By Saturday evening, fashion week fatigue had naturally begun to set in, but no one could afford to be caught flagging, because there was one more show before the Spring/Summer 25 season in Milan was over: Bottega Veneta. On the outskirts of the city dim crimson light flooded a warehouse-cum-art studio–the chosen venue for Matthieu Blazy’s latest foray. This occasion was one of those rare moments where first impressions were not to be trusted because despite the industrial setting and seemingly ‘adult’ illumination, Bottega was hiding a whimsical and capricious surprise!
Row upon row, of undeniably adorable animal bean bag chairs lined the venue, each waiting for their respective companion for the evening. While marvelling in awe at how such a diverse array of creatures had come to fruition–from snow foxes to chickens, Bottega had pulled from every corner of the animal kingdom–I overheard one of the PRs whisper that each had been chosen based on the guests’ personality. (We were seated on a panda, take from that what you will.) This thoughtful and singularly unique touch, should not be taken for granted nowadays as fashion seems to become ever more depersonalised.
So now the tone was set, the seats began to fill with stars from all over: Bottega poster-boy Jacob Elordi, mindful and demure Jools Lebron, mighty Imane Khelif, and effortlessly charming I.N. (or Jeongin), to name but a few. The bean bags were a fantastic equaliser, making even the most star-studded room feel like a childhood playdate. So there we all sat, equally humbled and equally eager to see what the Italian house had in store for us this season. A wondrous array of bright hues, textural plays, and structural anomalies was Blazy’s answer. A future-forward sartorial discourse without expectation. Rooted in a tension between everyday utility and conceptual design, the collection swung between oversized tailoring and plush textural embellishments.
Earthy tones grounded the vibrancy of oranges, reds, and pinks, seen in soft tailoring that leaned into relaxed yet refined silhouettes. Meanwhile, bursts of exaggerated knits and fringe work punctuated the lineup, offering a counterpoint to more restrained outerwear and smartly crafted suiting. Each piece felt like an exploration of tactility, with materials that invited touch and shapes that hinted at the possibility of sensory exploration.
In a period where fashion often feels distant and detached, Blazy’s Bottega brought us back to something tangible and sincere. It was a reminder that even in the grand spectacle of fashion week, there is still room for whimsy and play. With this collection, Blazy offered not just clothing, but an experience—one that left us standing (or in this case sitting), albeit slightly awkwardly, in the shoes of our childhood selves, firmly ready to adventure into the future.
