CLASSICS: Bottega Veneta SS15
As menswear grows and grows, each season there are new categories and variations on classics from designers, to best cater for the modern twenty first century gent. For spring/ summer 2015 one of the most prevalent trends on the catwalk was the scaled back luxury trend. Whereas several years ago, luxury meant bespoke suits and sophisticated shoes, now brands are embracing luxury loungewear and the concept that men want everyday items to be of the highest quality. One of the brands that best embody this movement is Bottega Veneta.
For S/S ’15 the Milan brand presented a collection that is best defined as distressed luxury. Models were young and carefree and the clothes that they wore were high end variations of jogger pants and vests. With a subtle nod to ballet, the tonally light collection featured a host of unconstructed items that show how the tide has turned for men’s fashion. If you needed proof as to how wearable the pieces were – just take a look at the long johns. Possibly the most practical and unsexy of menswear pieces, here it was conceived as a mainstream item that looks fantastic when paired with the light knitwear. The shoes were also a highlight of the catwalk show – plain, black and barely there they are the perfect choice for the modern man, swinging a luxury backpack over his shoulders.
To best show you how to wear the luxury ragamuffin trend, we employed the talents of illustrator Viet Tran. The Birmingham born (now London based) artist’s work is known for its intricate depth, clever composition and hybrid features – here we see rakish gents mixed with flowers and plants. His rich and imaginative work has appeared in publications like Marie Claire Runway and Instyle Magazine. We instructed Viet to illustrate three looks that best show off the vibes of Bottega Veneta S/S ’15.
The jogging trouser and vest combo was one of the key looks from the catwalk so it was only natural that we would want to draw your attention to these pieces (the vest is perfect for layering or worn alone on a warm day). Knitwear has always been a real strength for the brand and the speckled knit cashmere sweater worn with jeans and a backpack was chosen to open the show.
For spring, the humble backpack was given an artisanal update – crafted from butter soft navy leather, it has hand woven panels, gunmental hardware and a drawstring closure. Finally, nothing says “luxury loungewear” more than printed sweatpants and a hoodie. Whilst it may be total and on first glance, rather heavy, the printed trousers work great with a simple and plain hooded sweatshirt.
