Overview: 'It was classic Bottega Veneta, with an injection of New York attitude' - Phoebe Arnold, ELLE Fashion Director
1) New York was a novelty element
Given the state of disarray that New York Fashion week has found itself in (Proenza Schouler, Rodarte and Altuzarra are amongst those who have already left; it's the last season for Victoria Beckham and Alexander Wang), it makes sense that Bottega Veneta's catwalk presence should be accompanied by another significant event: the opening of its largest store in the world (15,000 square feet over five floors) on Madison Avenue. Fittingly, the collection itself was also inspired by the city's architecture and inhabitants.
2) Sumptuousness is still a thing
While Bottega Veneta may have taken a sabbatical from Milan in terms of location this season, the craftsmanship one expects from stalwart Italian luxury brands remained. Whether it's a casual piece or a gown, the most sumptuous silks and velvets always have been par for the course. It was much the same when it came to the models: new favourites like Natalie Westling and Gigi Hadid walked alongside industry veterans like Julia Stegner and Caroline Trentini.
3) We might fall in love with a wild boy
With the most prolific offerings usually coming from the likes of Versace and Roberto Cavalli, animal print and menswear tend to be strange but fabulous bedfellows. For AW18, Tomas Maier succeeded in creating animal print menswear subtle enough to retain its masculinity. We'll definitely have what he's having when it comes to those zebra print block colour shirts.
4) Laziness is a virtue
We mean, what else are silk pyjamas meant to signify? Ignore the fact the show's venue was the American Stock Exchange - this is just the kind of dissonance the fashion industry thrives on.
5) The colder months are set to be colourful at last
Amongst all the standard jewel tones in the show, it was - perhaps understandably - this canary yellow suit that really caught our eye. An abnormal colour palette for winter, but probably the best fix for the accompanying seasonal misery.
