Bottega Veneta Puts the "Hand" in Handcrafted for Intrecciato's 50th Anniversary
With a campaign featuring Tyler, The Creator, Zadie Smith, Vicky Krieps and more.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bottega Veneta‘s iconic Intrecciato technique—an emblem of handcrafted luxury that has become inseparable from the brand’s identity. Developed in the ’70s as a practical solution to strengthen delicate leather, Intrecciato has since become a hallmark of timeless craftsmanship. More than a technique, it represents the Italian house’s founding ethos, its rich history and its footprint in fashion culture. Over time, style stars including Aubrey Plaza, Pedro Pascal, Rihanna, Erykah Badu, Jacob Elordi, A$AP Rocky, Tracee Ellis Ross and Dua Lipa have continued to co-sign the technique — proof that true craft never goes out of style.
To celebrate this milestone, Bottega Veneta has launched “Craft is our Language,” a campaign that reimagines Intrecciato as both a tactile practice and a powerful metaphor for its artisan roots. Captured by photographer Jack Davison, the campaign weaves together hand gestures and universal movements that mimic the interlacing of leather.
The campaign spotlights long time friends and collaborators of the brand including Tyler, The Creator, Julianne Moore, Lauren Hutton, I.N, Jack Antonoff, Barbara Chase-Riboud, Neneh Cherry, Dave Free, Troy Kotsur, Vicky Krieps, Rie Miyazawa, Shu Qi, Zadie Smith and Edward Buchanan — who was Design Director of Bottega Veneta from 1995 to 2000.
In the campaign video, each collaborator of “Craft is our Language,” details the significance of hand gestures in their personal upbringing and creative craft. This homage extends to the brand’s roots of Italian design, drawing inspiration from Bruno Munari’s seminal Supplemento al Dizionario Italiano — a study of Italian hand gestures.
“Craft is our Language” will also be released as a book in September of this year — inclusive of 50 hand gestures that represent the artisanal values of the brand. As Intrecciato turns 50, Bottega Veneta reminds us that craftsmanship is more than material—it’s a language of connection.
For more fashion conversation, read up on our chat with Danish designer, Stine Goya.
