This week, Bottega Veneta marked a milestone with the launch of its “Craftsmanship is our language” campaign, an affectionate (and celebrity-filled) tribute to the 50th anniversary of its iconic intrecciato leather weaving.
First introduced in 1975, the check design has transcended trends to become a living symbol of the brand’s soul – rooted in craft, collaboration and understated sophistication.
Shot by British photographer Jack Davidson, styled by Robbie Spencer and choreographed by Legno Caclea, the craft-themed campaign is as much a tribute to tradition as it is a manifesto.
The campaign explores not just how craftsmanship is made, but also how it is communicated: constructed, connected, expressed and woven by hand.
Through a series of striking stills and short films, the campaign features Bottega Veneta artisans in conversation with diverse figures from the worlds of art, film, music, fashion, literature and sports.
These include Zadie Smith, Tyler, The Creator, Julianne Moore, IN from Stray Kids, Jack Antonoff, Shu Qi and many more.
Click through the gallery below to see a selection of celebrity endorsement images from the campaign.
Former Bottega Design Director Edward Buchanan (the mastermind behind the brand’s first ready-to-wear collection in the 90s) also appears in the campaign, speaking not only to the brand’s heritage but also to the vibrant thread that runs through its community of makers and creatives.
More than just a material, Intrecciato is a symbol of interconnectedness and craftsmanship – qualities that have defined Bottega Veneta since it was founded by artisans in 1966.
Bottega Veneta has never relied on overly aggressive branding or eye-catching monograms. Intrecciato is the brand in itself.
Weaving moves with the rhythm of the body, evolving over time and adapting to the life of the wearer. It is this quiet adaptability that gives it a unique and timeless appeal.
“Craftsmanship is our language” also draws inspiration from Bruno Munari’s 1963 book, Supplement to the Italian Dictionary, a visual catalogue of Italian gestures.
Drawing on this shared body language, the campaign features short films of artisans interacting with characters such as Barbara Chase-Rüb, Tanan and Terence Law, communicating through tactile gestures across borders and languages.
Continuing this celebration, Bottega will launch a book of 50 gestures in September, forming a conceptual “dictionary” of the brand’s language, values and craftsmanship.
A second chapter of the campaign video and film will also be released simultaneously, featuring more of the world’s top designers. In an industry often driven by innovation, “Craftsmanship is our language” reminds us that true innovation comes from a respect for the lasting.