November 16, 2021: After the shocking, sudden departure of Daniel Lee as Bottega Veneta’s creative director, Bottega Veneta announced the appointment of Matthieu Blazy as Creative Director with immediate effect. The quick announcement boosted investor confidence, showing fast wheels at the brand.
Born in Paris in 1984, Mr. Blazy is a graduate of La Cambre in Brussels. He started his fashion career as Men’s Designer for Raf Simons, before joining Maison Martin Margiela to design the ‘Artisanal’ line and the Women’s RTW show. His time at Maison Martin Margiela was much noticed, especially with Kayne West wearing a Martin Margiela crystal mask from the brand’s 2013 collection.
In 2014, Mr. Blazy became Senior Designer at Céline, before working again with Raf Simons at Calvin Klein from 2016 to 2019. He was appointed RTW Design Director at Bottega Veneta in 2020 – and was thus number 2 under Mr. Lee.
Kanye West in Maison Martin Margiela crystal mask
Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, said: “Matthieu Blazy is an extraordinarily talented individual, whom I am proud and excited to entrust with the creative helm of our luxury House. Bottega Veneta has always been equated with signature craftsmanship and distinctive creativity. Matthieu’s appointment will further enhance the modern relevance of our brand and accelerate our growth, while preserving the values that are at the core of Bottega Veneta.”
There is not expected to be much difference between the design codes of Mr. Lee and Mr. Blazy. However, the latter has a vibrant, eclectic Instagram profile as against Mr. Lee who wasn’t a social media admirer. Will the brand see a revival of social media under the new creative director?
A French and Belgian national, Mr. Blazy lives between Antwerp and Milan. He will present his first collection for Bottega Veneta in February 2022.
– By Sarah Micho