What's better than Bottega Veneta jewellery? Bottega Veneta fine jewellery, of course! Launched on October, the new collection was presented to a happy few at a stunning historical palace in the Cannaregio district of Venice. Available at select stores worldwide, this meticulously crafted collection celebrates creative director Matthieu Blazy’s debut in fine jewellery for the house. This launch honours Vicenza’s artisanal heritage, expands Bottega’s reach, and signals an exciting return of the Maison to fine jewellery. .
Matthieu Blazy’s vision comes to life
This launch is a significant milestone for Blazy, who before working at Bottega Veneta, had an impressive portfolio of creative collaborations with Raf Simons, Maison Martin Margiela, Céline under Phoebe Philo, and Calvin Klein. His promotion into Bottega Veneta’s creative director role in 2021, when his predecessor Daniel Lee was abruptly fired after several allegations of misconduct at workspace, opened new doors for him. Kering, the luxury powerhouse behind many fashion houses and jewellery brands including Boucheron and Pomellato and now a proper beauty department, helped pave the way for Blazy’s creative ambitions outside of the world of fashion that he was previously used to. After successfully launching his first perfume collection this autumn, he is keen to take his role to the next level and try himself as a jeweller. He shared his excitement with Vogue: “I was like a fish in water!” he stated, “We produce exceptional things when it comes to clothes and bags because we have great artisans – so I thought, why not jewellery?” Working with premium 18kt gold and diamonds of the highest quality, alongside Vicenza’s seasoned artisans – it was only a matter of time before Blazy’s vision came to fruition.
Why are brands embracing fine jewellery?
The phenomenon of fashion houses coming out with fine jewellery collections and collaborations is on the rise. In search of reaching wider audiences, industry titans like Saint Laurent, Prada, and Balmain unveiled their fine jewellery lines in recent years. And let’s not forget all the hype around Alessandro Michele’s highly successful whimsical high jewellery collections at Gucci (TBC if they will be continued under Sabato de Sarno), and Balenciaga’s recent collaboration with New-York based Swiss high jeweller and watchmaker Jacob & Co, unveiled during a destination show in Los Angeles last December.
For Bottega Veneta, however, this launch is more than just an effort to branch out, explore new creative avenues, or keep up with industry trends – it marks a homecoming. The brand's former creative director Tomas Maier, had expanded into fine jewellery, fragrances, and accessories in the early 2000s. Blazy’s collection revives that heritage, jumpstarting a new fine jewellery era for Bottega.
Collection’s highlights
Inspired by its Venetian roots, Bottega Veneta pays homage to its birthplace, Vicenza, where its first atelier was opened in 1966. Also known as the city of gold, its historic expertise in goldwork and jewellery-making dates back to the 14th century. Blending natural forms with architectural references, the collection presents three families with distinct aesthetic elements. Featuring necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, all 15 pieces can be styled as sets, or mixed and matched while remaining cohesive.
The Drop family takes the signature drop shape and crafts it into delicate, wearable pieces in yellow and white gold, some adorned with premium diamonds. Meanwhile, the Primavera family draws inspiration from wildflowers, featuring intricate designs with diamond settings.
Finally, the Catena family echoes the structures of Bottega’s Fin and Twisted jewellery lines, reimagined with elements inspired by Venetian chandeliers.
Courtesy: Bottega Veneta
Text: Leilani Streshinsky