The best of Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta in Vogue

Matthieu Blazy was an experienced designer but relatively unknown when he was promoted at Bottega Veneta. Founded in 1966, the Italian company is known for its artisanal savoir-faire in leather processing and the catchy slogan from the 70s: “When your own initials are enough.” The idea was to draw attention to the products and not the brand or to direct the designer – an approach taken by Blazy, who is known as a team player.

His debut collection for fall 2020 was a revelation: Blazy’s fantasy of the everyday – trompe l’oeil jeans and a white tank top, both made of leather – opened up new territory for traditional craftsmanship. “When we sat down with the team, I said, ‘Let’s do something mega-craft that is also extremely real,'” said the designer fashion. These pieces may have fooled the eye, but they were real-real – tactile and dimensional – as opposed to hyperreal. In a way, Blazy broke the third wall in a digital world with designs that invited touch and intimacy; They had to be experienced to be believed and fully appreciated. Here’s a look back at the best of Blazy’s Bottega Veneta as it appeared in the pages of fashion.

Nyaueth Riam wears a Bottega Veneta cappuccino dress, intrecciato boots, earrings and ring.

Photographed by Rafael Pavarotti, Fashion, September 2022