Fashion Insiders Are Obsessed With New Bottega
New Bottega is the new Old Céline
Nostalgia has been dominating fashion’s biggest trends over the past two years. In fact, fashion’s longing for the past ran so deep it sparked an entire Old Céline movement spearheaded by an Instagram account paying homage to the brand’s look under former creative director Phoebe Philo. Now, a new Instagram account, @newbottega, inspired by Bottega Veneta’s new creative director, finally has the fashion set looking forward instead of back.
Instagram/newbottega
You’ve likely already seen the square-toed sandals and buttery leather bags on your feeds. The crop of lust-worthy accessories is ushering in a new era of Bottega Veneta under the reins of Daniel Lee, who was appointed the brand’s creative director last year. His debut fall collection has already been widely embraced by top fashion influencers, models, and even its own fan account that’s quickly gaining momentum on Instagram.
The distinctive square-toe designs are officially making the once-taboo shoe shape cool again. From pillowy quilted mule heels to strappy thong sandals and sleek leather, the minimal footwear feels both fresh and unexpectedly elegant. The see-through netted pumps feature a gold chain, combining the anklet trend with a shoe style once reserved for the office only—a formula fashion girls have unsurprisingly already obsessed over.
As for Lee’s mark on Bottega’s bags, he is bringing forth a new vision of luxury and elegance mixed with a touch of cool. Smooth as butter, the leather designs range from quilted shoulder bags to minimal and structured work totes that are anything but boring. Other standouts include slouchy clutches (a.k.a. mini clouds for you to carry) and modern bucket bags complete with oversize chain links.
It’s no surprise to learn that Lee, whose vision is already shaping trends both on Instagram and IRL, previously worked at Celine under Phoebe Philo (like I said, New Bottega is the new Old Céline). But could Bottega’s new era of accessories be enough for fashion to finally move on from its infatuation with ultra-tiny micro bags and ’90s throwbacks? If @newbottega‘s increasing following has anything to say, they will.
From Harper’s BAZAAR U.S