On September 21, 2024, asMilan Fashion Weekreached its crescendo,Bottega Venetatransformed the runway into a playground of sartorial wonder. Creative DirectorMatthieu Blazy**'sSpring-Summer 2025 collectionwas a delightful show blending childlike whimsy with sophisticated design. The luxury house continues this season to reimagine power dressing through a lens of "chic awkwardness" that felt refreshingly sincere.**
The Power of "Wow" and The Ark
As the fashion world descended on Milan, celebritiesA$AP Rocky**,Jacob Elordi,Kendall Jenner,Nara,Stray Kids’ I.N, and Algerian pro boxerImane Khelif, settled into their seats. They found themselves perched atop whimsical animal-shaped beanbags, setting the stage for an extraordinary show.**
These weren't mere props but the debut of "The Ark" - a limited-edition collection of 60 leather lounge chairs inspired by the iconic Zanotta Sacco. Available for purchase from September 22, with two of each animal design up for grabs, these playful seats set the tone for an evening celebrating what Blazy calls "the power of wow."
Imagination Meets Italian Sophistication
The collection played with proportions and expectations, presenting a cast of characters in the midst of their own coming-of-age stories. Oversized suits gave the impression of children playing dress-up, while destroyed and remade pieces spoke to youthful experimentation. Blazy's vision for SS25 centered around the question: "Can we find power in sweetness?"
Bottega Veneta's signature craftsmanship shone through in its innovative material use. A fluid, all-leather paillette evening dress pushed the boundaries of leather manipulation, while jacquard-woven tropical weight merino wool cleverly mimicked stonewashed denim. Grunge flannel, reimagined in heavy cotton and sculpted like classic couture, spoke to the collection's theme of youthful reinterpretation. Disrupted striped shirting and revivified oversized pinstripes further underscored the playful approach to traditional fabrics.
Accessories played a starring role, with the iconic intrecciato weave making appearances alongside more playful pieces. Grocery bag-inspired designs were elevated to luxury status, while pink 'toy dream house' clutches added a touch of childhood nostalgia. Unique bricolage bags, seemingly caught in mid-transformation, emphasized the collection's theme of becoming. The classicAndiamo bagreceived an update with a new top handle, concealing a surprising pop of color inside – much like the hidden vibrancy of youth beneath a grown-up exterior.
Blazy's SS25 collection for Bottega Veneta brings to light fashion’s power to inspire awe and spark imagination. By tapping into the universal experience of growing up without losing one's sense of wonder, he's created a collection that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable.
As we look ahead to the spring and summer of 2025, Bottega Veneta encourages us to approach our wardrobes with joy and experimentation. And for those captivated by The Ark, mark your calendars for Design Miami in December - another chance to bring a piece of this whimsical world home. In the end, Blazy's vision reminds us that in fashion, sometimes the most powerful statement is simply saying "wow." It's a collection that proves there's strength in sweetness, charm in the intrepid, and that the primal pull of fashion is as potent as ever.