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Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
From American Gigolo to Princess Diana—Bottega Veneta celebrates 50 Years of its iconic Intrecciato bags
It's a big year for Bottega Veneta. In September, the newly-installed creative director Louise Trotter will debut her vision for the future of the Italian label. Before that though Bottega Veneta is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Intrecciato weave, which was introduced a little less than a decade after the brand was founded in Vincenza, Veneto, and quickly established its reputation for craft and creativity. 'In 1960s Italy, the market was dominated by heavy, stiff, and structured handbags,' recalls Barbara Zanin, Bottega Veneta's Director of Craft and Heritage. '[Our] designs were characterised by their great softness—the bags were fluid, supple, simple. The introduction of the Intrecciato gave the bags a fluidity, almost like a fabric.' The first Bottega Veneta ad featured in Vogue's March 1975 issue. Courtesy of Bottega Veneta The Intrecciato technique utilises long leather fettucce, or thin strips, that are woven into a leather base with slits in a diagonal pattern, instead of the more common vertical pattern. Much like cutting a piece of fabric on the bias, this technical development allowed for a softer structure. Its unique appearance became Bottega Veneta's calling card; eschewing the logo-driven trends of other luxury labels, in its first advertising campaigns it boasted: 'People know a Bottega the minute they see one. So we put our name on the inside only.' With Paul Schrader's 1980 film American Gigolo , the Intrecciato bag became an indelible part of the fashion pop culture canon when Lauren Hutton's character carried a burgundy clutch in the crook of her arm. The bag was appropriately re-released as the 'Lauren Clutch' in 2017, and it's since become a favorite of celebrities—and the not-so-famous—who want to show off their good taste in a subtle way; although these days the Intrecciato is as easily recognizable as anything with logos on it. Tina Turner carrying her all-white Intrecciato at Spago, 1984. Getty Brooke Shields at the Death Becomes Her premiere, 1992. Getty There is a world of possibility within Intrecciato. In 2002, when Tomas Maier was the creative director at the brand, he introduced the Cabat bag, which was entirely hand-woven on a wooden frame, a process that was named Intreccio (the Intrecciato utilises a needle for the weaving process). Further experiments with different types of leather have yielded other signature styles; Zanin mentions 'a padded fettucce for a more plush appearance,' or an 'an ultra-soft nappa leather that retains the impression of movements and folds of the weaving process to create a specially textured look.' Madonna at the Los Angeles premiere of Truth or Dare, 1991. Getty There is a world of possibility within Intrecciato. In 2002, when Tomas Maier was the creative director at the brand, he introduced the Cabat bag, which was entirely hand-woven on a wooden frame, a process that was named Intreccio (the Intrecciato utilizes a needle for the weaving process). Further experiments with different types of leather have yielded other signature styles; Zanin mentions 'a padded fettucce for a more plush appearance,' or an 'an ultra-soft nappa leather that retains the impression of movements and folds of the weaving process to create a specially textured look.' To ensure that a passion for craft continues to be at the heart of Bottega Veneta, the house launched the Accademia Labor et Ingenium in 2023, a school that instructs the next generation of artisans on the intricacies of their labor. 'A central pillar of the school is a training program for 50 students a year, with guaranteed employment at Bottega Veneta on completion of the course,' explains Zanin, who helped establish it. 'It's our responsibility to ensure the transmission of our artisanal savoir-faire.' Bottega Veneta's first Intrecciato bag from 1975. A close-up at the Intrecciato process. Matteo de Mayda The Intreccio technique, meanwhile, is all made by hand. Matteo de Mayda The bags are woven on a wooden frame. Matteo de Mayda This story was originally published on
Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Maria Grazia Chiuri to exit Dior
It's the end of an era. After a nine-year run as Dior's creative director of women's haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessories collections, Maria Grazia Chiuri is leaving the French luxury house. 'Christian Dior Couture announces that Maria Grazia Chiuri has decided to leave her position as creative director of women's haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessories collections,' the house said in a statement on Thursday. 'I extend my warmest thanks to Maria Grazia Chiuri, who, since her arrival at Dior, has accomplished tremendous work with an inspiring feminist perspective and exceptional creativity, all imbued with the spirit of Monsieur Dior, which allowed her to design highly desirable collections,' Christian Dior couture chairman and CEO Delphine Arnault said. 'She has written a key chapter in the history of Christian Dior, greatly contributing to its remarkable growth and being the first woman to lead the creation of women's collections.' 'I would like to thank Monsieur Arnault for placing his trust in me and Delphine for her support, Chiuri said. 'I am particularly grateful for the work accomplished by my teams and the ateliers. Their talent and expertise allowed me to realise my vision of committed women's fashion, in close dialogue with several generations of female artists. Together, we have written an impactful chapter of which I am immensely proud.' A successor has yet to be announced. This comes after Dior appointed Jonathan Anderson as its artistic director of men's collection in April, succeeding Kim Jones, who exited in January. The Italian designer began her career at Fendi in 1989 as a handbag designer and moved to Valentino in 1999 as an accessories designer before being promoted to co-creative director alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli in 2008. She was appointed at Dior in 2016, becoming its first female designer since the house was founded in 1947—she succeeded Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano and Raf Simons. Her debut collection for Spring/Summer 2017, inspired by fencing, featured slogan tees, which read 'We should all be feminists'. That set the tone for her tenure, which consistently referenced women's empowerment. 'The message, really, is that there is not one type of woman,' she told Vogue Runway at the show. Over the years, Chiuri has collaborated with several female artists for show sets, including Judy Chicago, Faith Ringgold, Eva Jospin and Mickalene Thomas. In the Dior SS25 show, Italian artist and competitive archer Sagg Napoli shot arrows at a target as the models did their circuit. Chiuri also consistently drew on the archives beyond Christian Dior's era. 'Monsieur Dior only [lived] 10 years. It can't only be about him!' she told Vogue Runway at her debut show. 'In some ways, I see myself as a curator of the house.' For example, in 2018, together with CEO Pietro Beccari, who was appointed in 2017, she relaunched the Saddle Bag, one of the house's iconic bags from the Galliano era. For AW24, she paid homage to Marc Bohan's invention of the Miss Dior line, and notably the opening of a (now defunct) Miss Dior boutique in 1967, as a way to offer ready-to-wear to couture clients. 'I'm very fascinated by this collection and this moment of Mr. Bohan's history,' she told Vogue Runway . The Dior AW25 show had 'Dior-isms', including nods to Galliano's Saddle bag and J'Adore Dior T-shirts and to Gianfranco Ferré's white shirts, according to Vogue Runway . Maria Grazia Chiuri poses with models backstage at the Dior resort 2026 show. Acielle/StyleDuMonde The designer has navigated the course through the whirlwind of runway shows, including women's ready-to-wear couture, cruise, and even pre-fall shows (such as the one in Mumbai, which highlighted the works of artisans, and most recently in Kyoto). It all translated into enormous commercial success. Dior couture sales went from €2.2 billion in 2017 to €9.5 billion in 2023, per HSBC. Dior isn't immune to the wider luxury slowdown, though. In 2024, sales decreased to €8.7 billion, according to HSBC. And in the first quarter of 2025, sales of LVMH's fashion and leather goods division were down 5 per cent. Dior hired Benedetta Petruzzo as managing director, who took up the role on 15 October, reporting to Delphine Arnault, and Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou as deputy CEO in April. In her downtime, as a personal project, Chiuri has been restoring a historic theatre, Rome's Teatro della Cometa. The Dior resort 2026 show, held on Tuesday, was 'a heartfelt, nearly all-white celebration of Rome, her birthplace', according to Vogue Runway. It was her last show with the house. The story was originally published on Vogue Business.
Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Vogue Singapore
Checking in: St. Regis Bangkok offers the best of Thai hospitality in the heart of the city's shopping district
Standing out amongst the Thai capital's many luxury hotels is no easy feat, but The St. Regis Bangkok achieves this through genuine and warm hospitality, world-class amenities and an incredible slate of dining options. Of course, its stellar location certainly helps. The city's biggest shopping district is a short walk away, as is the picturesque Lumpini Park. The hotel also has direct access to the BTS Skytrain network, so exploring the city is as convenient as ever. The bedroom of the Caroline Astor suite. Courtesy of The St. Regis Bangkok In the spacious bathroom, a large tub overlooks the city skyline. Courtesy of The St. Regis Bangkok The stay Dark wood accents and lavish furnishings infuse the rooms here with a timeless sophistication. The Caroline Astor suite, where I stayed, was impressively spacious—with a separate living and dining area, and a bedroom that offers panoramic views of lush vistas thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the space on two sides. In the massive marble-clad bathroom, a deep and roomy tub overlooks the city skyline. What makes a stay here even more enjoyable is the exceptional 24-hour butler service, which includes everything from evening turndowns to assistance with unpacking and packing of luggage upon request. The relaxation area at the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. Courtesy of The St. Regis Bangkok The outdoor pool at The St. Regis Bangkok. Courtesy of The St. Regis Bangkok Amenities check The St. Regis Bangkok is home to world-class spa and aesthetics clinic Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie—the acclaimed brand's first flagship outside Europe. The relaxation areas here are incredible, equipped with amenities such as Thai herbal steam rooms, twilight rasul, vitality pools and a foot reflexology water walk. A wide range of massage treatments and facial experiences await—the latter of which makes use of the brand's premium skincare products. It's a sanctuary of rejuvenation so blissful that you'll find yourself struggling to leave. Igniv Bangkok is helmed by head chef Arne Riehn. Courtesy of The St. Regis Bangkok The food The true highlight of my stay here, however, was undoubtedly the hotel's impeccable dining offerings. All-day dining destination Viu has one of the most incredible breakfast spreads in the city, with everything from local delicacies like khao soi and a delicious rendition of pad thai encased in an omelette, to international favourites such as Indian cuisine and dim sum . For an especially indulgent breakfast affair, look to the mango sticky rice cart, the french toast station, and a wide selection of cheeses and honeys. Lunch and dinnertime see the restaurant serving up delectable Mediterranean dishes that marry Italian, French and Spanish culinary traditions—from slow-cooked veal eye rounds in velvety tuna-based sauce with crispy caper flowers, to pearl barley 'risotto' in a bell pepper and tomato broth topped with stracciatella. Eggplant—Trang Pepper—Mole on Igniv's spring menu. Courtesy of The St. Regis Bangkok The chocolate in the Truffes Schnitte—Rhubarb is locally sourced. Courtesy of The St. Regis Bangkok There's also the hotel's brilliant fine-dining establishment. As renowned chef Andreas Caminada's first venture outside of Switzerland, one-Michelin-starred Igniv Bangkok presents an innovative menu of contemporary European plates that incorporate local ingredients in thoughtful ways. Think eggplant paired with trang pepper and mole, and desserts that incorporate locally sourced chocolate. Dishes here are elegant and full of finesse, designed to be shared between two to foster conviviality. To end the meal, a 'candy store' invites diners to take their pick from a decadent spread of chocolates, candies and sweet treats to take home. Book a stay here.
Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
This just in: Bottega Veneta's new campaign is speaking in hands—and it's saying everything
For Bottega Veneta, craft has never just been about making things. It's about saying something—quietly, but with a whole lot of intention. This season, the house is marking 50 years of its iconic Intrecciato weave with Craft is our Language, a new campaign that transforms hand gestures into a full-blown conversation. Jack Davison Lensed by Jack Davison and choreographed by Lenio Kaklea, the campaign zooms in on the hands themselves—how they move, how they speak, and how they've always been a language in their own right. The result? A series of portraits and short films that feel intimate, poetic, and refreshingly human. Jack Davison Of course, the Intrecciato is the main star here. Introduced in 1975, the famed signature weave—more than a design flourish—is a hallmark of the Italian brand's core belief in collaboration, quiet luxury, and the kind of craft that doesn't need a logo to be recognised. Woven by hand from thin leather strips called fettucce, the process takes hours (sometimes days), and it still happens inside the house's ateliers in Veneto. Jack Davison And in place of a nostalgic moodboard, we get a living, breathing dictionary of 50 gestures—some inspired by the Intrecciato itself, others pulled from everyday expressions that transcend borders and time. Jack Davison The cast is stacked—and that's not hyperbole. The full lineup reads like a melting pot of creatives across disciplines and generations: Edward Buchanan, Thanaerng Kanyawee Songmuang, Vicky Krieps, Julianne Moore, Shu Qi, Barbara Chase-Riboud, I.N, Jack Antonoff, Lorenzo Musetti, Tyler, the Creator, Zadie Smith, Troy Kotsur, Neneh Cherry, Kelsey Lu, Yang Fudong, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Alphonse Maitrepierre, Takeshi Kitano, and Lauren Hutton. Jack Davison Edward Buchanan appears not just as a face in the campaign, but as a foundational figure—the luxury brand's very first design director, whose early influence helped usher the house into its ready-to-wear era in the '90s. Meanwhile, Lauren Hutton's inclusion carries a unique weight—she famously carried an Intrecciato clutch in American Gigolo, a single moment that propelled the signature weave into a new realm of cultural recognition, forever intertwined with cinematic history. Jack Davison Thanaerng, the Thai actress and model, bridges local fame with global reach, her image long synonymous with Southeast Asia's fashion vanguard. Vicky Krieps, known for her quietly intense performances across European cinema, brings a kind of mood that feels right at home in the Italian brand's slow, studied lens. Jack Davison Julianne Moore—an enduring figure across fashion and film—offers a familiar poise: grounded yet without ever being outmoded. Shu Qi, a household name in Asian movies and an enduring figure of on-screen glamour, brings with her a dulcet calm—anchoring the visual tempo with a subtle energy. Jack Davison Sculptor and poet Barbara Chase-Riboud enters as a living testament to form and material, her artistic legacy a seamless extension of the brand's own. Meanwhile, I.N of Stray Kids—global performer, Gen Z darling—offers a shiny generational foil: charming, playful, and deeply in tune with the visual language of now. Jack Davison Musician Jack Antonoff appears as the indie romantic—a cultural fixture who's shaped the sound of the last decade with big hits and musical shifts. Tennis player Lorenzo Musetti brings his own kind of athletic poetry to the mix—the kind that makes movement feel like style in motion. And then there's Tyler, the Creator: a polymath who's never really fit into a single category. Musician, designer, aesthetic disruptor. His inclusion speaks to the luxury brand's evolving curiosity—its openness to the outré and the unexpected. Jack Davison In the short films, we see artists and artisans interacting in quiet, considered scenes: exchanging gestures, trading stories, sometimes just letting their hands do the talking. The references run deep—from the etymological link between 'artist' and 'artisan' (both from the Latin ars) to a wink at Bruno Munari's Supplement to the Italian Dictionary, the 1963 cult classic celebrating the nuance of Italian hand gestures. Jack Davison There's a book coming too, set to launch in September with a second wave of imagery. But the message is already clear: for Bottega Veneta, true luxury isn't just about what you see. It's about what's exchanged, and passed from one hand to the next, literally. And right now? It's speaking volumes. Photographer and Director Jack Davison Art Director Paul Olivennes Choreographer Lenio Kaklea Directors of Photography James Beattie, Peter Hou Stylist Robbie Spencer Casting Julia Lange Hair Sigi Kumpfmüller Make-Up Hiromi Ueda Set Designers Staci-Lee Hindley, Julia Wagner Production Untitled Project
Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Suni Lee on battling kidney disease, finding balance and being a lululemon girl Beauty, Wellness
Last year, the world watched on as the women's team from USA took home gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Amongst the athletes, Suni Lee was a clear standout and fan favourite, not just for being the first Hmong American to compete at the Olympics but for her triumphant performance that led to a bronze medal for uneven bars. It was a moving win like no other, especially given how a year prior to the sporting event, Lee was battling a rare kidney disease. One that was devastatingly crippling, where she couldn't even put on pair of grips, let alone feel like she could ever compete again. Of course, Lee would go on to defy every odd, whilst openly advocating for her rare disease. 'Looking back, that time was really scary and uncertain. Being diagnosed with rare kidney diseases and having to step away from gymnastics was tough, I wasn't sure if I'd compete again. But with the support of my family, doctors, and coaches, I took it day by day and focused on my health. Making it to Paris and competing again showed me the power of resilience—sometimes it's about adapting and trusting the process, even when things don't go as planned,' says the 22-year-old. Courtesy of lululemon This year, post-Olympics, Lee is enjoying life to the fullest, just like any vivacious twenty-something. She's been glowing courtside at a few NBA games, reigning as a beauty queen on TikTok and has recently been named a lululemon ambassador with an Align campaign in tow. Like many women, Lee is not immune to the charms of the American athleisure brand, which makes this partnership a natural fit. 'Even before this ambassadorship, I have every single product in every single colour. A s an athlete, I've always appreciated how their gear supports performance without sacrificing comfort or style. But what really drew me in is their commitment to wellness as a whole—not just physical fitness, but also mental health and self-expression.' Below, the six-time Olympic medalist speaks to Vogue Singapore on her favourite Lululemon pieces, wellness practices and what her definition of strength looks like. Congratulations on your new Align campaign with lululemon that marks the product line's 10th anniversary. Tell us about your experience on set that day. Shooting the Align campaign was such a fun and empowering experience. The energy on set was so positive, everyone really made me feel comfortable and confident, which I think comes through in the photos. What I loved most was how true to me everything felt. The Align collection is all about softness and movement, so it didn't feel like I was 'posing'. It felt natural, like I was just being myself. It was a day full of laughter, good vibes, and a reminder of how powerful it is to feel comfortable in your own skin. What goes into your training as an athlete and gymnast and how does lululemon come in? Training as a gymnast is incredibly demanding as it is a mix of strength and flexibility, coupled with endurance and precision. I'm a huge fan of cross-training too, so I like to do things outside of the gym. Every day looks a little different, but there's always a focus on pushing my limits while also listening to my body. That balance is really important to me, and it's something lululemon supports in such a real way. Their gear moves with me through every part of my day, from high-intensity training to recovery and even rest. I rely on pieces like those from the Align collection when I need something soft and breathable during stretching or lighter workouts, and the brand's performance wear when I'm going full out. But more than that, I love that lululemon encourages a holistic approach to wellness, reminding me that taking care of my mental health and finding moments of stillness are just as important as the physical side of training. Courtesy of lululemon As a gymnast, athlete and public figure, how has it been like coping with stressors from a young age? What is your mindset when it comes to that? It hasn't always been easy, especially growing up in the spotlight while competing at the highest levels. As a gymnast and public figure, there's pressure from expectations, from social media, even from myself. But over the years, I've learned how important it is to give myself grace and protect my mental space. I've really worked on shifting my mindset from perfection to progress. It's okay to have hard days, and it's okay to step back when you need to. Surrounding myself with the right support system like family, coaches, and friends, and practising things like mindfulness and journaling have helped me stay grounded. I've also learned that strength isn't just about what you do in the gym, it's how you care for your whole self. How do you unwind? What gives you comfort during the strenuous times of rigorous training? I find comfort in simple things like spending time with my family and close friends who help me stay grounded. I also love journaling and practising mindfulness to clear my mind and reset. Sometimes, just putting on some music and moving at my own pace, whether it's stretching or Pilates, helps me recharge. It's those little moments of calm that keep me balanced and ready to take on whatever comes next. Courtesy of lululemon What is next for Suni? What's next for me is all about growth, both as an athlete and as a person. I want to keep pushing my limits, but also focus on using my platform to create a positive impact and spreading goodness. Being part of the lululemon community has been incredible because it's filled with like-minded people who believe in wellness, mindfulness, and supporting each other's journeys. You can expect to see me continuing to advocate for holistic health, inspiring others to find balance in their lives, and further collaborating with lululemon on projects that empower people to move, breathe, and be their best selves every day.
