Nearly three years after taking over the heritage brand from former creative director Daniel Lee, Matthieu Blazy has meticulously crafted unique designs by blending Bottega Veneta’s expansive DNA with skilled craftsmanship. Each collection released tells a personal story, guiding the brand through a unique vision. If last season saw Blazy take the audience through an Italian wilderness, the Spring-Summer 2025 collection embarks on a nostalgic journey back to childhood.
Blazy’s approach is centered on the pure emotions and dreams of the “inner child” within everyone. The collection consists of 73 looks, playfully named “Wow,” reflecting the innocent awe of a child encountering the unfamiliar. He shared his inspiration: “As children, every day is an adventure, and it feels like anything can happen. No matter how wild, we are not bound by conventional expectations or rules.”
The runway, designed to resemble a child’s whimsical dreamscape, was filled with light and arranged like a labyrinth. Blazy transformed the setting into a playful exploration, where each step unlocked parts of a fantastical story. Guests were seated on whimsical animal-shaped beanbags—whether it was a brown bear, white rabbit, or ladybug—instantly transporting them back to the excitement of childhood, watching their favorite show in a cozy living room.
What could have seemed like a lighthearted or even risky idea was masterfully turned into a cohesive and innovative collection. The 73 outfits defied traditional office attire and formality, pushing boundaries to showcase carefree, rebellious energy. Matthieu Blazy expertly dismantled Bottega Veneta’s reputation for formality and introduced a refreshing playfulness unseen under his leadership until now.
Over the past three years, Blazy has refined a signature at Bottega Veneta that embodies luxury, sophistication, and modernity. By combining craftsmanship with his distinct trompe-l’œil technique, he has injected a sense of joy and newness into the brand. This playful spirit is most evident in asymmetric trousers, oversized blazers, and non-traditional pairings such as coats tied casually around the waist with jeans—reminiscent of carefree childhood outfits.
While the designs introduced youthful and fun elements, Blazy understood the importance of preserving the brand’s signature craftsmanship. He utilized the artisans’ leather expertise, crafting garments that looked intentionally wrinkled and unpressed. Trousers fused with skirts formed a single leg piece, and oversized trench coats featured shiny, flawless finishes. Pleated dresses moved fluidly with each step, while hand-knitted sweaters and tassel-adorned hats highlighted the meticulous craftsmanship Bottega Veneta is known for.
Accessories in the collection carried the same playful yet artisanal spirit. Romantic bouquets made from leather evoked the charm of a date, while handwoven bags shaped like balls offered customization through zippers, allowing users to wear them in multiple ways. Even with his penchant for perfectionism, Blazy embraced imperfection with a leather handbag featuring frayed seams, creating an unusual but striking design.
With the Spring-Summer 2025 collection, Matthieu Blazy introduced a breath of fresh air into Bottega Veneta’s traditionally sophisticated wardrobe. Without oversized logos or perfect symmetry, the collection maintained its luxury and high fashion identity. Through this show, Blazy successfully invited the audience to embrace freedom and playfulness, even within the world of high-end fashion.
