London seems to have set the precedent for the subsequent two AW24 fashion weeks, with the Milan edition of the season’s shows plagued by torrential downpours and miserable grey skies, and Paris set to continue the trend when it kicks off tomorrow if the forecast is anything to go by. But while it might have been grotty outside, across the city’s various venues – from disused brutalist warehouses to mega-bougie former palaces – came a cacophony of brilliant collections that managed to lift the mood. Among them was that of Bottega Veneta, one of the most anticipated events of the week. Taking place on Saturday night at the house’s go-to space, as per usual, creative director Matthieu Blazy brought the house down. Here’s everything you need to know.

EVERYONE WENT WILD FOR A VERY PRETTY BOY

Bottega’s front rows are always pretty mega, with everyone from Kelela and Erykah Badu to Peggy Gou and legendary porn star, politician, and cult Italian icon Cicciolina dropping into past shows. This time around saw friends of the house Julianne Moore, Kate Moss, and Salma Hayek catch up pre-show, while former Dazed cover stars Zaya Wade and Shygirl also dropped in. Causing the most uproar as he entered the venue – among the paps lining the pavement and editors already inside – was A$AP Rocky, with the rapper greeting longtime friend Raf Simons with a tight hug and generally charming the shit out of everyone else. 

…AND HE HAD SOME NICE THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MATTHIEU

Post-show, the rapper explained to Dazed why he loves everything Blazy is doing at Bottega Veneta right now – watch the clip above.

THIS SEASON WAS ALL ABOUT BEAUTIFUL, WEARABLE CLOTHES

Last season saw Blazy take guests on a whirlwind trip across the globe, whereas AW24 felt like his feet were firmly back on Milanese terra firma, with the collection feeling a lot more wearable than some of the sensational couture-grade showstoppers we saw for SS24 (like that incredible urchin-like pom-pom dress, for example). 

The designer put forward a succession of gorgeously wearable wardrobe staples revved up to maximum luxury levels, like leather trenches and car coats so buttery soft they practically slipped through your fingers, heavy wool jackets with pumped-up shoulders for a subversive silhouette, and cropped trousers with kicky flared hems – which were all the better for showing off your croc mules and kinky stiletto boots. Knitwear was a big draw too, with models stomping down the runway in intarsia dresses that looked light as air but up close were super heavy and luxe, and chunky double-layered sweaters in chic shades of faded salmon and rich blood red. 

Don’t think that couture stuff was missing, though. Close to the end, Blazy sent a series of anemone-like gowns down the catwalk, only this time they were a lot more wearable beyond the red carpet – one mint choc chip tasselled number came attached to the hem of an easy-to-wear little short-sleeved shirt, while a slinky scarlet version finished off a simple slouching tank top. The epitome of business up top, party on the bottom.

THE DEVIL WAS IN THE DETAILS

…like the dangly earrings that looked like they’d been crafted from polished shells and stones scoured on the beach, future-heirloom gold-trimmed clutches, and chunky beaded enamel necklaces that looked like they were strung with rare and beautiful spotted eggs. The house’s now-signature fish-handled woven bags were also back, while hardcore totes were blown up big enough to accommodate just about everything AND the kitchen sink and dropped in zingy shades of bold tangerine alongside classic black and navy.

IT WAS ABOUT FINDING BEAUTY IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES

With the set supposed to resemble a scorched out landscape with Murano glass cacti emerging from the ashes, post-show Blazy explained “When there is nothing left, you try to make something out of yourself. Dressing brings us dignity, makes us human.

THE AFTERS WERE GREAT

Not all fashion parties are cut the same, with five lacklustre soirées for every decent one that ends up with dancing until the early hours. Bottega, unsurprisingly knows how to throw a decent night, enlisting both A$AP and Shygirl to perform a few tracks each, before London icon Hasani Hotsteppa took over on the decks, dropping tracks like Gaga’s “Government Hooker” as guests draped themselves over the stage. Needless to say there were a few sore heads at the early shows come Sunday morning.