(Photo courtesy of Tatler Asia)
Bottega Veneta celebrated half a century of its legendary Intrecciato weave, the very ingenious technique that once captivated icons like Princess Diana and actress Lauren Hutton in its early days.
More than a celebration of exquisite craftsmanship, the star-studded “Craft is Our Language” spotlights Bottega Veneta’s creative spirit through the silent poetry of hand gestures: how they shape, express, and connect worlds without saying a word.
Bottega Veneta’s Hands Speak Louder Than Words
Bottega Veneta’s “Craft is Our Language” campaign.
(Photo courtesy of Hypebeast)
Under the artistic vision of photographer Jack Davison and choreographer Lenio Kaklea, the “Craft is our Language” campaign assembles an eclectic mix of cultural figures whose hands do the talking.
The quietly elegant campaign features influential pop music producer Jack Antonoff, visionary designer Edward Buchanan, celebrated film director Dario Argento, filmmaker and music producer Dave Free, esteemed sculptor Barbara Chase-Riboud, and legendary actress Lauren Hutton.
Bottega Veneta’s “Craft is Our Language” campaign.
(Photo courtesy of Hypebeast)
They are joined by Academy Award-winning actor Troy Kotsur, I.N of K-pop sensation Stray Kids, acclaimed actress Vicky Krieps, rising tennis star Lorenzo Musetti, Thai singer-actress Thanaerng, Hollywood luminary Julianne Moore, prominent novelist Zadie Smith, innovative recording artist Tyler Okonma (Tyler, the Creator), and more.
Bottega Veneta’s “Craft is Our Language” campaign.
(Photo courtesy of Hypebeast)
Notably, it was during Edward Buchanan’s time as Design Director (1995–2000) that Bottega Veneta debuted its first Ready-to-Wear line, significantly expanding the brand's fashion footprint.
Similarly noteworthy, Lauren Hutton—actress and enduring beauty icon—became an unexpected ambassador for the brand when she appeared in the 1980 cult classic American Gigolo carrying a Bottega Veneta clutch, helping cement the signature weave’s place in pop culture.
Lauren Hutton famously carried a Bottega Veneta bag in the 1980 film American Gigolo.
(Photo courtesy of Galleria Cavour Bologna)
The bag made a fitting comeback in 2017 as the “Lauren Clutch,” quickly becoming a go-to for celebrities and stylish minimalists alike—those who prefer their fashion statements quiet, yet unmistakably refined.
Through its latest campaign, Bottega Veneta delivered a masterclass in quiet luxury, styling each featured talent in the house’s cult bags, elegant gloves, sleek jackets, and more. Complementing these looks are beautifully captured intimate hand gestures, symbolizing the interconnectedness and creative dialogue at the very heart of the house’s Intrecciato weave.
Bottega Veneta’s “Craft is Our Language” campaign.
(Photo courtesy of Hypebeast)
Building on its message, “Craft is our Language” will grow into an expanded print edition this September, featuring new photography, short films, and fresh perspectives from notable personalities. This anticipated publication will serve as an immersive “dictionary” of the artistry, language, and lasting ideals behind Bottega Veneta’s heritage.
Why Everyone Recognizes a Bottega Even Without the Name
Fittingly, Lauren Hutton carried the iconic Pouch clutch down the Spring 2017 runway.
(Photo courtesy of PurseBlog)
Introduced in 1975, the Intrecciato weave represents a painstaking labor of craftsmanship, requiring days of meticulous hand-weaving.
At the heart of Intrecciato are slender leather strips, known as fettucce, intricately woven diagonally into a specially prepared leather base, contrasting the typical vertical patterns used elsewhere. Similar to fabric cut on the bias, this diagonal weaving technique gives the leather a texture so irresistibly soft, it quickly became a darling of fashion icons everywhere.
Bottega Veneta’s first-ever advertisement ran in Vogue’s March 1975 issue, spotlighting the brand’s iconic Intrecciato weave and its minimalist aesthetic.
(Photo courtesy of Vogue)
As ironic as it may be, Bottega Veneta’s decision to skip trending flashy logos led this subtle design to become its most recognizable symbol of quiet luxury.
One of Bottega Veneta’s earliest campaigns proudly stated, “People know a Bottega the minute they see one. So we put our name on the inside only.” Undisputedly, it’s a sentiment that still rings true today.
Get the Signature Bottega Look (But For Way Less!)
Kendall Jenner kept things chic and simple with a Bottega Veneta Sardine in hand.
(Photo courtesy of Who What Wear)
Bottega Veneta’s iconic leather-weaving technique is renowned for its clever construction, painstaking craftsmanship, and labor-intensive artistry—elements that rightfully command a premium price.
Still, luxury doesn't always mean splurging.
Through online platforms like ZenLuxe, you can access an extensive collection of authentic, gently used Bottega Veneta pieces at just a fraction of their original cost.
Shopping second-hand (or pre-loved, as we like to say!) lets you enjoy the thrill of luxury fashion without the full-price guilt. This means more room in your budget to build that high-end wardrobe of your dreams, without sacrificing an ounce of quality or style. Adding to the convenience, your order is promptly shipped and arrives neatly packaged at your doorstep.
Each item on ZenLuxe is expertly inspected to ensure the premium, pristine quality you expect from top designer names like Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, Dior, Versace, Burberry—you name it!
(Photo courtesy of Hypebeast)
About The Writer
Meet Mariam — a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores; it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
