At Milan Fashion Week on September 27, 2025, Bottega Veneta presented its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, a debut for newly appointed creative director Louise Trotter.
The show quickly became one of the most talked-about events of the season, not just for its design direction but also for its star-studded front row. Among the most notable figures were BTS’s RM, Stray Kids’ I.N, and MEOVV’s Sooin, Fai Khadra, Julianne Moore, Michelle Yeoh, Uma Thurman, Vicky Krieps, and music producer Jack Antonoff.
RM, Bottega Veneta’s global ambassador, stood out in a beige crewneck paired with matching straight-leg trousers. His look was accessorized with layered necklaces and multiple rings, praised by fans and fashion media for its understated elegance. His newly blonde hair blended seamlessly with the earthy palette.
Since becoming Bottega Veneta’s first brand ambassador in March 2023, RM has had limited chances to represent the label globally because of his 18-month military service. He first appeared with the brand at Milan Fashion Week in February 2023, making his debut at the FW23 show in a refined, understated look.
Stray Kids’ I.N became Bottega Veneta’s ambassador in January 2025 and first appeared at the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 show in Milan. His latest return highlighted his partnership and the brand strategy of reaching younger audiences through K-pop.
As opposed to his previous appearances, I.N opted for an understated yet elegant look this time. He paired a black blazer over a black T-shirt with wide-leg denim.
For Sooin of MEOVV, the show marked a debut. It was her first time attending a Bottega Veneta presentation at Milan Fashion Week, and her arrival quickly became a point of conversation online. With sleek styling and her long black hair framing her look, she carried herself with an ease that suggested she could become one of the brand’s next rising partners.
The SS26 collection itself reflected a confident new era for Bottega Veneta with Louise Trotter at the helm. The British designer, who previously led Joseph, Lacoste, and Carven, built her debut around the idea of the “bottega” or workshop.
She honored the 50th anniversary of the house’s signature Intrecciato leather weave, which appeared throughout the lineup, including a striking cape that took 4,000 hours to complete by hand. Trotter introduced the theme of “soft functionality” with supple squash messenger bags, oversized folded clutches, and relaxed tailoring.
Presented in a minimalist warehouse in south Milan, the show featured a commissioned soundtrack by Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen and designs created from thousands of recycled glass strips as a nod to Venetian glassmaking traditions.
Trotter described her vision as “personality over polish,” and the clothing reflected this philosophy with loose sleeves, hems trailing over flat shoes, and elongated cuffs. She expanded the use of Intrecciato beyond bags into coats and blouses, while adding new handbag shapes, shimmery “tinsel” shirts, and glossy patent clogs.
The show took place on September 27 at 5 p.m. CEST and stood out in a packed Milan Fashion Week schedule running from September 23 to 29, 2025. This season marked several major creative director debuts across Italian fashion houses, including Demna at Gucci and Dario Vitale at Versace.
