Louise Trotter's Exciting and Impressive Bottega Veneta Debut

      While there was much to talk about on Saturday in Milan—from the latest Versace collection to Miranda Priestly and Nigel attending Dolce & Gabbana's front row—everyone was primarily focused on Bottega Veneta. The Italian brand has enjoyed significant momentum for a while, but the dynamics can shift drastically with a change in designers. Former Creative Director Matthieu Blazy will showcase his debut collection for Chanel during Paris Fashion Week later this season, and Louise Trotter was appointed as Blazy's successor last December. Trotter immediately caught attention as her first model—adorned in an ivory silk blouse, sock boots, and a wool coat featuring Bottega Veneta's signature knot motif in navy-blue leather—stepped onto the all-white runway at the brand's spring/summer 2026 show in Milan on Saturday. With every outfit presented, the former Carven and Lacoste creative director demonstrated just how secure the brand is under her skilled direction. In total, Trotter's debut for Bottega Veneta showcased 76 looks for both men and women. The collection featured vibrant, playful pieces crafted from captivating fringe, alongside timeless, elegant pairings elevated by distinctive elements such as an Intrecciato collar, knot cuff links, and padded shoulders. Trotter's specialty in tailoring shone through the co-ed collection, as future coveted bags, like the iconic Lauren, were reimagined for spring. The collection was both a commercial success and a creative triumph. Achieving both is always challenging, especially on a first attempt, yet Trotter succeeded impressively for spring/summer 2026. Scroll down for more insights on her highly praised debut at Bottega Veneta.

      **Louise Trotter Makes History at Bottega Veneta**

      On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Trotter made history as Bottega Veneta's first female creative director. Considering the scarcity of female designers leading major fashion houses, this accomplishment is remarkable and well worth celebrating. Interestingly, upon joining Lacoste in 2018 after her tenure as creative director at Joseph, she also became the first female creative director for that brand. (Trotter departed from the French sportswear label in early 2023.) Following her exit from Lacoste, she took the helm at French fashion house Carven, where she revitalized the brand, transforming it into one of Paris's most talked-about labels in just two years. Now, at Bottega Veneta, she's continuing to break barriers and create garments (and more) that resonate with women's desires.

      **Intrecciato Everywhere**

      This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bottega Veneta's signature Intrecciato weaving technique, so it was only fitting that Trotter prominently featured it in her first collection for the brand. The iconic design element was expected to appear on bags and shoes, but for spring/summer 2026, it also made a significant presence in the ready-to-wear pieces in both pronounced and subtle ways. It appeared hidden within jacket flaps and incorporated into Bermuda shorts (a rarely seen non-leather iteration that opens new possibilities), as well as on detachable collars and bandanas. Additionally, there were striking Intrecciato applications on patent-leather coats embellished with feather collars, all-white matching outfits, and a navy pencil skirt with a unique hemline. While Blazy had included the weave in clothing, Trotter’s approach promises exciting future interpretations.

      **All the Bags**

      Fashion experts often emphasize that a designer must craft sellable items, particularly bags and shoes, to succeed at a major house. Trotter excelled in her debut at Bottega Veneta, especially when it came to bags. She not only reinvented some of the brand's iconic styles, like the Cabat and Lauren, but also introduced new options, such as a crocodile open-top tote and dopp kits for women, fabulously styled with lingerie-inspired dresses for a striking contrast. Both east-west clutches and slouchy shoulder bags are set to be top sellers next spring.

      **A Study in Contrasts**

      Bottega Veneta's S/S 26 collection was anything but straightforward. It expertly blended a variety of textures and moods that harmonized effortlessly. Classic shirts were paired with multi-colored fringe skirts and clogs, merging the brand's whimsical essence from recent years with a touch of practicality. Men's tailoring and bags (especially dopp kits) balanced beautifully with dresses made from leather and lightweight taffeta. Trench coats gained intrigue through Intrecciato details, while simple pumps were enhanced with shearling and PVC. Sporty sunglasses, furry bags, tinsel jackets and skirts, and chic kiss-lock bags came together to create a disheveled yet flawless aesthetic.

      **Hard Launch**

      In the interim between announcing Trotter as Blazy's successor and her inaugural show