with coats, pants, and floor-length sweater dresses tailored to perfection.
With a fantastic collection that gave us so much life, impressive craftsmanship, and a mixture of textures, Bottega Veneta has proven once again that they will never disappoint. All I know is I want to see more celebs wearing Bottega on the carpet; I'm looking at you, Michelle Obama, and Margot Robbie.
Strike Out,
Morgann Rhule
Morgann (yes, with two n’s) is a content writer for Strike Magazine. Her best friends describe her as a shopaholic bookworm who gives the best advice. Born in Jamaica, she wears it proudly with a beaded red, green, and gold necklace she never takes off. You can reach her on insta @morgannrhule or email morgannrhule@gmail.com