Not a day passes by without the ubiquitous square-toe shoes and pouch clutch popping up on our Instagram feeds, it’s a fever. From Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Amal Clooney, and Christie Turlington to Rihanna, every fashionista and celebrity around the world is seen with one of these objects of desire. The name Bottega Veneta is on everybody’s lips!
The responsible for the IT shoes and bags is the British designer Daniel Lee, Creative Director at Bottega Veneta since 2018. By the way, on Instagram, the name of the luxury Italian house is ‘new Bottega’. And indeed, Daniel Lee is bringing newness to the traditional leather brand.
Although Daniel Lee Central Saint Martins graduate’s stated mission is to maintain the craftsmanship, quality and sophistication that Bottega Veneta is known for, British Vogue has called the designer “The Quiet Radical”.
In fact, he’s so quiet that few people knew about him before his debuting A/W 19 collection at Milan Fashion Week. The designer does not even have an Instagram account. Since his debut with the Italian house, which received critical acclaim, his signature style has created a buzz, giving the traditional label a radical, modernist spin while respecting its DNA.
Daniel Lee quiet but modern minimalism is a big hit with stylish working women who are looking for chic and timeless office outfits that also look contemporary. The square-toe pumps, boots, clutch totes and intrecciato weave leather are so distinctive that you don’t need a logo to recognise the brand.
The motto of Bottega Veneta was “when your own initials are enough.” Celebrities have always loved the quiet luxury of the Italian heritage house, famous for its leather craftsmanship.
Before starting at Bottega Veneta, Daniel Lee, 32, worked for Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, Donna Karan and Celine, under Phoebe Philo. No wonder the desperate Philophiles and old-Celine-enthusiasts feel that the new Bottega Veneta is filling the void Phoebe Philo left with her departure from Celine.
The designer said “I want to be bold, otherwise what’s the point? I want to make a statement; I don’t see the point in making fashion that doesn’t say something. You love it, or you hate it, but that’s human nature.” From what we’ve seen, Daniel Lee is definitely making a statement, and fashion-enthusiasts love him for that!
Title photo @bottegashape
Hope you love the New Bottega as much as we do!
S.S.