It is no secret that Daniel Lee has already proved to have what it takes. He received numerous recognitions at the 2019 British Fashion Awards, where he was acclaimed for his work at Bottega Veneta. After slightly more than one year and a half as the brand’s creative director, not only has he revamped Bottega Veneta’s style, but he has also been responsible for a spike in sales.
No wonder that expectations were high for Bottega Veneta’s Fall 2020-21 show, given the British creative’s recent success at the London ceremony where he was named designer of the year, and more.
Although Lee started from a radical revolution of the fashion house’s image – from its Instagram feed and ad campaigns to an over-sized version of the iconic woven pattern, boldly removed from the Pouch clutch – the designer is once again dusting off the brand’s heritage for the next winter season.
The woven pattern is back with a contemporary twist, in a reversible edit that showcases the fine handicraft leather stripes on the inside and outside. A Lee effect that takes sandals too, with 3D-printed ergonomic heels curled up around the ankles.
Overall, the collection turns to fluid, soft shapes. A style influenced both by Daniel Lee’s exploration of the archives of the brand, whose early years were all about comfortable, loose fashion, and the Millennial generation he belongs to, who prefers streetwear lines and clothes to feel elegant and comfy at once.
Relaxed cuts for menswear and women’s ready-to-wear, where knitwear dominates both day and night fits. The show opened with three male models in total black, followed by a woman in black outerwear. Minimalism and the non-color seem to be the leitmotif of the show, suddenly changing course with fringes and lime, purple and red pops of color.
