Bottega Veneta's Whimsical Wonderland: A Childhood Dream Come to Life

Stepping into the Bottega Veneta showspace on a Saturday evening in September 2024, guests were greeted by a surreal menagerie of animal-shaped beanbags, each one a unique work of art. This unconventional seating arrangement, designed by creative director Matthieu Blazy, was intended to evoke a sense of childhood wonder and playfulness, setting the stage for a fantastical collection that would captivate the audience.

Unleashing the Power of "Wow" in Fashion

A Menagerie of Leather Wonders

Blazy's vision for the Bottega Veneta show was to create a truly immersive experience, one that would transport guests into a world of imagination and delight. The 460 animal-shaped beanbags, each crafted from luxurious leather and inspired by the iconic Sacco easy chair, were the centerpiece of this enchanting setting. From black dogs and bunnies to killer whales, foxes, and otters, the diverse collection of seating options was a testament to the designer's creativity and attention to detail.The inspiration for this whimsical design, Blazy revealed, came in part from a scene in Steven Spielberg's E.T., where the extraterrestrial hides among a pile of colorful soft toys. "I started to see it like a kid," the French-Belgian designer explained. "In a kid's world, everything is possible. You can really approach reality in a different way."

The Ark: A Limited-Edition Collection

The Bottega Veneta beanbag chair menagerie, now dubbed "The Ark," has been made available for purchase on the brand's website. Crafted with the same attention to detail as the show's set, each chair is a limited-edition piece, with only two of each animal design available. Priced from €6,000 to €8,000, these unique creations feature nappa leather upholstery, an intrecciato leather handle, and Bottega Veneta and Zanotta logos inscribed on a leather plaque. Some designs, like the horse, even have detachable snap-button tails, adding to the whimsical charm.

Blending Everyday Elegance with Playful Irreverence

Blazy's vision for the Bottega Veneta S/S 2025 collection went beyond the show's set design, extending to the garments themselves. Alongside the brand's signature everyday elegance, the collection featured playful elements such as tasseled wigs, animal motifs, and moments of vivid color, all infused with an irreverent attitude."Last season was maybe more contemplative," Blazy reflected. "But at the same time, we need beauty. We need joy. We need this moment for ourselves, and continue to play."The Bottega Veneta S/S 2025 show, with its captivating set design and imaginative collection, was a testament to Blazy's ability to blend the brand's heritage of craftsmanship with a fresh, youthful spirit. By inviting guests to embrace their inner child and experience the "power of 'wow,'" the designer has set a new standard for fashion that transcends the ordinary and inspires a sense of wonder and delight.