Bottega Veneta SS 2025: A Playful Journey Back to Childhood

In a world that often feels dictated by strict conventions, Matthieu Blazy at Bottega Veneta dares to dream differently. His Spring/Summer 2025 collection sweeps us away on a whimsical journey to the heart of childhood wonder, proving that fashion can indeed be an adventure. Since taking the helm in 2022, Blazy has continually surprised us with his ability to blend understated luxury with innovative storytelling. This season, he invites us to revisit a simpler, more carefree time, where imagination reigns and anything feels possible.

The stage for this adventure? A nostalgic wonderland filled with leather animal beanbags, a nod to Zanotta’s iconic “Sacco” chair. Each seat was tailored to the personality of the guest—Michelle Yeoh perched on a ladybug, Kendall Jenner relaxed on a horse, and Jacob Elordi, the brand’s new face, lounged on a bunny. This imaginative detail set the tone for the show, evoking the same sense of excitement you felt as a child waiting for your favorite cartoon to start.

Blazy’s SS 2025 collection was all about embracing the playful freedom of youth, while showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship Bottega Veneta is renowned for. The designer took inspiration from those first thrilling experiences with fashion—raiding your parents’ closet, trying on oversized jackets, and experimenting with pieces that felt both thrilling and foreign.

Jackets were deliberately too big, pants had only one leg, and asymmetrical wrap skirts gave the impression of a spontaneous dress-up session. But beneath this playful surface was a sense of structure and precision that only Blazy could achieve. The juxtaposition of seemingly carefree pieces with impeccable tailoring created a collection that was both whimsical and sophisticated.

The collection’s whimsical charm was further amplified by a series of animal motifs, inspired by the 1980s film *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.* Blazy referenced the iconic scene where Elliott’s mom fails to spot E.T. hiding among a pile of stuffed animals, blending the fantastical with the familiar. This theme carried over to the garments: frogs perched on the neckline of dresses, bunny-shaped lapels adorned leather coats, and scarves were printed with giant fish.

It was a visual feast that felt almost like a grown-up version of a childhood daydream. Frogs clung to the heels of shoes, bunnies peeked from coat collars, and even the accessories had a sense of playful experimentation, with one-of-a-kind bags created by students from Bottega Veneta’s school. It was as though Blazy had asked the question, "What would the child in you wear?"—and the answer was this collection in its entirety.

Blazy’s narrative for SS 2025 was clear: we are all the heroes of our own story. The clothes—whether the oversized jackets that mimicked a child trying on their parent’s wardrobe or the finely crafted leather coats adorned with animal details—embodied this idea of personal adventure. Every piece was designed to tell a story, to invoke a sense of discovery and experimentation.

The collection also featured some of Bottega Veneta’s signature elements, like luxurious leather crafted into unexpected shapes. A standout moment was the shimmering leather sequin gown, which moved with an almost fluid elegance. Meanwhile, oversized flannel shirts, inspired by E.T.'s iconic wardrobe, were reinterpreted in wool jacquard with impeccable tailoring, turning the mundane into the extraordinary.

Blazy’s mastery lies in his ability to marry the conceptual with the practical. Yes, the collection was full of whimsical details, but at its core, it was a celebration of craftsmanship. From the spiky leather wigs that crowned several models to the precision-cut fabrics that evoked movement and play, each element was a testament to Bottega Veneta’s commitment to excellence.

Even the accessories had a sense of joyful experimentation. Bags with patchwork designs played with texture and color, while the Andiamo bag—updated with a sleek handle—added a layer of sophistication. It was clear that Blazy wasn’t just interested in nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake; he wanted to create pieces that felt both playful and deeply personal.

In a time when many brands are content to play it safe, Blazy’s SS 2025 collection was a bold reminder that fashion should be fun. It was a celebration of individuality and the power of imagination. As we watched models strut down the runway, draped in oversized jackets, shimmering sequins, and bunny-adorned coats, it was hard not to feel like a kid again—filled with wonder and possibility.

And that’s the magic of Bottega Veneta SS 2025: it transports you back to a time when the world was full of adventure and every day was an opportunity for something extraordinary to happen. In a collection that was both playful and refined, Blazy reminded us that fashion is not just about clothes—it’s about the stories they tell and the joy they bring.