Daniel Lee's Top 10 Accessories for Bottega Veneta
As Daniel Lee says goodbye to his time at Bottega Veneta, let's take a look at his most iconic designs that you need to buy before they sell out and double the price.
Unless you're a true fashionista, it's hard to think of fashion—or, more precisely, accessories—as a sound investment. But as products become more exclusive and more innovative, that perception is likely to change. And that was certainly the case for British designer Daniel Lee.
Earlier this month, he announced that, after three short years, he would be leaving Bottega Veneta following his brilliant show last month in Detroit, Michigan, where he flew to meet celebrities and top editors to see the latest designs. At the end of last year, when the world was still in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he still managed to organize a secret runway show in London attended by only a few guests—including Kanye West—and barring all cell phones.
During his time at Bottega, collectively known as New Bottega, Lee ignored social media and refused to adopt a digital fashion show. He became a reality disruptor, and in doing so, he was awarded four grand prizes at the 2019 Fashion Awards.
Lee knows how to create frenzy and exclusivity, so much so that @newbottega—an Instagram account run by Bottega fans—has amassed 876,000 followers. Lee isn't just elusive; he also knows exactly how to make a coveted It Bag—something he may have learned from his former boss. Prior to joining the brand in 2018, Lee worked under Creative Director Phoebe Philo at Celine and was quickly named as notable new talent.
In addition to that talent, Lee is also a very bright name in the field of investment. As reported on Twitter by fashion journalist and frequent Wall Street Journal contributor Christina Binkley, Kering's shares fell 2.5 percent following the news of Lee leaving Bottega Veneta. Roughly, this drop has wiped out the Pinault family's fortune by $860 million. In other words, Lee's impact on the stock market is as strong as on the runway and on the street. Everyone wants to invest in Lee.
In a recently published report from e-commerce site Rebar, Lee's Bottega Veneta is the only luxury brand that has consistently increased in value. It moves from high-risk to low-risk, meaning that his designs will still retain a significant portion of their value when resold. While not at the level of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Dior, Rebar asserts that Bottega under Lee is the only brand that has consistently climbed the luxury index. And when tracking the value of each It bag, Lee's designs have retained more than 85 percent of their resale value, compared with their predecessor's 35 percent. Leading that charge are the Cassette waist bag and the Cassette crossbody bag.
And without further ado, we've put together a list of what you need to buy now. And as any fashionista inside can tell you, you've got to hurry before these favorites go up in price.
The Pouch handbag, introduced in the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, is the first It Bag from the Lee era by Bottega Veneta. In addition to the classic cloud silhouette, the chain-link straps—first appearing at the Spring/Summer 2020 show—have become iconic and popular designs from day one.
Boots are undoubtedly the most versatile and popular choice for fall and winter. Available in low, medium, and high sole options, the Bottega Veneta shoe comes in classic black as well as two new tones.
A Fashion Week street staple, the Cassette bag is Lee's playful take on Bottega Veneta's iconic Intrecciato leather. By enlarging the weave and making it stretchy like a pillow, he perfectly combines practicality and luxury.
The expanding It bag family includes the Jodie, a handbag named after actress Jodie Foster, who famously used the bag to hide her face from the paparazzi. Available with Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato motif, the small size makes it complete.
The Intrecciato is a signature design of the fashion house, and it has also been paired with the square-heeled Lido shoe. This style is worth the investment and is instantly recognizable as Bottega Veneta by Lee.
Lee's Arco for Bottega Veneta showcases the brand's signature textiles and hides ingenious designs inspired by the Arco della Pace in Milan.
The Stretch—which combines a Bottega square toe with an ankle net—has been an instant hit with fans. With the addition of a gold chain, this design embodies Lee's edgy yet soft and seductive style.
Puddle is the perfect embodiment of Lee's "ugly chic" aesthetic. Following the "ugly shoe" trend, these rubber rain boots make a lovely impression, available in a variety of colors that are easy to coordinate with trousers or skirts. It's worth mentioning that these boots are made with environmentally sustainable materials—making them even more fashionable.
The triangle was a signature element of Lee's tenure at Bottega, appearing on buttons, belts, and pockets in all of his collections. The triangle pattern, woven leather material, and rich color selection make the Point bag an item worthy of It Bag status.
Daniel Lee's Spring/Summer 2021 collection, Salon 01, introduced a new shade of blue for the brand. The so-called "Bottega Blue" has paved the way for "Gen-Z green" to become the hottest color of 2021. So whether it's bags, shoes, purses, or clothes, invest in a green accessory as a memento of Lee's era at Bottega.
Photo: Collectibles
