Take a Bow

Tomas Maier’s 15th year at Bottega Veneta coincides serendipitously with the house’s 50th anniversary. The creative director shares his thoughts on the past, present and future, in this exclusive interview with  JACQUIE ANG

CRAFTSMANSHIP HAS ALWAYS been the beating heart of Bottega Veneta. From a humble artisanal goods workshop in Vicenza founded by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro in 1966 (the name “Bottega Veneta” literally means “Venetian workshop” in Italian), it has now come of age as a luxury powerhouse offering a comprehensive range spanning leather goods, ready-to-wear and accessories to watches and home furnishings.

“Heritage and tradition are inherent values of Bottega Veneta,” Tomas Maier points out. “We will always stay true to the artisanal roots of the house, a cultural heritage which fuses technique and creativity with know-how and gestures that have been passed down over time and grant our brand’s identity.”

The 59-year-old German remembers fondly the first time he met the artisans: “It was shortly after I joined. I was very moved by their incredible passion for their work, even when the company was struggling to survive.”

Things revved up after its acquisition by Kering (formerly known as Gucci Group) in February 2001. The quiet, elegant Bottega Veneta was meant to be the counterpoint to the sexy, glamourous Gucci. Tom Ford, who served as creative director of Gucci Group then, knew the power of match-making. He wasted no time approaching Maier, who had honed his craft in stealth luxe designing for some of the most illustrious names in fashion: Guy Laroche, Sonia Rykiel and Hermès. In June, Maier was appointed creative director of the brand and by September, produced a collection of bags and shoes to show for Spring/Summer 2002.