The Bottega Veneta Resort 2025 (Cruise 2025) collection taps into a nostalgic sense of childhood wonder that Creative director Matthieu Blazy subtly weaves into his work. Arriving in stores well ahead of the spring show, this pre-season lineup offers a glimpse into themes that are both personal and evocative. The collection features an intrecciato rendition of Richard Scarry’s beloved book, which sparked conversations on social media during the brand’s recent previews. Blazy’s affection for 1980s cinema is evident in motifs that reference films such as ”E.T.,” and ”Splash;” an embroidered mermaid perched on a rock is a nod to Daryl Hannah’s iconic role.
Of particular note is a top adorned with whimsical illustrations-a chessboard, a deck of cards, a magic 8 ball-capturing a personal touch rarely seen in luxury fashion today. The fish-print scarf dress pays homage to the late artist Gaetano Pesce, a close collaborator whose influence is felt throughout the collection.
Blazy emphasized that there was no grand concept guiding this season’s designs. Instead, his focus was on assembling elements that resonate on a visceral level, considering whether “the individual ingredients make your heart beat.” The result is an eclectic mix that favors originality over strict consistency, allowing for a rich variety of styles and expressions.
The brand’s performance has been a highlight for parent company Kering, perhaps because of this intimate and heartfelt approach. This season’s accessories extend that personal ethos. New iterations of the sardine bag stand out alongside a tote depicting a Venetian gondola and the Rialto Bridge, and a hobo bag made from sumptuous silk twill scarves. Footwear includes a playful pair of heeled sandals with an apple-shaped bauble nestled between the toes for a touch of whimsy.
Blazy drew parallels between fashion and the culinary arts after immersing himself in literature on elegance and style while revisiting Anthony Bourdain’s culinary travels. He observed a kinship between the pleasure of combining ingredients in cooking and the assembly of elements in fashion. His philosophy this season was one of pure epicurean pleasure: picking everything he loves without overcomplicating. “If the ingredients are good, you don’t have to do much,” he remarked, reflecting an Italian sensibility for simplicity and quality.
The Bottega Veneta Resort 2025 collection runs the gamut, from ties for all genders to bold experiments with the brand’s signature intrecciato patterns, including an inventive newsprint version. Silhouettes vary dramatically, with full skirts reminiscent of the New Look and the introduction of miniskirts – a first under Blazy‘s direction. Citing G. Bruce Boyer’s “True Style,” Blazy summed up his vision: “Elegance is a dialogue between innovation, tradition and individual taste.” This sentiment is embodied in a look of shirt and tie paired with a long knit polo dress, accented with a Gaetano Pesce fish-print scarf and the Rialto Bridge tote in hand.
©Photo: Bottega Veneta
