Bottega Veneta showcases a vibrant Autumn/Winter 2011-12
February 2011: Creating waves at the Milan Fashion Week, Bottega Veneta presented a collection poised between restraint and exuberance. Juxtaposing clean lines with elaborate surfaces, the collection was simple and refined.
“Designing this collection was like being in a laboratory,” says Creative Director Tomas Maier. “We wanted to push the boundaries, to experiment with technique and craftsmanship to an extreme degree. I felt the right canvas for this kind of innovative workmanship was a silhouette that was clean and uncomplicated. The result is very particular, with a mix of control and passion that I think reflects the mood of the moment.”
The colour palette ranges from pale yellow to deep red and includes jasper, topaz, resina, fire opal, corniola, garnet, and rust, illuminated with flashes of peridot green. The silhouette is measured and gentle, a single line that starts from a soft shoulder and finishes in a slight A. Skirt suits are topped with narrow anoraks or light coats.
The handmade handbags are sporty and relaxed in shape. Mixes of material add to the eccentric effect, illustrated, for example, in a satchel made of acid-rinsed silk velvet, hand-painted python, and washed ostrich. Shoes are minimal in shape and extravagantly crafted, as in sandals with high, skinny heels that have been printed, handpainted, or adorned with lace.
The jewellery, mostly small and delicate, is made from blackened silver with black and champagne coloured stones. There are cuffs and necklaces made of silver lace, and earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings adorned with ‘painted’ eyes. Fine jewellery is richer and more intensely coloured. The pieces, set in yellow gold with a black finish, feature unusually faceted stones that range in hue from faded pink to burnished orange, including morganite, Madeira citrine, fire opal, gold citrine, and palmeira citrine. This is the first time Bottega Veneta has used coloured stones other than diamonds in its fine jewelry.
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