Bottega Veneta’s creative director Tomas Maier reveals the design inspiration behind the Italian brand’s latest US store
For the last 15 years, Tomas Maier has been at the helm of Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta as creative director. In addition to designing both the men’s and womenswear collections, Maier has also taken responsibilty for the overall direction of the brand, the global aesthetic and its continued expansion.
The parents of the German-born designer were both architects and, as a result, Maier’s upbringing has given him an broader understanding of design disciplines beyond the construction of fashion. Perhaps that’s why the brand’s new maison, on North Rodeo Drive – the label’s second Beverly Hills store – aptly encapsulates the Bottega Veneta’s overarching ethos, all carefully put together by Maier.
Inspiration for the maison comes from the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture, as well as the work of southern California architects, such as George Washington Smith and Bertram Goodhue. Set within 4,828 sq ft, it caters for the full range of Bottega’s lifestyle products. Here, we speak to Maier about the pull of Beverly Hills, the four principles behind the design of the new maison, and the tension between architecture and fashion.
When drawing up plans for the new store, what was the thought process behind it?
The maison is all encompassing. It is representative on many levels: location, building, architecture and interior product categories. When represented they all come together in a unique way specific to the place.
As always, the four cornerstones [of Bottega Veneta] guided the design of the project: outstanding craftsmanship, innovative design, contemporary functionality and the highest quality materials. The building is pure and understated… we wanted to honour this by accentuating the feeling of lightness with features such as the skylights created on the upper floor. The colour palette for the interior is compromised of neutral, earthy tones selected specifically to enhance each area.
What was the message were you trying to convey to customer?
My hope is for visitors to feel transported into a calm environment where there are elements of surprise. There is a dedicated space to showcase the icons of the house as well as all the new pieces we offer, so one can get a true sense of the lifestyle of Bottega Veneta.
What is it about Beverly Hills that made Bottega want to open another new maison?
Bottega Veneta had been in the same location on Rodeo Drive since before I arrived at the house, and while our concept was introduced back then to reflect my vision, it was never our true creation. We wanted to give the store the distinctive setting it deserved and provide our clients with an innovative experience showcasing a much more complete range of our offering. When the building at 320 North Rodeo Drive became available, the existing qualities of the city’s architecture, and the possibilities, where overwhelming.
Early Mediterranean Revival and southern Californian architecture are said to be the main sources of inspiration for the new store’s aesthetic. Why is that?
The concept of the new maison embraces southern California architecture from the early 20th century. It’s more about proportion and restraint rather than decoration – that’s what inspired me.
Where next for the brand?
The next Bottega Veneta maison will open in 2017, on Madison Avenue in New York City. From there you will have to wait and see…
