Bottega Veneta: Childlike Wonder Meets High Fashion

By Cassidy Crockett

Matthieu Blazy,  Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, captured the essence of his Spring 2025 fashion show with the phrase "Childhood Wonder." Held in an enormous industrial space in Milan, the show featured whimsical animal-shaped bean bag chairs that created a striking contrast against the stark surroundings. This surreal setting created a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting celebrities and famed fashion critics to sink into the playful seating like children as the collection unfolded.

The garments showcased a comforting blend of oversized blazers and perfectly wrinkled trousers, all echoing a sense of childlike fantasy. Accessories, from frog pins to bags inspired by Richard Scarry’s beloved characters, further emphasized this theme. The collection seemed to celebrate the uninhibited joy of dressing up, reminiscent of childhood play where imagination knows no bounds. In those formative years, I believe we adorn ourselves with whatever sparks our imagination, unburdened by concerns of social perception or appropriateness.

This exploration of self-expression taps into a deeper narrative: a journey toward self-discovery. In a world that often chokes creativity and curiosity, Bottega Veneta’s collection serves as a reminder of the unfiltered joy we once found in dressing up, urging us to reconnect with that sense of wonder through a nostalgic atmosphere. 

The echoes of Surrealism also resonate throughout this show and others like it, such as Schiaparelli. Surrealism, which emerged in the late 1910s as a reaction against the rationalism that contributed to World War I, sought to unlock the unconscious mind and reinterpret reality through dreams. Today, in a climate of unrest and uncertainty, this artistic movement is experiencing a resurgence. It serves as a creative protest against the mundane and the violent world we call home, offering fresh perspectives on how to envision the future. A comfort of hope and possibility for change.

By drawing on the purest moments of our childhoods and infusing them into our lives, designers like Blazy are encouraging us to imagine anew. Bottega Veneta’s Spring 2025 collection is not just about fashion; I believe it’s a celebration of creativity, an invitation to dream, and a reminder that wonder can still coexist with high fashion. That sometimes it is necessary to strip down to our roots and look up to our childhood selves.