Bottega Veneta has unveiled its 2018 Cruise Collection for both men's and women's lines. This season's collection features uplifting, bold colors, intricate details, and beautiful botanical prints. Unique hues like bitter orange, dark navy, moss green, burgundy, and espresso are expressed in unexpected combinations. While the men's color palette is slightly more neutral than the women's, subdued pieces like black and navy are enhanced by vibrant colors. Elegant knee-length skirts are the foundation for women's wear. Tight leather and suede skirts are subtly accented with cinch-back-style embellishments. Knitwear with rounded shoulders and cropped jackets accentuate feminine shapes. Furthermore, flowing silhouettes crafted from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton drill, poplin, and triacetate crepe are a signature element of the season. For the feet, Mary Jane and Intrecciato chunky-heeled pumps were paired with striped socks, creating a beautiful look that stretched from the upper line to the knee.
Delicate botanical prints were the core of the women's looks, adding a classic touch of elegance to everything from shift dresses and duchesse skirts to windbreakers, bags, and shoes. Creative Director Tomas Maier said, "Many of the prints in this collection use more than 30 colors. We've created something truly special, including the base of the print." The butterfly motif, the house's signature, was also featured among the prints.
The men's collection was based on minimalist silhouettes that were stripped of all unnecessary elements, and paired with compact, balanced blousons and knitwear, creating a lively look. The understated style created by unexpected combinations such as wide-leg striped pants with a deep red knit, a windowpane check peacoat with jogger pants, a leather mountain parka, and pure white sneakers with intrecciato detailing is characteristic of Bottega Veneta.
Two new bag styles are introduced. The signature twistlock Chain Knot bag is now slightly larger to accommodate more essential items. The Piazza bag is now a modern two-way bag with both a shoulder strap and a handle. Additionally, the men's Duffle bag in dark crocodile leather and the Loop bag, resurrected from the 2002 archives, are also being released with new designs.
