Kering announce Matthieu Blazy as Bottega Veneta’s new Creative Director

Kering moves quickly to announce Matthieu Blazy as the Creative Director of Bottega Veneta just five days after the news of Daniel Lee’s departure.

Who is Matthieu Blazy? Bottega Veneta’s new visionary was promoted from within Kering where he worked alongside Daniel Lee during his time there, who he also worked with at Celine under Phoebe Philo. Cited as a behind the scenes character, Matthieu Blazy has worked for Raf Simons and was also the unknown designer behind Maison Margiela’s artisinal couture line, until Suzy Menkes casually mentioned the little-known fact in an article in 2014.

Matthieu Blazy’s prompt succession, suggests that Kering had Lee’s replacement lined up before the announcement that he would be leaving became public and gives more weight to speculation that Daniel Lee was fired due to being difficult to work with as a source told WWD he had been described as “uncommunicative” by Kering. Blazy’s appointment as creative director also indicates that Kering want a continuation of what Daniel Lee started rather than a complete overhaul of what is often referred to as the “New Bottega”.

“Matthieu Blazy is an extraordinarily talented individual, whom I am proud and excited to entrust with the creative helm of our luxury house,” said Leo Rongone, chief executive officer of the company.

Kering has so far had a successful track record of promoting talent from within the company to lead their luxury houses, Alessandro Michele of GUCCI being a prime example. So the pressure to exceed the work of his predecessor is definitely on for Matthieu Blazy who will present is first collection in February 2022.

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