Dear Shaded Viewers,
Matthieu Blazy, the mastermind behind Bottega Veneta’s creations, possesses a knack that goes beyond mere design. It’s an intuitive understanding of individuality. Every ensemble feels singular, even when they present themselves as duos — reminding me a tad of Noah’s Ark pairs. It’s as though he’s allowing each piece to represent its own universe, an apt metaphor considering the show space’s floor had been transformed into a fantasy realm, replete with make-believe continents and airborne fish.
A tide of global wanderers took the floor. Initially, they appeared in understated, sharp black suits or that elusive perfect little black dress with straps hinting at a gentle descent. But as the show progressed, Blazy unleashed a crescendo of texture and style: avant-garde knits sketching novel body contours; a leather ensemble that played between historical panniers and tribal accents; a halter dress drenched in minuscule azure scales that gave way to silky threads, flowing over an intricate ink design akin to the gentle sway of water.
Some pieces defied convention, like the quirky fishnet dresses dotted with puffballs reminiscent of budding seed pods. Yet, many elicited a genuine, delightful surprise. As the backdrop music murmured, “Let’s go somewhere,” it became clear: Blazy’s display was less about a destination and more an ode to the mesmerizing journey of creation and the magic of discovery.
With a keen eye on his journey since his formative days at La Cambre, I recognized early on the emergence of a monumental talent in fashion. Having contributed his genius behind the curtains for others, once placed at the forefront, Blazy indisputably radiates brilliance.
Later,
Diane
