Daniel Lee’s first campaign for Bottega Veneta is all about timeless appeal

Last year in December, Daniel Lee unveiled his debut Pre-Fall 2019 collection for Bottega Veneta with an array of separates and dresses fitting in the label’s signature. Pieces with strong silhouettes yet with a delicate appeal, everything that resonated with craftsmanship, the bringing together of leather, silk, and wool – all these defined Lee’s understanding of how the modern woman aspires to dress in everyday life.

The same ease is reflected in Bottega Veneta’s recently unveiled campaign, its first under the creative direction of Lee. The 32-old-year designer presents his creations in a refreshingly simplistic way through a series of sun-kissed frames. Captured in the lens by Tyrone LeBon and seeking inspiration from Italian neo-realist cinema, the campaign wasn’t shot in a controlled setting but in the scenic surroundings of Ischia, a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples. 

What makes this visual narrative strong is its timeless appeal – the shots exude a relaxed, unpretentious feel where the focus automatically shifts to Bottega Veneta classics. The campaign features a clean, makeup-free Kaya Wilkins sporting a white tank top paired with leather basketball shorts and runway veteran Saskia De Brauw wrapped in a calf leather trench coat and wearing neutral-coloured pumps.

Besides apparel, the campaign also features an oversized tan leather tote bag as well. To define his vision for Bottega Veneta, Lee paired elements not to explore dichotomy but an interrelation; leather against bare skin; a gold metal chain around a neck and an overall placing of pieces which seamlessly become a character in his story.