Nicole Kidman,Balenciaga at La Bottega Veneta

La Bottega Veneta approach to fashion

The Bottega Veneta approach to fashion is refined and understated, dispensing with logos and flash to appeal to a customer who is self-assured, sophisticated and confident with his or her own style. Those who appreciate Bottega Veneta embody the idea "when your own initials are enough."

Botttega Veneta, a premier Italian leather goods house steeped in the traditions of the master leather craftsman of the Veneto, was founded in 1966 and headquartered in Vicenza. The fashion house has earned a reputation for unsurpassed quality. Its timeless style is exemplified in soft, sensuous, handcrafted handbags and its renowned intrecciato, or interwoven leather style, and signature animal prints are instantly recognizable worldwide.

_{Left: Nicole Kidman with Bottega Veneta Bag and Balenciaga dress}

The Gucci Group acquired Bottega Veneta in February 2001. Tomas Maier, who trained at the institutional Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, and spent nine years designing for another luxury brand, Hermes, came on board as creative director of Bottega Veneta in June 2001. His first collection, Spring/Summer 2002, brought immediate critical acclaim. Each season, the house presents a number of collections, including men's and women's shoes, bags, luggage, small leather goods, home, and gift items. In addition, Bottega Veneta creates a limited number of ready-to-wear items whose subtle chic lies in their relaxed style and refinement. Each piece stands alone on the strength of its design and craftsmanship.

"Bottega Veneta is a one-of-a-kind classic boutique brand that executes the fundamentals of luxury extraordinarily well," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute, which describes itself as an independent and objective research institution.

This season, the overall mood of the collection is innocent, open and feminine. A slender silhouette, young and uncontrived, highlights the romance of dresses and skirts constructed to enhance the movement of the body. The focal point is the waist, circled with high, wide, embellished belts. Lace insets, embroidery, pin tucks, and gathers lend a fresh charm and illustrate the artistry for which Bottega Veneta is renowned.

In accessories, there are opulent materials to appreciate - intrecciato nappa, baby soft suede, waxed calf, soft crocodile, and especially lizard, python and karung. Handbags are exquisitely worked, lavishly adorned with embroidery, applique's of exotic leather, and a wealth of metal and tortoiseshell-like hardware. The scale of these bags, most with double top handles, is smaller than in seasons past and their shapes are more delicate.

Shoes are similarly ornate and intricately detailed. Two to note: the Super Spiga, a luxurious, high-heeled sandal of burnished calf with a T-strap meticulously handcrafted; and the Souriseau, a sling-back made of vintage velvet and trimmed with braided peltro coassiale leather.

"This collection started from a very simple, classically spring feeling of innocence and light," says Creative Director Tomas Maier. "And then we surrendered to the sheer pleasure of beautiful things and the remarkable abilities of the craftspeople. The collection became an exploration of a kind of refreshing naïveté and femininity. The idea, of course, is that each woman takes what she loves and wears it in her own way. That's how the Bottega Veneta customer has always dressed."

Distribution of Bottega Veneta products is global, encompassing Europe, Asia and North America, both in select specialty and department stores and in a growing number of Bottega Veneta-owned boutiques. In addition, Bottega Veneta is one of the first luxury brands to embrace e-commerce. The website has been designed to cater to a clientele that is accustomed to exceptional service. To that end, a personal shopper is available through e-mail or by telephone to assist with selections and to complete transactions. Photographs of the exquisite handbags, wallets and other accessories feature not just a front view, but often inside, back and side views. Mr. Maier has even added a personal touch to the website with his six top picks for the season.

The Gucci Group acquired Bottega Veneta in February 2001. Tomas Maier, who trained at the institutional Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, and spent nine years designing for another luxury brand, Hermes, came on board as creative director of Bottega Veneta in June 2001. His first collection, Spring/Summer 2002, brought immediate critical acclaim. Each season, the house presents a number of collections, including men's and women's shoes, bags, luggage, small leather goods, home, and gift items. In addition, Bottega Veneta creates a limited number of ready-to-wear items whose subtle chic lies in their relaxed style and refinement. Each piece stands alone on the strength of its design and craftsmanship.

"Bottega Veneta is a one-of-a-kind classic boutique brand that executes the fundamentals of luxury extraordinarily well," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute, which describes itself as an independent and objective research institution.

This season, the overall mood of the collection is innocent, open and feminine. A slender silhouette, young and uncontrived, highlights the romance of dresses and skirts constructed to enhance the movement of the body. The focal point is the waist, circled with high, wide, embellished belts. Lace insets, embroidery, pin tucks, and gathers lend a fresh charm and illustrate the artistry for which Bottega Veneta is renowned.

In accessories, there are opulent materials to appreciate - intrecciato nappa, baby soft suede, waxed calf, soft crocodile, and especially lizard, python and karung. Handbags are exquisitely worked, lavishly adorned with embroidery, applique's of exotic leather, and a wealth of metal and tortoiseshell-like hardware. The scale of these bags, most with double top handles, is smaller than in seasons past and their shapes are more delicate.

Shoes are similarly ornate and intricately detailed. Two to note: the Super Spiga, a luxurious, high-heeled sandal of burnished calf with a T-strap meticulously handcrafted; and the Souriseau, a sling-back made of vintage velvet and trimmed with braided peltro coassiale leather.

"This collection started from a very simple, classically spring feeling of innocence and light," says Creative Director Tomas Maier. "And then we surrendered to the sheer pleasure of beautiful things and the remarkable abilities of the craftspeople. The collection became an exploration of a kind of refreshing naïveté and femininity. The idea, of course, is that each woman takes what she loves and wears it in her own way. That's how the Bottega Veneta customer has always dressed."

Distribution of Bottega Veneta products is global, encompassing Europe, Asia and North America, both in select specialty and department stores and in a growing number of Bottega Veneta-owned boutiques. In addition, Bottega Veneta is one of the first luxury brands to embrace e-commerce. The website has been designed to cater to a clientele that is accustomed to exceptional service. To that end, a personal shopper is available through e-mail or by telephone to assist with selections and to complete transactions. Photographs of the exquisite handbags, wallets and other accessories feature not just a front view, but often inside, back and side views. Mr. Maier has even added a personal touch to the website with his six top picks for the season.