Louise Trotter takes a bow after a Carven show in 2024.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Milan Fashion Week is underway, and this morning we’re watching one of the most anticipated designer debuts this season: Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta. Unlike other designer debuts, there has been very little teasing about what’s to come at the label (the brand doesn’t have an Instagram account). And aside from two custom-Trotter looks for Julianne Moore and Vicky Krieps at Cannes this year, we’re in the dark about where Trotter’s tenure at the label is going. Below, everything you need to know about Bottega Veneta’s Summer 2026 show, as it unfolds.
This is a developing story.
Louise Trotter, who is succeeding Matthieu Blazy in the role of Bottega’s new creative director, is presenting her first official collection with the label to much fanfare. One of the few women to helm a brand in luxury fashion, Trotter boasts an experienced resume. Before Bottega, she had spent two years as the creative director of Carven, led design at Lacoste and has worked at Gap, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Whistles and Jigsaw.
A flat piece of leather emblazoned with a new Bottega logo, is laser-cut and folds out into a bag, reminiscent of the brand’s intrecciato pattern and a sign she’ll be leaning into the house’s heritage.
On the Wednesday before the show, a teaser trailer was sent out to the fashion world. I was excited for this sneak peek — even if the video is very “go girl, give us nothing.” I think maybe that’s the point, and while I was a little sad to not get any more intel, it made me even more excited for the big show.
Photo: Getty Images
On the Cannes red carpet in May, Trotter showed a custom look on Julienne Moore, which was on the first pieces she debuted. If this is any indication of the direction, sign us up for more.
Louis Trotter’s Bottega Veneta debut takes place in Milan on Saturday, September 27 at 5 p.m. CEST (Central European Summer Time)/11 a.m. EST. You can livestream the show for free on Bottega Veneta’s website or YouTube channel.
