After Revitalizing Carven, Trotter Succeeds Matthieu Blazy’s Renowned Tenure at Bottega
Bottega Veneta has officially named Louise Trotter as its new creative director. Trotter’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Italian luxury brand as it looks to build on Blazy’s celebrated tenure while continuing its legacy of innovative craftsmanship and understated elegance. Her role will officially begin at the end of January.
Speaking to the appointment, Bottega Veneta CEO Leo Rongone said, “I am pleased to welcome Louise as our new Creative Director. Her aesthetic seamlessly combines exquisite design with sublime craft and her commitment to cultural advocacy aligns beautifully with our brand vision. Through her sophisticated lens, Bottega Veneta will continue to celebrate its heritage while preserving modern relevance. I also want to express my profound appreciation for Matthieu, who has been an extraordinary partner in infusing our brand with desirability, emotional resonance, and intellectual identity.”
A native of Sunderland, England, Trotter studied marketing and design at Newcastle Polytechnic. She began her career at British high-street favorite Whistles, eventually rising to the position of buying and design director. Her trajectory continued with significant roles, including vice president of womenswear design at Gap in New York and head of womenswear at Calvin Klein. In 2007, she returned to the UK as creative director of Jigsaw, where her debut collection received critical acclaim.
In 2009, Trotter took the reins at Joseph, succeeding founder Joseph Ettedgui. During her nine-year tenure, she revitalized the brand’s in-house line, emphasizing sharp tailoring and a minimalist aesthetic that resonated with a global audience. Her leadership was instrumental in the brand’s international expansion and the introduction of its first menswear collection.
Trotter made history in 2018 as the first female creative director of Lacoste. Her tenure was marked by a harmonious blend of the brand’s sporting heritage with contemporary fashion elements, appealing to a diverse clientele. Her designs often showcased a playful reinterpretation of classic pieces, reflecting her innovative spirit.
In February 2023, Trotter was appointed creative director of Carven, a brand that had not shown since 2018. Her debut collection, unveiled during Paris Fashion Week, was lauded for honoring the house’s legacy while infusing modern simplicity, effectively revitalizing the brand’s presence in the fashion industry.
Trotter’s appointment at Bottega Veneta is seen as a strategic move to continue the brand’s trajectory of innovation and respect for heritage. Her adeptness at blending tradition with modernity aligns seamlessly with Bottega Veneta’s philosophy of quiet luxury. Industry insiders anticipate that her vision will further elevate the brand’s distinctive identity.
“I am deeply honored to join Bottega Veneta as Creative Director,” said Trotter. “The House’s storied legacy of artistry and innovation is truly inspiring, and I am excited to contribute to its future and celebrate its timeless vision.”
Her inaugural collection for Bottega Veneta is slated to debut during Milan Fashion Week in the Fall 2025 season. Along with the rest of the fashion world, we are eagerly awaiting a first glimpse at Trotter’s take on this storied brand that has emerged as one of the foremost forces in luxury fashion.
