ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHANGE OF GUARDS THIS YEAR has been at the storied house of Bottega Veneta. Last July, British designer Daniel Lee took over as creative director of the Italian brand when Tomas Maier stepped down after 17 years in the role. Until then, the only thing that was known about Lee was his vast experience—stints at Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, and Donna Karan; and five years as Phoebe Philo’s right-hand man at Céline. It was enough to build a great deal of anticipation about his first full collection for the house—Pre-Fall 2019.
The designer delivered with a line of wearable, discreetly luxurious pieces, described by Bottega Veneta as “true essentialism”. Think slinky satin dresses, silk blouses, black blazers, and, of course, plenty of leather goods, including coats, skirts,…