The Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection from Bottega Veneta made a striking debut during Milan Fashion Week in September 2025. Under the creative direction of Louise Trotter, this collection showcased a captivating blend of craftsmanship and innovative design. Trotter’s appointment as the first female creative director at the luxury fashion house last December marked a significant moment in the industry, as she became one of the few women in such a role amidst a climate of rapid change in fashion leadership.
Backstage, Trotter expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m in the candy box.” Her confidence was palpable as she presented a collection that echoed her artistic journey through New York, London, and Paris, including notable stints at Lacoste and Carven. She emphasized her desire to succeed on her own terms, highlighting the importance of her work over her gender.
Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
The collection featured Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weaving technique, showcasing Trotter’s commitment to craftsmanship. Among the standout pieces was a tailored coat woven to resemble snake scales, a dramatic floor-length cape made from ultra-fine leather strips, and an ethereal denim-blue robe coat adorned with feathers that appeared to float down the runway. Trotter’s ability to create movement was evident in the flowing skirts made from layered leather bands and micro-pleated dresses accentuated by fringes.
Perhaps the most innovative element was the “sweaters” crafted from recycled fiberglass, which shimmered under the runway lights in vivid hues of orange, red, and silver blue. Trotter described the material as having “the feeling of fur and it moves like glass,” demonstrating her focus on sustainability without compromising design aesthetics. Skirts in similar materials featured swirling ombré colors, adding a sense of fluidity to the collection.
Trotter’s tailoring leaned towards the dramatic, with exaggerated shoulders and full volumes that sometimes appeared oversized. In contrast, parachute silk dresses with off-the-shoulder straps offered a lighter, more ethereal quality, designed to elegantly accentuate the figure.
A Nod to Timeless Elegance
Accessories played a pivotal role in this collection, with Trotter revisiting the iconic clutch that propelled Bottega Veneta into the spotlight, famously carried by Lauren Hutton. Hutton was present in the front row, witnessing the upscaled version of her clutch, which resonated with a sense of timeless elegance.
Overall, Trotter’s debut collection at Bottega Veneta set a promising tone for the future. It combined rich tradition with modern innovation, showcasing a designer who understands the significance of her role and the legacy of the brand she now leads. The Spring 2026 collection is not merely a beginning; it signals a bold new chapter for Bottega Veneta under Trotter’s vision.
