Established in 1966, Bottega Veneta (literally translated to “Venetian atelier”) was conceived by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro.
Started primarily as a company producing artisan leather goods, Bottega Veneta developed a technique coined as the intrecciato weave that is now the brand’s signature and most unique identifier.
At a time when fashion centered on trends, and the logo-mania craze was rampant, Bottega Veneta personified the notion of unassuming opulence. In the 1970s the company unveiled the campaign “When your own initials are enough” and continues to create pieces that stand on the pillars of high design and quality, devoid of obvious branding elements.
In 2001, the company was acquired by the Gucci Group and, shortly after, Tomas Maier was brought on as the brand’s Creative Director. The approach taken by Tomas Maier is one that seeks to uphold and expand upon the company’s heritage. It focuses on the art of the craft, the intrecciato weave, and the understated luxury the brand has come to embody. Maier evolves the brand, in part, by commissioning acclaimed fine-art photographers and allowing them creative license to apply their own techniques to fashion photography. Artist partnerships have recently included Robert Longo, Sam Taylor-Wood, Nan Goldin, Lord Snowdon and Larry Sultan.
Along the lines of continuous evolution, Bottega Veneta sent the first women’s ready-to-wear collection down the runway in February 2005, with the first men’s collection to follow in June 2006. The company has also expanded product offerings to include fine jewelry, eyewear, furniture, home, luggage, fragrance, shoes and accessories.
The company remains dedicated to the pursuit of high quality craftsmanship and has even established the Scuola della Pelletteria in order to instruct and support future leather artisans.
Photo Credits: Bottega Veneta Fall 2010 Ad Campaign
