Candy-coloured crochet and sell-your-soul squishy bags: Bottega Veneta SS21

ICYMI, back in September, Bottega Veneta took over London’s Sadler's Wells for a socially-distant show shrouded in mystery. Inviting a small number of editors and celebrities to join him at the theatre, designer Daniel Lee presented his SS21 collection, which, in the subsequent weeks, has been kept firmly under wraps by the Milanese house.

Now, in good news for those eager to lay their eyes on the new-season goods, the wait is over, as the label drops a short film of the intimate show, alongside a series of images of the collection both BTS and on the runway. Bathed in Bottega’s now-signature green hue, models made their way through the space to a soundtrack c/o Neneh Cherry, who talked about her personal style, her relationship with clothing, and the intimacy of getting dressed, as the likes of Kanye and North West, and Stormzy and his daughter River looked on. 

When it came to the clothes themselves, Lee further hammered home his message of offbeat elegance, transforming charity-shop salvaged staples – think 90s-esque tailored jackets and flared trousers, homespun 70s-style knitted separates, and slinky crocheted slips – into covetable SS21 essentials (for those with a hefty chunk in their bank account, at least). Looks were finished with outsized overcoats, printed puffers, and naturally, more of the Insta-worthy accessories Lee has made his name on – with barely-there sandals, statement mules, and a succession of sell-your-soul squishy bags all on the line-up.

Check it out in the gallery above and watch the film below.