Louise Trotter quits Carven to join Bottega Veneta (#1685936)

Not even two years after arriving at Carven, Louise Trotter has quit the Paris-based house to become the new Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, as Matthieu Blazy departs, seemingly en route for Chanel.

“Kering and Bottega Veneta are delighted to announce the appointment of Louise Trotter as the new Creative Director for the House, marking the opening of an exciting new chapter in the brand’s creative journey,” luxury giant Kering said in a joint release with Milan-based Bottega.

Louise Trotter, Creative Director of Carven, is celebrated for her ability to draw inspiration from real life and meticulous approach to craftsmanship. She will join Bottega Veneta at the end of January 2025, the release added.

“As we welcome Louise, we extend our gratitude to Matthieu Blazy for his transformative contributions during his three years as Creative Director and we wish him every success in his future endeavors,” Kering added.

In a period of multiple changes in creative direction at many major houses, Trotter’s arrival marks another one. She had been tipped to succeed Matthieu Blazy at Bottega Veneta.

Blazy is the current favorite to become the new creative director at Chanel, the most plumb design job in fashion.

“I am deeply honored to join Bottega Veneta as Creative Director. The House’s storied legacy of artistry and innovation is truly inspiring, and I am excited to contribute to its future and celebrate its timeless vision,” said Trotter.

Added Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, said: “I am pleased to welcome Louise as our new Creative Director. Her aesthetic seamlessly combines exquisite design with sublime craft and her commitment to cultural advocacy aligns beautifully with our brand vision. Through her sophisticated lens, Bottega Veneta will continue to celebrate its heritage while preserving modern relevance. I also want to express my profound appreciation for Matthieu, who has been an extraordinary partner in infusing our brand with desirability, emotional resonance, and intellectual identity.”

Observers have been waiting for months for an announcement at Chanel on who would succeed Virginie Viard since she was fired this summer.  That wait would appear to be about to end now that Blazy has officially quit Bottega.

Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development also said: “Louise brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Bottega Veneta’s tradition of bold creativity and unparalleled excellence. She is the ideal creative talent to carry forward, alongside Leo Rongone and the Bottega Veneta team, the remarkable journey initiated with Matthieu Blazy, to whom I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his visionary creativity.”

Born in the northern English city of Newcastle, Trotter only joined Carven – which is owned by Chinese group Icicle – in February last year. Trotter has an excellent fashion design resume, having helmed the London marque Joseph successfully for nine years until 2018. She subsequently moved to Lacoste, debuting to critical acclaim on a Paris runway in March 2019, as the brand broke through the €billion in annual sales ceiling. Her collections for Carven – staged in intimate settings to restricted audiences – all garnered rave reviews, especially from the French critics.

Industrious and media friendly, Trotter would be perceived as product friendly and cerebral appointment at Bottega Veneta.

In an unusual move, Carven broke the news of Trotter’s departire on its Instagram account to its 1.1 million followers.

“On January 24th, Louise Trotter will close this chapter with us. Every ending is a new beginning. Best wishes to all of our creative peers,” the terse statement from Carven read.

The house of Carven also issued a fuller release from its CEO Shawna Tao, that praised Trotter for making an “outstanding contribution to the brand during her tenure. She led the team that successfully brought Carven back to the fashion stage and achieved important milestones.”

Trotter was not quoted in the release, suggesting a less than amicable departure.

No successor has been named at Carven, though Tao explained that Carven will unleash a new model of business development for the brand.

“This model will invoke the spirit of Mme Carven to truly build an excellent French fashion house with a democratic spirit. Further details will be released in 2025.”

The CEO was careful to stress that despite Trotter’s departure, Carven will stage a runway show next season in March in Paris.

“We confirm that the Carven FW25 fashion show remains as planned. The FW25 show will focus on the essence of the house, those codes which we choose to continue in the future development.