One of the key aspects of Bottega Veneta, according to its new creative director Louise Trotter, is that the house truly operates as a workshop—bringing together skilled hands and creative minds to innovate through practicality.

For the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Trotter worked around two main pillars: on one hand, a tribute and update to the brand’s history through reinterpretations of its classics; on the other, a brilliant use of the master artisans’ skills, placing unexpected materials in their expert hands. Let’s go over some of the highlights from this season.

GLASS: A UNIQUE MATERIAL

While there were several surprises in the Spring/Summer 2026 show, there’s no doubt the audience was captivated by a series of designs that seemed to be crafted from glass—or perhaps from fiber optics.

For these particular creations, Trotter paid homage to Murano’s glassmaking tradition, renowned for its delicate, colorful pieces, turning to fiberglass to achieve the effect. Sculptural coats and skirts transported us to a colorful safe haven, setting the tone for the year ahead.

THE INTRECCIATO

As expected, a new Bottega Veneta season brings a fresh wave of intrecciato, and Louise Trotter did not disappoint.

From accessories and footwear to full looks showcasing this technique, the new creative director brought one of the house’s most recognizable signatures back to the runway.

CLASSICS REBORN

For this collection, Louise chose to delve into the brand’s past and filter it through her own lens. Throughout the show we saw tributes to the work of American model and actress Lauren Hutton, to Laura Braggion—the first major female creative force at Bottega Veneta—and even a subtle nod to Tomas Maier and his Cabat.

SOFT FUNCTIONALITY

“Soft functionality” were the two guiding words for the collection, according to Trotter. The silhouettes—rooted in refined tailoring and discreet opulence—moved like butter on warm bread: light, soft, practical, and sculpted in volumes that may not seem ideal for Spring/Summer, but will surely surprise us.

FASHION THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF

Under Trotter’s direction, Bottega Veneta remains a house of understatement. Inspired by the artistic vision that defined the years between 1966 and 1977, the new creative director wanted the pieces to speak for themselves—deliberately avoiding external logos on bags, trusting that Bottega Veneta’s craftsmanship alone would make them instantly recognizable. Spoiler: it does, and it always will.

MOVEMENT AND LIVING PIECES

The final highlight of Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection was the fluidity and movement of the looks on the runway. Regardless of the material—be it fiberglass, leather, or wool—Trotter designed pieces alive with motion, swaying with every step and leaving behind the stiffness sometimes imposed by certain cuts or raw materials.

Without a doubt, Bottega Veneta is entering a new era of vitality, richness, and Italian-made beauty.