In a significant shift in the leadership of one of luxury fashion’s most renowned brands, Bottega Veneta will see Matthieu Blazy exiting his role as creative director after three impactful years. Louise Trotter, currently the creative director at Carven, is set to take the reins in January. This change brings with it a blend of anticipation and speculation, particularly regarding the direction Bottega Veneta will take under Trotter’s leadership.
Matthieu Blazy’s tenure has been marked by a robust approach to design and a commitment to reclaiming the brand’s unique identity. Joining Bottega Veneta in 2020 as ready-to-wear director, he quickly adapted to his role and ascended to creative director in November 2021, succeeding Daniel Lee. Under Blazy, the brand thrived by restoring its reputation for “stealth wealth,” a term that encapsulates the understated luxury synonymous with Italian craftsmanship. His strategy revitalized the brand’s product lines and heightened its visibility in the competitive luxury market.
Blazy’s innovative designs transformed seemingly mundane items—plaid shirts and blue jeans—into high fashion. He achieved this through striking trompe l’oeil effects, showcasing stunning craftsmanship that resonated with consumers. Moreover, his collections incorporated a diverse array of cultural references, from art and cinema to music, creating a rich narrative within each runway show. For instance, his spring-summer 2025 collection cleverly explored the duality between casual wear and formal dressing, reminiscent of a child’s playful borrowing from their parents’ wardrobes.
One of the significant impacts of Blazy’s leadership has been his ability to forge connections with Hollywood’s elite, collaborating with notable figures like Michelle Yeoh, Julianne Moore, and Jacob Elordi. These partnerships not only enhanced the brand’s appeal but also solidified its relevance at the intersection of fashion and pop culture. Furthermore, collaborations with creative studios such as Cassina and Zanotta brought a fresh perspective to the brand’s aesthetic, melding innovation with Italian heritage.
However, despite this creative revival, Blazy’s Bottega Veneta faced challenges in the wholesale arena. Sales initially suffered as the brand restructured its distribution strategy, but recent reports showed a commendable 5% rise in third-quarter revenue, marking Bottega Veneta as an exception within Kering’s portfolio, which has experienced a downturn in luxury demand across the board.
As Trotter prepares to step into her new role, expectations are high. Trotter brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at Carven, where she demonstrated a keen ability to navigate the complexities of modern luxury fashion. Her designs often reflect a contemporary sensibility, with a focus on commercial viability without sacrificing artistic integrity. Industry insiders are eager to see how Trotter will influence Bottega Veneta’s identity and product direction. Will she maintain the luxury ethos established by Blazy, or will her vision take Bottega Veneta in an entirely new direction?
The appointment of Trotter could signify a pivotal moment for the brand as it seeks to balance aesthetic innovation with market demand. As Trotter implements her vision, the challenges will include navigating consumer expectations while maintaining the brand’s heritage rooted in craftsmanship and exclusivity.
In conclusion, the transition from Matthieu Blazy to Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta marks a critical juncture for the brand. With both design visionaries at the helm of their respective careers, the forthcoming changes will not only engage fashion enthusiasts but also set a new course for one of luxury fashion’s most iconic labels. As the luxury market continues to evolve, the choices made by Trotter could set benchmarks for innovation and creativity, making Bottega Veneta a brand to watch in the coming years.
