Louise Trotter will succeed Matthieu Blazy as Bottega Veneta creative director, parent company Kering and Bottega Veneta announced today in a joint release.
“Her aesthetic seamlessly combines exquisite design with sublime craft, and her commitment to cultural advocacy aligns beautifully with our brand vision,” Bottega Veneta chief executive Bartolomeo Rongone said in a statement. “Through her sophisticated lens, Bottega Veneta will continue to celebrate its heritage while preserving modern relevance.”
Francesca Bellettini, Kering deputy CEO in charge of brand development, added: “Louise brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Bottega Veneta’s tradition of bold creativity and unparalleled excellence. She is the ideal creative talent to carry forward, alongside Leo Rongone and the Bottega Veneta team, the remarkable journey initiated with Matthieu Blazy, to whom I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his visionary creativity.”
Trotter joins from French heritage brand Carven, where she has been creative director since February 2023. Before that, she was creative director of Lacoste between October 2018 and January 2023, following a nine-year stint at Joseph. She joins Bottega Veneta with the brief to build on Matthieu Blazy’s strong legacy at the house.
Blazy joined Bottega Veneta in 2020 as design director and was appointed creative director in November 2021 after Daniel Lee’s sudden exit. Under Blazy, Bottega Veneta became one of Milan’s hottest brands, and has proven particularly resilient in the luxury slowdown, being the top performing brand among Kering’s fashion houses. Sales were up 4 per cent in the first nine months of 2024 to €1.23 billion, which is no mean feat in today’s environment and a relief for the conglomerate while its largest brand, Gucci, has been navigating a turnaround.
The spring/summer 2025 show was well received, with deliberately creased pieces, striped shirting and a fluid all-leather paillette evening dress among standouts. The playful show, set with animal-shaped bean bags and featuring an energetic front row, also highlighted the brand’s marketing savvy. “In his two and a half years at the label, Blazy has turned Bottega Veneta into the show of Milan Fashion Week,” wrote Vogue Runway and Vogue Business global director Nicole Phelps.
Photo: Gorunway.com
“I also want to express my profound appreciation for Matthieu, who has been an extraordinary partner in infusing our brand with desirability, emotional resonance and intellectual identity,” said Rongone.
In her three seasons at Carven, Trotter managed to inject new energy into the house, owned by China’s ICCF Group. “Carven’s Louise Trotter is finding her groove,” British Vogue’s Julia Hobbs wrote this summer. Fashion consultant Julie Gilhart told me after Trotter’s debut show at Carven: “It feels sophisticated and chic, wearable, and I am sure it will sell in the stores.”
Her “quiet luxury” aesthetic, mixed with a sense of femininity and coolness, appears to be the right fit for Bottega Veneta. Trotter will be the only female designer at the creative helm of a Kering-owned fashion house following the departure of Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen.
“The house’s storied legacy of artistry and innovation is truly inspiring, and I am excited to contribute to its future and celebrate its timeless vision,” Trotter said.
She will join Bottega Veneta at the end of January 2025.
