Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, expects Matthieu Blazy, their new creative director, to maintain the relevance the Italian house is seeing today.
Following Bottega Veneta’s announcement of Daniel Lee’s departure from his creative director post, the Italian fashion house has confirmed Matthieu Blazy to be his replacement. Lee’s departure is surprising due to his successful stint with the brand that only lasted three years.
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In a statement, Kering, Bottega’s parent company, said, “Bottega Veneta and Daniel Lee are announcing their joint decision to end their collaboration. He brought new energy to the house and greatly contributed to the new momentum that Bottega Veneta is enjoying today.”
Heard through the grapevine
The British designer was responsible for the brand’s transformation from a low-key leather goods brand to a coveted label, which rode on fashion’s streetwear hype movement. Notably, Lee was responsible for trading Bottega’s brown packaging for a lively lime green color dubbed “Parakeet Green.”
Lee’s success was reflected in Kering’s stellar financial reports while the brand was under his wing.
Although the brand gave no specific reason for the 35-year-old’s resignation, it’s rumored that Lee may work under Phoebe Philo’s to-be-launched eponymous label. For six years, they worked together at Celine when Philo helmed it as creative director. In line with this, Lee is considered one of Philo’s most successful mentees.
However, HFT Group also reported that Lee might replace Italian chief creative officer Riccardo Tisci at Burberry. If true, it would be a “homecoming” working for a brand native to his UK nationality.
A new chapter
Bottega confirmed yesterday that Blazy would replace lee—only five days after publicizing Lee’s departure.
“Matthieu Blazy is an extraordinarily talented individual, whom I am proud and excited to entrust with the creative helm of our luxury House.” In a press release, Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, shares. “Bottega Veneta has always been equated with signature craftsmanship and distinctive creativity.”
Rongone adds that he trusts Blazy can “further enhance the modern relevance” of the 55-year-old brand’s growth.
Blazy is armed with an impressive career background—including experience under Philo’s Celine as well. Additionally, he collaborated with Raf Simons at Calvin Klein from 2016 to 2019 before designing at Bottega.
Banner photo from @matthieu_blazy on Instagram
