A Tank Top Made of Leather, Lowly Worm, and Paparazzi Shots: Looking Back at Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta

It was announced today that Matthieu Blazy is stepping down from his role as creative director at Bottega Veneta. Louise Trotter has been announced as the successor. In the little over three years in which he held the role, Blazy delivered one powerhouse collection after another, eschewing the “quiet luxury” aesthetic that so dominated other runways in favor of exuberance and the joy of craft. Looking back at his six runway collections, a clear image emerges of a designer who in a short time established visual and emotional features that he returned to again and again.

A Tantalizing Opening Look

Blazy’s debut show at Bottega Veneta landed as a collective exhale. The opening look, a white tank top with a pair of jeans and a fabulous burgundy bag epitomized fresh simplicity. This was just the surface level of Blazy’s creativity; in reality, both the tank top and jeans were made of leather—an illusion that quickly became one of his signatures.

Blazy himself described it as “casual comfort” taken to an extreme—a concept he called “perverse banality.” This approach set a precedent for future collections where simplicity was often deceptive, layered with intricate craftsmanship and innovative designs.

The Pap-Shot That Launched Bottega Veneta’s First It-bag

It takes good design, serendipity, and pop culture moments to launch an It-bag these days. For Blazy’s Andiamo, it was a 2023 viral paparazzi shot of the actor Jacob Elordi balancing the bag with a cup of coffee that caught the world’s attention. Elordi had garnered an unlikely reputation for always carrying a good handbag, but this particular photo charmed many and launched the Andiamo into global fame.

• The simplicity yet sophistication of the look captured social media virality.
• Elordi was named an official ambassador in May following the viral moment.

A Brand in Motion Stays in Motion

From his very first collection, Blazy emphasized movement and dynamism. Eschewing the standard linear runway, he held shows in spaces designed to recreate the energy of real-world interactions. “The idea was to bring back energy,” he explained, focusing on motion because Bottega is a bag company—one that’s meant for travel, not staying home.

This movement-focused approach was evident in his design choices—novel trousers with v-shaped hems and curved coats resembling sails set against the wind. These pieces weren’t just fashion statements; they were narratives of motion and life on the move.

People-Watching on the Runway

Blazy’s love for people-watching is reflected in his collections, which often featured a myriad of different characters—from teens trying out their parents’ suits to working professionals and leisurely moms. His shows were filled with diversity—showcasing real-life moments that spoke to individuality and personal stories.

“It’s not about the total look,” Blazy once said. “We talked a lot about what makes individuals special—the pieces they wear, the pieces that tell a story, sometimes those quirky elements that are very personal.”

Flora and Fauna for Fawning Over

One of the most enchanting themes in Blazy’s Bottega Veneta collections was his embrace of the animal kingdom. From charming belts modeled after bunnies and snakes to crochet leather flowers, Blazy had a knack for transforming natural elements into wearable art. This theme reflected not only his love for nature but also his desire to create pieces that were whimsical yet sophisticated.

A Lover of Art

Blazy’s vision was deeply intertwined with art and design objects, reflecting his upbringing surrounded by special objets d’art. His collaborations included partnerships with institutions like the Dia Beacon and exhibitions at the Aspen Art Museum, as well as showcasing contemporary artists on Bottega Veneta’s runways.

Everybody Has a Fragrance, But No One Else’s Looks This Good

Blazy also ventured into the world of fragrances, creating bottles that were works of art in their own right. Embracing his love for Venice and Murano glass, he designed perfume bottles with bubbles that became design features rather than imperfections—a signature style that was both unique and luxurious.

Conclusion

In just over three years at Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy transformed the brand into a beacon of innovation and creativity. His collections were not just about fashion; they were stories of life, art, and individuality. As he steps down, his legacy continues to inspire—a testament to what happens when creativity meets craftsmanship.