Daniel Lee Bids Adieu To Bottega Veneta
After three years at the helm of the Italian fashion house, the British designer steps down
Well I guess it’s an arrivederci Mr. Lee! – After more than three years at the helm of the Italian luxury fashion house, Bottega Veneta, the exceptional British designer is stepping down from the leading commands of the brand.
The unexpected decision was announced yesterday by Bottega’s parent company, Kering in an announcement released in their official website.
“Bottega Veneta and Daniel Lee are announcing their joint decision to end their collaboration. He brought new energy to the House and greatly contributed to the new momentum that Bottega Veneta is enjoying today,” reads the statement released.
Since joining back in July 2018, Daniel has been the creative mind behind the Maison’s outstanding transformation from the sensible Italian brand that it was, to a refreshed and cool new house, always on the spotlight and with a special love to the art world, fashion circles and influencers alike.
Under Lee’s reign, Bottega has not only been able to earn the love from the dearest fashion fans to the toughest critics in the industry; but has also been able to put the brand back to the center of the fashion scene as well as sweeping and breaking records at in 2019’s British Fashion Awards, taking home four awards in one single night – being one of them, Brand of the Year.
According to Harper’s Bazaar US, the brand was able to amass great success and become highly profitable due to a series of handbags, including a remodel of the famous intrecciato style, pouch clutch.
“My time at Bottega Veneta has been an incredible experience. I am grateful to have worked with an exceptional and talented team and I am forever grateful to everyone who was part of creating our vision”, Daniel Lee stated.
Although we can’t help to shed a tear after hearing the surprising – and desolating – news, we already can’t wait to see Daniel’s new journey without the brand that made him make history by becoming at 33 the youngest designer to win the British Fashion Awards’ biggest prizes.
As for Bottega’s future, it’s still unknown who will take over the creative lead of the brand.
“A new creative organization for the House will be announced soon”, says the statement.
Photography by Vladimir Marti. Styling by Anna Castan
Lead image from Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s October 2021 issue