Musée Magazine Issue No. 5 Vol. 1 - Fashion | Page 30

© Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
Your designs are timeless and meant to be worn
for multiple seasons, which may be seen as
“anti-fashion” by some. Does this philosophy
translate to the photographers you choose for
Bottega Veneta? The way you collect art?
The work I do at Bottega Veneta is based on the commitment
to what I call the four cornerstones: the finest
quality materials, artisanal craftsmanship, contemporary
functionality, and timeless design. Photographers
are chosen based on what makes sense, as we have
discussed earlier. My personal taste in art is eclectic.
Have you ever thought about taking photos
yourself?
While anything is possible, for now I enjoy the collaborative
process.
You recently opened an exhibition space in
Shanghai, in the same building as your luxury store.
I believe this gallery is the first of its kind. Does this
new gallery put you on the cutting edge of merging
fashion and art?
We feel it is an extension of our long history of engagement
with artists.
Photography is your personal passion, while
clothing is a professional one. Is this space the
intersection of two passions?
It is definitely an intersection between my passion for
beautifully designed and made products, and my love
for art.
Will you be expanding on this concept? Galleries in
Paris and New York, perhaps? Or maybe a Bottega
Veneta museum?
We shall see, based on what feels right for the brand.
A high fashion “shopping experience” used to mean
that a sales attendant brought you a glass of wine.
Now, it means there’s an art gallery on the second
floor, in Shanghai. Is the act of buying clothes no
longer enough for the high fashion consumer? Do
we expect more, and why? What is the future of the
flagship store?
For the luxury client, the experience has definitely
become more important. Given the variety and cost of
product available today, it is only natural to expect more.
Bottega Veneta has evolved into the luxury lifestyle