Louise Trotter Launches First Collection at Bottega Veneta

Louise Trotter unveiled her inaugural collection for Bottega Veneta during Milan Fashion Week, marking a significant moment in luxury fashion. The show took place in the Piazzale Lodi area, featuring a minimalist set design that focused attention on the garments themselves. This presentation emphasized Trotter’s vision of “soft functionality,” a term she uses to describe clothing that prioritizes comfort while remaining stylish.

The fashion industry has seen a growing discourse around dressing for the “female gaze,” a concept that emerged from Laura Mulvey’s 1975 essay addressing the objectification of women in film. Despite this shift, the luxury fashion sector remains dominated by male leadership. Trotter’s role at Bottega Veneta stands out, as she is one of the few female designers in a position of influence at a high-end brand.

Trotter’s collection drew inspiration from the brand’s origins as a “Venetian artisanal shop.” Founded in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro in Vincenza, Italy, Bottega Veneta has maintained its dedication to craftsmanship. The show highlighted this heritage, showcasing handmade pieces crafted by artisans in Italian ateliers. The emphasis on craftsmanship was also apparent in the upcoming 2025 advertising campaign, which features the hands of artisans and brand ambassadors such as Tyler the Creator, Jack Antonoff, and Zadie Smith.

The runway featured an array of standout footwear, including heels, loafers, and clogs, alongside bags crafted with the brand’s signature “intrecciato” leather weave. The designs, intentionally devoid of visible branding, encouraged a focus on the artistry of the pieces. Trotter noted that wearing a bag without a logo requires confidence, emphasizing a new approach to luxury.

The collection displayed a combination of tactile and dynamic styles. Attendees enjoyed wardrobe staples such as jacquard and leather outerwear, alongside innovative pieces like shimmering tops in vibrant hues and tinsel skirts that caught the light as models moved. Even the simplest designs carried a thoughtful twist—one dress featured asymmetrical straps, with one designed to fall off the shoulder.

Trotter’s previous experience with brands like Carven and Lacoste informs her approach to design, viewing the body as a canvas. Her creations strike a balance, allowing for a graceful silhouette that is neither restrictive nor overly loose.

As Bottega Veneta continues to navigate a challenging luxury market, Trotter’s impact is already visible. Despite a tough environment for many global luxury brands, Bottega Veneta reported a 1 percent sales increase in the first half of 2025. The designer’s ability to generate interest among consumers, including a growing number of stylish men like Jacob Elordi, could contribute to the brand’s ongoing success.

Reflecting on her design philosophy, Trotter expressed admiration for Laura Braggion, the first female creative lead at Bottega Veneta. Trotter highlighted Braggion’s journey as an archetypal Italian woman who found liberation in New York, a narrative she aimed to convey through her collection.

As Trotter’s influence at Bottega Veneta unfolds, the fashion world will undoubtedly watch closely, eager to see how her unique vision shapes the future of this storied brand.