BOTTEGA VENETA: 50 YEARS OF INTRECCIATO MAGIC – ‘CRAFT IS OUR LANGUAGE’

Bottega Veneta just dropped something massive. Their new campaign, “Craft is our Language,” celebrates 50 years of the legendary Intrecciato weave. This isn’t just about leather; it’s about art, connection, and a universal language. Style Cartel is breaking down why this is pure genius.

Bottega Veneta Weaves a Golden Thread Through Time

Dive into Bottega Veneta’s ‘Craft is Our Language’ campaign celebrating 50 years of Intrecciato. Explore the iconic weave, its cultural impact, and the star-studded cast, including Tyler, the Creator, Neneh Cherry and Julianne Moore.

Key Points:

  • Bottega Veneta celebrates 50 years of Intrecciato.
  • ‘Craft is Our Language’ campaign highlights handicraft.
  • The campaign features a diverse, iconic cast.
  • Intrecciato symbolises interconnectedness and skill.
  • Bottega Veneta maintains a no-logo philosophy.

More Than a Weave: Intrecciato’s Golden Anniversary

Bottega Veneta’s iconic Intrecciato is turning fifty. To mark this milestone, the house launched “Craft is our Language.” Photographed by Jack Davison and choreographed by Lenio Kaklea, this campaign is a visual symphony. It champions Bottega Veneta’s unparalleled handcraft. It also celebrates the global power of hand gestures. Intrecciato is more than a technique. It’s a metaphor for connection. It’s about exchange. It represents Bottega Veneta’s collaborative spirit. This spirit originated with its artisan founders in 1966.

The Language of Hands: A Star-Studded Dialogue

“Craft is our Language” captures diverse hand gestures. These gestures represent Intrecciato itself. They also include universal gestures that unite us. The campaign features Bottega Veneta artisans. It also showcases a phenomenal cast. We see singer-songwriter Jack Antonoff. Legendary director Dario Argento is featured. Designer Edward Buchanan is in the mix. Artist Barbara Chase-Riboud makes an appearance. Icon Neneh Cherry is part of the campaign. Filmmaker Dave Free is included. Model and actor Lauren Hutton shines. K-Pop star I.N. is present. Award-winning actor Troy Kotsur participates. Critically acclaimed Vicky Krieps is there. Terrance Lau brings his talent. Rie Miyazawa adds to the brilliance. Academy Award winner Julianne Moore is featured. Tennis pro Lorenzo Musetti is included. Acclaimed actress Shu Qi contributes. Renowned writer Zadie Smith is present. Thanaerng, the singer-actor, also stars. Tyler Okonma, a recording artist and producer, is iconic. Conductor Lorenzo Viotti completes the lineup.

These individuals represent excellence. They also embody Bottega Veneta’s rich history. Edward Buchanan was Design Director from 1995 to 2000. He launched the house’s first Ready-to-Wear line. Lauren Hutton famously carried an Intrecciato clutch. This was in the 1980 film American Gigolo. That moment propelled Bottega Veneta into cultural stardom.

Art, Skill, Craft: A Shared Etymology

Craft is our Language” stages powerful dialogues. It pairs makers with wearers. Artists converse with artisans. Hands speak to minds. Short films show Bottega Veneta artisans. They converse with Barbara Chase-Riboud. They also speak with Lauren Hutton. Thanaerng and Terrance Lau engage. They exchange across various languages. They explore gesture commonalities. They discuss hands’ role in communication. Western thought often separates artist and artisan. This campaign honors their shared Latin root: ars. This word means “art, skill, craft.”

Intrecciato debuted in 1975. It blends artisanal knowledge with imagination. It’s the house’s hallmark. It expresses Bottega Veneta’s core principles. Creating Intrecciato demands immense patience. It takes hours, sometimes days, of skill. Slender leather strips are hand-woven. These fettucce are woven into a base. Sometimes they wrap around a wooden mould. This method draws on Italian tradition. It uses Veneto’s leatherworking expertise. Its innovative diagonal arrangement sets it apart. Its meticulous proportions are unmatched. The leather quality is exceptional.

The Ever-Evolving Icon: Bottega Veneta’s No-Logo Philosophy

Intrecciato is always in motion. It’s a fluid craft. It evolves in Bottega Veneta ateliers. It adapts to the wearer’s body. It is passed down through generations. Intrecciato never needs reinvention. Yet, it can always be reimagined. Think shape, colour, size, structure, and attitude. Bottega Veneta maintains a no-logo philosophy. The house stands out for its quality. Its signature craft is infinitely expressive.

Italian Roots, Global Reach: A Cultural Homage

Celebrating 50 years of Intrecciato reflects Bottega Veneta’s Italian roots. It honours Italian creatives and thinkers. The campaign’s concept and aesthetic pay homage to Milanese artist Bruno Munari. His 1963 handbook, Supplemento al Dizionario Italiano, is classic. This book is a tribute to hand and body expressions. Many moved beyond Naples. They became part of the Italian vernacular. Now, they are international.

The Future Unfolds: A Dictionary of Craft

“Craft is our Language” will also become a book. It releases in September. A second installment of images and films arrives then. It features additional talents. The book will showcase 50 gestures. It forms a “dictionary” of the language. It defines the craft. It embodies the values of Bottega Veneta.

Why These Icons? Tyler, The Creator and the New Generation

Why is the cast so iconic? Edward Buchanan, Barbara Chase-Riboud, Neneh Cherry, Dave Free, Lauren Hutton, I.N., Troy Kotsur, Vicky Krieps, Terrance Lau, Rie Miyazawa, Julianne Moore, Lorenzo Musetti, Shu Qi, Zadie Smith, Thanaerng, Tyler Okonma. These individuals are masters of their craft. They represent diverse fields. They embody creativity and authenticity. This aligns perfectly with Bottega Veneta’s ethos. Tyler, the Creator’s inclusion is particularly significant. He embodies the new generation’s spirit. He’s a true polymath: music, fashion, art. His independent vision resonates. Bottega Veneta connects with this raw, creative energy. They aren’t chasing trends; they are setting them. This mutual respect makes the partnership iconic.

Bottega Veneta’s Enduring Legacy

What do you think of Bottega Veneta’s ‘Craft is our Language’ campaign? Share your thoughts below!

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Charlotte Smith

Editor & Chief

Charlotte Smith is the founder of Style Cartel, a platform dedicated to creating engaging digital content and securing impactful editorial coverage for brands and POCs like herself. With a background in Fashion, digital marketing, or brand strategy, Charlotte brings a wealth of experience in connecting brands with their audiences. She is passionate about showcasing brands with unique stories and values and helping them amplify their reach through compelling content. Charlotte believes that there is a seat at the table for everyone and holds the elevator door open so we all can go to the penthouse suite.