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Bottega Veneta | Spring Summer 2025

Metropolitan Awkward Chic

Written by

Araya Peterson

Photographed by

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Styled by

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Bottega Veneta, Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1966, continues to captivate modern audiences with its unconventional runway presentations and the distinct personalities each model brings to the stage. Under the creative vision of Matthieu Blazy, the concept for this season is childhood.

He states: “As a kid, every day holds an adventure—there’s a sense that anything is possible, no matter how fantastical. We aren’t bound by the regular expectations of adulthood; instead, we embrace the potential for strange realities and wonder. This collection speaks to the power of sincerity over calculated strategy.”

Calling this season "chic awkwardness."

The collection is characterized by whimsical, cartoonish designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Models strut down the runway in oversized clothes— baggy trousers and voluminous coats—as if they’ve been playfully trying on their parents’ outfits. This playful spirit is further emphasized by the props they carry: small suitcases, chic handbags, fabric flower bouquets, draped umbrellas, grocery and shopping bags, sack lunches, each meticulously chosen to add depth to their characters. The clothes and characters are shown to have been discovering who they are while keeping the remembrance of who they used to be.

The clashes of irregular motion and clothes. The collection skillfully juxtaposes childlike wonder with elements of traditional business attire and more outlandish ideas like the curtain tassels hanging off cocktail dresses. Classic leather hats and trench coats, merging a refined aesthetic with a playful twist. The feathered, business-chic silhouettes are subtly infused with a sense of old-money elegance, while simultaneously embracing more avant-garde styles. The overall effect is a cinematic ambiance that beautifully captures the essence of each look.

Equally impressive are the materials and craftsmanship behind the collection. An all-leather, glittering evening gown exemplifies the brand’s commitment to innovation, tapered denim pieces are tailored to perfection, adding a contemporary edge to the collection. This reimagined take on business fashion contrasts sharply with what is considered "messy styling": worn t-shirts, oversized ties, and casual sneakers blend seamlessly into the narrative.

The contrasts and diverse styles contribute to a recurring ensemble of characters that reflect everyday life in vibrant ways. Picture an industrialist heading to work, a businessman dropping his child off at school, a college student meandering around campus, or someone stylishly navigating a chic supermarket run. Each character is a homage to individuality and the multifaceted nature of modern life, woven together through the imaginative lens of childhood nostalgia.

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Milan fashion week, Bottega Veneta
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