Bottega Veneta’s Daniel Lee: Curating Innovation

Speaking more with his work and less in words, Daniel Lee, the new creative director of Bottega Veneta has been an absolute inspiration through his first collection.

The young Englishman, born in Bradford, Yorkshire, who studied at the famous Central Saint Martins in London (class of 2011) like any good British designer who respects himself, has an impressive resume at 33. Starting his career with House Margiela, followed with Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière and, finally, Phoebe Philo at Céline (from 2012 to 2018), Daniel has explored his creative vision. And then, of course the high-end Italian luxury house happened.

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With him coming on board, Bottega Veneta has not only changed designer but also identity. For his first collection, the pre fall 2019, he made his mark with minimal silhouettes, trapeze cuts, knitted jackets, silk blouses, strict blazers and braided leather trenches. All of them being available in a plethora of colours including black, beige, camel, electrified turquoise, orange, fluorescent yellow and more.

The show had both men and women walk the ramp together. On this occasion, Daniel highlighted leather and its weaving, which is the DNA of the brand. He revisited the technique in the oversize format. A beautiful introduction of his own vision to the age-long heritage of the mark.

Among the influences in Daniel’s life, there is Italy - its culture, sense of family and the importance of cinema. But, also a certain idea of ​sensuality and a vision of democratic beauty. With him, Bottega promotes its idea of a strong woman ready to conquer the world, dressed in a combination of leather, straight trench, trapeze skirt and tilted neckline. He presents them all accessorised, “The Sponge Pouch” which is the iconic oversized clutch from the house, and the biker boots being the centre of attention.

When the creative brilliance refers to a few personalities for inspiration, he looks upto Monica Vitti, PJ Harvey, Stefano Pilati or Gianni Agnelli, and many other artists such as Irving Penn, Helmut Newton, Rachel Whiteread and, more specifically, Ellsworth Kelly.

From the September 2019 issue of L’Officiel India.