Bottega Veneta, meaning "Venetian shop," is a luxurious fashion brand founded in 1966 by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. Renowned for its exceptional leather goods, Bottega Veneta introduced its unique weaving technique, known as "intrecciato," creating a signature braided pattern. This distinctive design became synonymous with the brand's identity. Bottega Veneta gained early recognition for its meticulously crafted pieces and premium materials, distinguished by a discreet and logo-free aesthetic. Co-founder Renzo Zengiaro departed in the late 1970s, followed by Michele Taddei. Ownership then transitioned to Taddei's former wife, Laura Moltedo, and her husband Vittorio, who moved from the United States to Italy to oversee the company.
During the 1980s, Bottega Veneta experienced a surge in popularity among celebrities worldwide, with notable admirers like Andy Warhol, who even created a short film to promote the brand. Despite this, the company faced financial challenges. In response, Bottega Veneta adapted its design approach in the 1990s to align more closely with contemporary trends. In 2001, the Gucci Group acquired Bottega Veneta, appointing German fashion designer Tomas Maier as Creative Director. Maier, previously associated with renowned fashion houses Sonia Rykiel and Hermès, aimed to rejuvenate the brand's distinctive essence. He opted to remove visible logos from products and emphasize the brand's original handcrafted techniques, including the iconic intrecciato weave. These strategic changes successfully revived Bottega Veneta's image.
Under Maier's direction, Bottega Veneta expanded its product range to include fine jewelry, fragrances, footwear, gifts, and home furnishings, in addition to its renowned leather goods. The introduction of women's ready-to-wear in 2005 and men's clothing in 2006 further diversified the brand's offerings. In 2006, the company established the Scuola della Pelletteria, a training school aimed at nurturing future generations of skilled leather artisans. Despite its diverse product range, Bottega Veneta's leather goods, particularly its handbags featuring the iconic interwoven leather straps, remain the cornerstone of its reputation for elegance and sophistication.
