Bottega Veneta’s creative director, Thomas Maier, shifted gears for fall presenting a collection focused on tailored suits with a hint of cool individuality. “I wanted to explore the iconic mens suit and the formality, and competence that fine tailoring conveys. No fuss, no gimmicks, but a richness that reflects the world we all work in,” explains Thomas Maier.
Maier focused on refining the tailored suit and keeping the silhouette lean and sharp, in a rich color palette that ranged from inky black and silvery gray to shark skin blue with bronze and plum highlights adding a pop of color. Maier, also introduced silvery brocades which gave the collection a hint of animation to otherwise seemingly austere dark hues. Brocades appeared in various incarnations throughout the collection – as jacquards woven in cotton or wool or printed on fabrics.
A sleek, silvery gray brocade three piece suit was paired with a patterned shirt and solid gray tie conveying an effortlessly refined look for today’s working man. This look was followed by a cubist patterned crew-neck cashmere sweater layered over a black dress shirt over slim trousers and tuxedo style black patent loafers. Supple leathers also figured prominently in the collection. A shark blue cardigan with a shawl collar and black leather insets was paired with jet black leather trousers. For evening, a matte black wool tuxedo with sparkling trim on the lapels seemed to capture the attention of the front row with its tone-on-tone color combination.
Bottega Veneta’s new satchel and briefs are clearly intended for work, with a formal attitude and an emphasis on functionality. Shoes are classic in concept but forward in construction with loafers, buckled boots, and lace-up ghillies constructed from intricate combinations of leather, crocodile, and suede.
Maier’s fall collection for Bottega Veneta suggests an understated luxury with his use of lightweight flannel, cashmere, worsted wool, and wool-and-cashmere blends on precision cut suits, coats and trousers. Every piece in the collection, regardless of silhouette or inspiration was treated with meticulous attention usually reserved for bespoke tailored clothing. These are functional and elegant clothes that men will covet and appreciate for years to come. -Edwardo Flores for Global Fashion News
