Bottega Veneta and Daniel Lee are ending their successful partnership after three years— a “joint decision”, according to a press release from Bottega Veneta’s parent company Kering. Since July 2018, Lee has been the creative helm for the Milanese house.
Bottega Veneta is an incredible place to work. Lee released a statement saying that he was grateful to have worked alongside a talented and exceptional team and that he will always be thankful to everyone who helped to create our vision. “Thank you to Francois-Henri Pinault for his support, and for the opportunity to be part of Bottega Veneta’s story.”
Prior to his creative director role, Lee worked under Phoebe Philo at Céline and at Donna Karan. Bottega Veneta was his time there and he saw unmatched success. The label is known for its “stealth wealth”, reputation for creating quietly luxe pieces.
Bottega was a bit more glamorous, flashier and easily recognizable under Lee. According to Business of Fashion sales rose by 2.2 percent in 2019, to $1.4 billion. They also managed to continue growing in the challenging 2020 market. Much of that growth is owed to a series of handbags that stole fashion hearts the world over—including a revamp of Bottega Veneta’s famed intrecciato style, pouch clutch bags that launched endless copycats, and the cassette bag featuring heavy gold hardware. There has been talk that Bottega Veneta might make the green hue Lee popularized at the brand one of its most valuable assets.
“I am very grateful to Daniel for having brought his passion and energy to Bottega Veneta,” François-Henri Pinault, Chairman & CEO of Kering said, “His singular vision made the House’s heritage relevant for today and put it back to the center of the fashion scene.”
Doubtlessly Lee became a beloved designer within the fashion space. Instagram accounts like New bottega Veneta have amassed 872 million loyal fans, while the brand itself went dark. Bottega Veneta has yet to name a successor, and Lee has not announced his next destination.
Source: elle