Over the course of its five-decade history, Italian fashion and leather goods giants Bottega Veneta have shaped an aesthetic that has cemented the house as legends in their field. But since last Daniel Lee came in last summer — plucked from his position as Celine’s director of ready-to-wear design — Bottega has been catapulted to new heights as one of the most covetable brands around.
Since his first collection for AW19 in February, Daniel has transformed the house’s trademark quilted leathers into car coats and skirts, birthed a new It Bag, and brought forth the single most sought after high heeled-shoe we’ve seen all year. Last night at the British Fashion Awards, that success was recognised.
Bottega as a brand won every prize they were nominated for: Accessories Designer of the Year (naturally, considering everybody who’s anybody owns their Pouch bag — Rihanna included), British Designer of the Year for Womenswear, Brand of the Year and Designer of the Year. It’s definitive proof that the brand has gone through a dazzling renaissance in Daniel’s hands.
He was in great company too. Last night saw two time i-D cover star Adut Akech take home the Model of the Year prize. Current cover star Naomi Campbell won the Fashion Icon award (icons only, tbh!) while our queen RiRi was handed the Urban Luxe gong for Fenty by none other than Tyler, the Creator and Janet Jackson. She was, of course, wearing full Fenty. Kim Jones was recognised for his hugely hyped work at Dior, winning the British Designer of Menswear award, while the Emerging Talent prizes for Womenswear and Menswear designers went to Rejina Pyo for her namesake brand and Bethany Williams respectively. It’s been a good year for Bethany; back in February, she became the second recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award too.
It was, all round, another exciting night in the fashion calendar, and a nice precursor to the AW20 season that kicks off in a month’s time. So who might sweep the ceremony next year? You’ve got 364 days to make your predictions.