Dive Brief:
- Louise Trotter has been appointed creative director of Kering-owned Bottega Veneta, according to a Thursday press release. She will join the company at the end of January 2025.
- Trotter is leaving her role as creative director of Carven on Jan. 24, 2025, according to an Instagram post from the brand. She joined the Icicle-owned brand in January 2023 after spending more than four years as creative director at Lacoste.
- Bottega Veneta’s departing creative director, Matthieu Blazy, has been in the role since November 2021 and is leaving the company to become artistic director of fashion activities for Chanel.
Dive Insight:
The creative changeup comes as Kering struggles with earnings declines.
While the company’s third quarter results, reported in October, showed a 4% year-over-year revenue uptick for Bottega Veneta, all the other houses in its fashion stable showed declines, including Gucci, which was down 26% for the period, and Yves Saint Laurent, which dropped 13%.
Trotter, who also worked at Gap and Joseph, could bring a more accessible ready-to-wear aesthetic to Bottega Veneta, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026.
“I am deeply honored to join Bottega Veneta as Creative Director,” Trotter said in the release. “The House’s storied legacy of artistry and innovation is truly inspiring, and I am excited to contribute to its future and celebrate its timeless vision.”
In announcing Trotter’s appointment, Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s deputy CEO in charge of brand development, said the designer would bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Bottega Veneta.
“She is the ideal creative talent to carry forward, alongside Leo Rongone and the Bottega Veneta team, the remarkable journey initiated with Matthieu Blazy, to whom I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his visionary creativity,” Bellettini said in the release.
Bottega Veneta CEO Leo Rongone added that Trotter’s aesthetic and commitment to cultural advocacy aligned well with the brand’s vision.
“Through her sophisticated lens, Bottega Veneta will continue to celebrate its heritage while preserving modern relevance,” Rongone said in the release, adding that he wished Blazy success in his new endeavors.
“I also want to express my profound appreciation for Matthieu, who has been an extraordinary partner in infusing our brand with desirability, emotional resonance, and intellectual identity,” Rongone said.
