Celebration is in order. The fashion house’s leather weave, Intrecciato, marks 50 years of elegant weaves.
Bottega Veneta, a brand that’s synonymous with the art of elegance and craftsmanship, has recently unveiled its latest campaign titled “Craft is our Language”. At the heart of it all is the intricate weaving of the Intrecciato, or as a matter of fact, a metaphor for interconnectedness and collaboration–a value that has defined the brand since its founding by a collective of artisans in 1966.
Since its beginning in 1975, the Intrecciato (pronounced in-TREH-chah-toh) is an elegant blend of deep artisanal knowledge and artistic imagination. An icon in its own right, the intricate weaving technique requires skill, patience and time to create the work of art. Through hand-weaving of slender leather strips into a leather base panel or around a wooden mould, it’s what defines the Intrecciato, a symbol of excellence.
This method draws on a long-standing Italian tradition of weaving and leatherworking expertise from Bottega Veneta’s native Veneto region, distinguished by its innovative diagonal arrangement, meticulous proportions, and exceptional leather quality.
Bottega Veneta unveils “Craft is our Language”
Meet the icons.
Staying true to this ethos, the campaign, shot by Jack Davison and choreographed by Lenio Kaklea, showcases hand gestures that embody Intrecciato, as well as other universal gestures that connect people across different generations, cultures, and backgrounds.
Tying it all together, the campaign features Bottega Veneta’s artisans alongside notable figures from various fields, from music to fashion and sports. Take a peek and you’ll find singer-songwriter Jack Antonoff, director Dario Argento, designer Edward Buchanan, artist Barbara Chase-Riboud, singer Neneh Cherry, filmmaker Dave Free, actress Lauren Hutton, singer I.N., actor Troy Kotsur, actress Vicky Krieps, actor Terrance Lau, actress Rie Miyazawa, actress Julianne Moore, tennis player Lorenzo Musetti, actress Shu Qi, writer Zadie Smith, singer-actress Thanaerng, recording artist Tyler Okonma, and conductor Lorenzo Viotti.
Two of the featured individuals hold particular significance in Bottega Veneta’s history. Edward Buchanan served as Design Director from 1995 to 2000 and introduced the brand’s first Ready-to-Wear collection. On the other hand, Lauren Hutton famously carried an Intrecciato clutch in the 1980 film “American Gigolo,” which elevated Bottega Veneta and its signature weave into a new realm of cultural recognition.
“Craft is our Language” sets a scene between maker and wearer, artist and artisan, hand and mind. The campaign’s short films feature conversations between Bottega Veneta artisans and notable figures, including Barbara Chase-Riboud, Lauren Hutton, Thanaerng, and Terrance Lau, as they explore the commonality of gestures and the role of hands in communication and creativity across cultures.
Honouring a timeless legacy
As Bottega Veneta honours the 50th anniversary of its iconic Intrecciato leather weave, the campaign “Craft is our Language” also beautifully intertwines the brand’s deep Italian roots with its ongoing celebration of local artistic talents. This initiative pays homage to the visionary Milanese artist and designer Bruno Munari, renowned for his 1963 masterpiece, “Supplemento al Dizionario Italiano” (Supplement to the Italian Dictionary). Published by Corraini, this seminal work highlights the richness of Italian gestures, many of which have transcended their Neapolitan origins to become integral to both Italian and global culture.
In a delightful twist, the campaign will also introduce a book set to debut in September. Inside, readers will find 50 carefully curated gestures that form a unique “dictionary” encapsulating the essence, artistry, and values of Bottega Veneta. A true celebration of craftsmanship, this initiative redefines language through the intricate dialogue of hands and creativity.
Discover more here.
All images credited to Bottega Veneta
