Bottega Veneta Embraces Craftsmanship Ahead Of Louise Trotter's Debut

While most fashion houses scramble for hype, Bottega Veneta is taking the road less screamed. As anticipation quietly simmers ahead of Creative Director Louise Trotter’s first runway presentation this September, the Italian house is grounding its pre-show narrative in what it does best: craftsmanship. The brand’s latest campaign, Craft is our Language, doubles as both a tribute and a tactic—honouring 50 years of the iconic Intrecciato weave while setting the tone for a new chapter in its creative evolution.

Intrecciato, first introduced in 1975, is more than a design signature. It’s Bottega’s visual dialect—an emblem of handcraft and discretion in a market increasingly defined by maximalism. Originally born out of technical necessity due to the limitations of early sewing machines, the handwoven leather technique evolved into a quiet luxury code, long adored by connoisseurs who favour substance over spectacle. From Daniel Lee’s oversized renditions to Matthieu Blazy’s softened interpretations, the weave has remained the house’s beating heart. Now, under Trotter, its pulse continues.

Minimalism in Motion 

Shot by British photographer Jack Davison and choreographed by Lenio Kaklea, Craft is our Language steers clear of flash and filters. Instead, it’s all about subtle movements, sculptural hands, and slow-burning reverence. The campaign’s cinematic stills and motion sequences centre on the tactile—a visceral reminder that in Bottega’s world, the hands make the message. It’s a poetic prelude to Trotter’s arrival, signalling a shift that favours thoughtfulness over theatrics.

Though she’s kept a low profile since being appointed in January, industry insiders say Louise Trotter has been quietly recalibrating the house from the inside. Known for her considered, clean lines at Lacoste and Joseph, Trotter’s design ethos aligns with Bottega’s DNA: calm, crafted, and cool without trying too hard. Her Milan debut might still be months away, but the brand’s current storytelling hints at what’s to come—a focus on longevity, not just virality.

Luxury Without Loudness 

In a market where drops drop faster than you can blink, Bottega’s refusal to lean into spectacle feels like a deliberate stance. No star-studded selfies. No street-style bait. Just heritage, human touch, and high design. As other maisons chase the algorithm, Bottega is crafting something slower—and possibly smarter.

If Craft is our Language is the thesis, Trotter’s debut will be the proof. Until then, the brand continues speaking volumes in a whisper only the truly tuned-in will hear.