WORDS BY SOPHIE HENDERSON
All hail Daniel Lee. The year is 2020 and the New Bottega fangirl is a force to be reckoned with. She seamlessly merges her minimal wardrobe with the understated elegance of Daniel Lee’s Bottega Veneta. Cloud-like, dumpling pouch bags are on her agenda, and she rounds off her look with padded mules, chain mesh pumps and wrap-around sandals.
Filling the minimal void that emerged when Phoebe Philo left Céline, Daniel Lee is ushering Bottega Veneta into a new era. He embarks on a fashion renaissance (with a Designer of the Year award already in his pouch, of course). Bringing with him a rare sense of excitement that the industry has been craving, he celebrates the freedom of self-expression, but also discretion. Daniel Lee celebrates luxury, but reasserts the label’s relevance in a logo-manic landscape. And, with such a wide range of Bottega Veneta shoes available comes confusion about the sizing, fit and styling of individual styles ― things that minimal cool-girls who adopt the brand rarely ever discuss.
We got in touch with five Bottega Veneta savvys to target the all important questions. Do Bottega Veneta shoes run true to size? Are Bottega Veneta shoes comfortable? What can I wear with square toe, padded sandals? Now you can join the New Bottega club with total peace of mind.
Photographer @sophiesahara
The Wrap-around Ankle Strap Sandals
Claire (@clairerose)
Based in New York
What do you love about New Bottega? And of course, the Wrap-Around Ankle Strap Sandals?
"Growing up my mum wore Bottega Veneta. I love the fact that the brand has such a timeless brand identity, and never has the need to scream its name in capital letters on every single product. The designs are smart, and I could live from a closet stocked only with New Bottega. Well, who couldn't?"
Sizing and fit:
"The fit is perfect, Bottega wrap-around sandals are true to size. Don't forget your pedicure. They easily survived NYFW in 40 degrees F/ 5 degree Celsius, and if that isn't comfortable enough, I don't know what is."
Styling:
"What I find interesting about the snake-effect sandals is that you can style them in so many different ways. I feel like I am wearing a totally new look every time I wear them. I love the shoes under a dress, with an oversized blouse, a skirt, around a pair of jeans, or even around a suit."
"I styled them with an all-pink Nanushka look — the brown shoes with a pale look allowed them to stand out as the hero piece. If I convince one of my friends to throw a jungle-themed party, guess what I will be wearing?"
Image by @Monroesteele
The Lido Mules
Monroe (@monroesteele)
Based in New York
What do you love about New Bottega? And of course, your Lido Mules?
"What’s not to love? Ever since Daniel Lee became Creative Director, I've been very drawn to his accessories, particularly footwear and handbags. I first saw the Lido Mules on the New Bottega Instagram account, and I instantly knew I needed them in my closet. They’re such a chic, luxe design."
"Daniel Lee is on the pulse of what women want to wear. He is filling a gap in the market right now with his own modern aesthetic (and he’s not trying too hard). Bottega Veneta will be what all the It Girls are wearing in 2020."
Style and fit:
"I actually have three pairs, and my Bottega Veneta Mules are true to size. The front of all the mules are square and just out a little further than your toes, but that's how it's supposed to look. The Lido Mules have to be one of my most comfortable pairs of designer shoes. The height is just perfect, and I never slip due to the rubber grips. I can walk around Miami all day without a problem."
Styling:
"I love pairing my Nude Lido Mules with clean, modern outfits. They work well with other neutrals, so an all white look or a monochrome look works. I love tan, taupe, brown, cream and white. You can also rock them with a pair of form fitting blue jeans, a white tee and an oversized blazer for a relaxed look."
"These shoes are made for all occasions. You can dress them up, or dress them down. They can be worn to a summer wedding with a lovely floral dress or on a coffee run. I adore them for their versatility."
Image by @Mascarada.paris
The Padded Bloc Pumps
Based in Paris
What do you love about New Bottega? And of course, your Padded Bloc Pumps?
"I'm an architect, and so I appreciate the overall design aesthetic of Bottega Veneta. From the padded styles to the intrecciato weaving, I recognise the legacy of the brand. The Padded Bloc Pumps were a huge style crush for me — from the shape, to the fact that you can wear them all year round. They’re a must-have piece."
Sizing and fit:
"Bottega Veneta pumps are true to size. I wore them at Jean Paul Gaultier’s last ever show at Paris Fashion Week, all night long. I felt so good!"
Styling:
"That night I wore them with a white dress vintage cut from Rowen Rose. I added accents of yellow to my look. It matched perfectly with the signal blue shoes. I do think they are statement shoes, but at the same time they are very easy to wear. I’d choose to style them with wide-leg jeans, leather Bermuda shorts, or evening dresses."
Image by @Hannamw
The Lido Flat Sandals
Hanna (@hannamw)
Based in Stockholm
What do you love about New Bottega? And of course, your Lido Flat Sandals?
"Since Phoebe Philo left Céline, I’ve really been missing a brand with staple pieces, offering a modern and cool twist. I now find that feeling in New Bottega. I’m especially in love with Daniel Lee’s shoe and bag creations."
Sizing and fit:
"They are the most comfortable sandals ever. The leather is really soft, so the edge does not cut into the skin at all. I would say that they run true to size. I also own a heeled design, and they’re still very stable."
"I walked around in the sandals for 8 hours in New York City without blisters. When I came back to the hotel, my feet felt rested. That is not a common feeling after a full day in heels!"
Styling:
"I would love to style the Bottega sandals during early spring, with an oversized beige suit and a shirt underneath. I'm very much into neutral colours for any outfit, and I love adding accessories as a pop of colour."
"I wear them for the beach, for big city weekends and when I'm going to the countryside. They’re just as perfect for formal situations as they are for casual, everyday looks."
Image by @Fundachristophersen
The Almond Pumps
Funda @fundachristophersen
Based in Copenhagen
What do you love about New Bottega? And of course, the Almond Pumps?
"My style is very minimalistic and clean. I like to invest in staple wardrobe pieces that I can mix and match, and wear over and over again. When I saw Daniel Lee’s first collection I was immediately in love — it was everything that I loved and wanted in my wardrobe (with similarities to Old Céline). The Almond Pumps are classic with a slightly round front and a chunky mid-high heel."
"New Bottega speaks to everyone. Whether you have a minimalistic style or a bold and colorful style, there are pieces for each individual taste. The New Bottega aesthetic is chic, elegant and comfortable — it matches every modern woman."
Comfort and fit:
"The sizes on the Bottega Veneta Almond Pumps run large, meaning you will need to go down a size for maximum comfort. I was between two sizes, and I went down half a size."
Styling:
"I'd style with an oversized blazer and tailored pants, but jeans are also perfect to wear with these shoes. I’d dress them up for a cocktail event, dinner or evening reception."
Image by @Craftandcouture
The Stretch Pumps
Therese (@craftandcouture)
Based in San Fransisco
What do you love about New Bottega? And of course, your Stretch Pumps?
"I love the overall aesthetic and thought behind Daniel Lee’s designs. It’s architectural yet approachable. I feel like he understands how women live and how we want to feel. There’s an inspired yet pragmatic perspective to his pieces. The stretch pumps are deceptively comfortable and add just the right amount of interest to my simple outfits."
"Bottega Veneta’s pieces feel special and fresh. The designs are unique yet still approachable and, despite the simplicity, are never boring. They’re wearable pieces with an intriguing, intellectual quality. I’m drawn to the fact that their collections seem to be inspired by how women actually live."
Comfort and fit:
"I believe they run true to Italian sizing. Those with narrow feet can size down a half size. They’re constructed with a very soft mesh that has a lot of give. The removable chain strap is a unique detail. I typically wrap this around the back loop a few times to tighten. This adds some extra support."
"I mostly wear flats and sneakers during the day, but when I crave a pair of statement heels I grab these. The wide square footbed is padded and so comfortable to walk in — and the leather is so buttery soft. They’re the only heels I actually look forward to wearing. I also never needed to break them in. I’ve never gotten a single dreaded blister!"
Styling:
"For a night out I love pairing them with a cropped leather trouser and mock neck bodysuit. I recently wore them with a cream midi faux leather skirt and oversized v-neck blouse for a simple Sunday look. I love how they can go from day to night with ease. Typically I like to show them off with bottoms that fall just above the ankle so they can shine."
"From casual cool weekend looks to fancy evenings out, I’d also wear them to work (I work in fashion so our dress code is very liberal). I’d wear them to date night, to brunch with girlfriends, and to fancy soirées."
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