Bottega Veneta’s creative director Matthieu Blazy‘s Winter 2024 collection emerges as a powerful testament to themes of introspection, resilience, and rebirth. Drawing inspiration from the stark beauty of dry, barren landscapes, the collection pays homage to environments where life not only survives but thrives against the odds.
Shot in the remote and dramatic settings of Utah and Nevada, near the enigmatic Area 51, the campaign captures the essence of Blazy’s vision. Photographer Alec Soth, who collaborated with Blazy on the Spring/Summer 2024 campaign in Tokyo, helps to bring this vision to life through images of models set against towering rock formations, desolate roads, distant mountain vistas, sculptural branches, and the resilient flora of the desert.
The collection seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, showcasing earthy tones that highlight its tailored design. Although predominantly understated, it features striking pops of colour, including Bottega Veneta’s signature Andiamo Tote, crafted from woven lambskin, remained in a eye-catching red.
Bottega Veneta’s signature Andiamo Tote. Photography by Alec Soth / Magnum Photos @littlebrownmushroom.
In addition to the photoshoot is a compelling film directed by Rahim Fortune. It opens with sweeping, expansive shots of the barren landscape, echoing Soth’s iconic imagery. The visuals showcase models navigating the vast, empty desert with a dual sense of leisurely exploration and purposeful urgency.
The film’s visual narrative is enriched by close-ups of fragile desert flora, their delicate forms quivering in the breeze. These moments of subtle contrast emphasise the resilience of life in such a rugged environment, aligning perfectly with the collection’s themes of introspection and rebirth.
The film’s soundscape, crafted by Le Motel, further enhances the mood with its suspenseful tones. Crackling fire and ambient wind create a sense of anticipation, perfectly aligning with the collection’s themes of resilience and rebirth. This auditory backdrop, combined with the striking visuals, evokes a profound connection to the stark yet vibrant world depicted in Blazy’s Winter 2024 collection.
