Daniel Lee replaces Tomas Maier at Bottega Veneta
Last week, Kering announced the departure of creative director of Bottega Veneta, Tomas Maier, who has been leading the rapid growth of the brand during his 17-year tenure; and Daniel Lee is set to be the new helm.
During his 17-year tenure as creative director, Tomas Maier conceives the ideas and core values of Bottega that he named 'The Four Cornerstones': the fine-quality materials, extraordinary craftsmanship, contemporary functionality, and timeless design.
The designer has created the iconic Cabat Bag for his first collection, embracing the house's logo-less heritage and carrying forward the famous motto of 'When Your Own Initials Are Enough.'
And the bag has since become the top-seller of the house, laying the great bases and milestones for Bottega Veneta.
Just days after his departure, Kering has already named Bottega Veneta's new creative director – Daniel Lee, a budding designer who has worked for the likes of Céline, Balenciaga and more.
(Photo Courtesy: Collier Schorr)
'I’m both honoured and excited to continue the legacy that has been created at Bottega Veneta over the last five decades.'
– Daniel Lee
In an announcement by Kering, Daniel Lee expressed his gratitude saying, "Maintaining the ingrained codes of the House, craftsmanship, quality and sophistication, I look forward to evolving what has gone before while contributing a new perspective and modernity."
Commencing his appointment from 1st July 2018 onwards, the 32-year-old Central Saint Martins graduate was most recently the Director of Ready-to-Wear Design at Céline, and formerly worked at Maison Margiela, Balenciaga and Donna Karan.
While, the appointment of Daniel Lee is an unexpected move of Kering, it's not the first time the luxury group name a behind-the-scenes designer to take over its brand.
And if Balenciaga and Gucci's blossoming revenue, under Demna Gvasalia and Alessandro Michele, is any testimony, we expect great things from Daniel.
Appointing a talent who has been working with Phoebe Philo at Céline for over six years, along with experiences at avant-garde houses like Maison Margiela and Balenciaga, what will be the next step of Bottega Veneta, under the vision of Daniel?
Will it be a modern sublime? Or a luxury minimalist?
One thing's for sure, Daniel Lee's debut at Bottega Veneta is going to be the talk of the town!
Also, to find out who's in and who's out in fashion, simply head to our "Designer Musical Chairs" tag right here.
