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Bottega Veneta appoints Louise Trotter as their new creative director

Heidi Truong
- Fashion Blogger -
On December 12th, Kering Group and Bottega Veneta officially announced the appointment of British designer Louise Trotter as the brand's new Creative Director, succeeding Matthieu Blazy.

On December 12th, Kering Group and Bottega Veneta officially announced the appointment of British designer Louise Trotter as the brand's new Creative Director, succeeding Matthieu Blazy.
This exciting leadership change signals a fresh chapter for the iconic fashion house. In a press release, Bottega Veneta’s CEO, Bartolomeo Rongone, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment: “Louise’s aesthetic seamlessly blends refined design with exceptional craftsmanship. Her dedication to celebrating cultural values through her work perfectly aligns with the vision of our brand.”

WHO IS LOUISE TROTTER, THE NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF BOTTEGA VENETA?

Born in 1969 in Sunderland, England, Louise Trotter studied fashion design at Newcastle University before embarking on a remarkable career. She began at Whistles, followed by roles in the U.S. at Calvin Klein, Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger. Upon returning to London, she worked briefly at Jigsaw before spending nine transformative years at Joseph, where she honed her minimalist aesthetic. She then led Lacoste for four years, reimagining its iconic style with a creative edge. In a recent interview with L’OFFICIEL Italia, Trotter shared that her time at Lacoste was marked by exploring “innovative methods of creative elevation.”
 
Trotter’s journey continued as she took the reins at the French label Carven, becoming the first female creative director in its history (after the founder herself). She successfully revived the brand, which had been dormant since Serge Ruffieux’s departure in 2018. Known for her passion for art, Trotter’s design language blends intellect and stability with the philosophy of “less is more,” enriched by artisanal touches that define her creative direction.

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Trotter at work in her Paris studio. Photo: Courtesy of Carven.
Louise Trotter’s appointment has already sparked anticipation across the fashion world, with many eager to see how her artistry and commitment to timeless elegance will shape Bottega Veneta’s future collections. With a focus on craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, her direction promises to uphold the house's legacy while introducing her signature sophistication.

Louise Trotter Joins Bottega Veneta: A New Chapter in the Brand’s Legacy

Francesca Bellettini, Deputy CEO of Kering in charge of brand development, shared her excitement about the appointment: “Louise brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that aligns beautifully with Bottega Veneta’s bold creativity and commitment to excellence. She is the ideal successor to continue the incredible journey Matthieu Blazy began, alongside Leo Rongone and the team at Bottega Veneta. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Matthieu for his visionary and creative contributions.”
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Matthieu Blazy, the former creative director of Bottega Veneta
Louise Trotter steps into her new role after serving as Creative Director at Carven since February 2023. Before that, she led Lacoste from October 2018 to January 2023 and spent nine years shaping the vision at Joseph. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in Trotter’s career, as she inherits and builds upon the strong legacy left by Matthieu Blazy.
 
Under Blazy’s leadership, Bottega Veneta emerged as one of Milan’s standout luxury brands, even in the face of challenges in the high-end fashion market. The brand saw a 4% revenue increase in the first nine months of 2024, reaching €1.23 billion—a remarkable achievement in a turbulent industry. Blazy’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection earned critical acclaim for its inventive designs, including supple leather ensembles, striped shirts, and sequined evening gowns.
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Rihanna and ASAP Rocky (souce: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times, via Getty Images)
Trotter now takes the helm as the only female creative director at a Kering-owned brand, following Sarah Burton’s departure from Alexander McQueen. Reflecting on her new role, Trotter said: “The artistic heritage and creativity of Bottega Veneta are truly inspiring. I am thrilled to contribute to the future of this brand and honor its timeless vision.”
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From Louise Trotter’s fall 2024 Carven collection. Photo by Rochelle Marie Adam
She will officially assume her position at Bottega Veneta at the end of January 2025, ushering in an exciting new era for the house.