Bottega Veneta, the renowned fashion house, has unveiled a new boutique within Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, showcasing a design crafted by the creative director Matthieu Blazy. The two-storey store marries three principal materials – glass, Italian walnut, and green Verde Saint Denis marble – in a meticulous grid pattern, echoing Italian modernism and introducing a sense of domestic intimacy.
Material Harmony and Modernist Grids: Design Language
Blazy’s design narrative unfolds through grids that organize the distinct materials – Italian walnut, glass blocks, and green marble – into an aesthetically pleasing symphony. The glass-block grids, strategically integrated into walls and ceilings, emanate a warm glow, while the Italian walnut takes center stage in the form of a dramatic spiral staircase, panelling, and modular shelving, creating a cohesive spatial experience.
Italian Modernist Inspirations: A Fusion of Styles
Inspired by Italian modernist architecture, the design seeks to juxtapose the warmth of a domestic interior with the avant-garde aesthetic reminiscent of a spaceship. The boutique encapsulates varied spatial experiences, offering shoppers an intimate and imaginative journey, not just in fashion but also in the architectural ambiance.
Elegance in Detail: Sculptural Elements and Textures
The meticulous attention to detail extends to sculptural polished metal elements, which serve as door pulls and clothes hooks, adding a touch of sophistication. The fusion of smooth and textured surfaces, complemented by golden planters and custom furniture, elevates the elegance of the space. Soft textures, such as leather seating and wool carpets, harmonize with the modular shelving units, fostering a sense of discovery and play.
Functional Aesthetics: Fitting Rooms and Walnut Niches
Fitting rooms, enveloped in walnut, feature leather-wrapped niches that serve as comfortable seating areas. Giant mirrors with integrated lighting and green carpeting further enhance the luxurious and functional appeal of the spaces. The integration of green leather chairs, rounded wood tables, and stools creates inviting lounge areas, inviting visitors to linger and appreciate the meticulous design.
Milanese Opulence: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Located within the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a neo-classical shopping arcade designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1861, the boutique seamlessly merges with the opulence of its surroundings. The glass-vaulted double arcade, a Milanese landmark, serves as a backdrop to Bottega Veneta’s latest expression of luxury and sophistication.
Matthieu Blazy’s Creative Reign: A Distinct Design Language
The Milan boutique is a testament to Matthieu Blazy’s distinctive design language since assuming the role of creative director in 2021. Following the openings on London’s Sloane Street and Paris’s Avenue Montaigne, Blazy continues to shape Bottega Veneta’s spatial identity, creating immersive environments that reflect the brand’s ethos and timeless elegance.**
Collaborative Endeavors: Gaetano Pesce’s Artistry
Notable collaborations, such as the Spring Summer 2023 runway show with Italian designer Gaetano Pesce, further underline Bottega Veneta’s commitment to artistic expressions. The collaboration featured a vibrant resin-covered floor and bespoke cotton-and-resin chairs, showcasing a harmonious blend of fashion and art. Pesce’s subsequent creation of handbags for the brand, evoking bucolic landscapes, adds another layer to Bottega Veneta’s commitment to the fusion of creativity and luxury.
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