Craft is Our Language

Bottega Veneta unveils Craft is our Language, a striking new campaign that marks the 50th anniversary of its iconic Intrecciato leather weave. The campaign explores the universal language of hands: how they create, communicate, and connect. Shot by photographer Jack Davison and choreographed by Lenio Kaklea, the pictures are both a tribute to artisanal mastery and an evocative meditation on human expression.

Born in 1975, Intrecciato (in–treh–chah–toh) has become the soul of Bottega Veneta as it weaves artistry with technique, elegance and function. Crafted by hand from slender strips of leather known as fettucce, the technique demands time, precision, and patience. Each piece is a testament to Italy’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, yet always evolving, always in motion.

But Craft is our Language takes Intrecciato beyond technique. It becomes a metaphor for connection, continuity, and cultural dialogue. The campaign features an intergenerational, global cast of artists, actors, musicians, and athletes: from Julianne Moore, Neneh Cherry, and Jack Antonoff to Zadie Smith, Shu Qi, and tennis star Lorenzo Musetti. They are joined by Bottega Veneta’s artisans in still and moving portraits that blur the lines between creator and wearer, mind and hand.

Two campaign figures bring special resonance to the project. Lauren Hutton, who carried a Bottega Veneta clutch in American Gigolo, helped catapult the Intrecciato into pop culture. Edward Buchanan, once the brand’s Design Director, was pivotal in shaping its first ready-to-wear collection. Their presence underscores a legacy built on artistic partnerships and shared vision.

As part of the campaign, Bottega Veneta also nods to Italian heritage, drawing inspiration from Bruno Munari’s Supplement to the Italian Dictionary, a playful yet profound study of hand gestures and their meanings. A limited-edition book, launching this September, will further expand this exploration by presenting 50 gestures that map out the values and voice of Bottega Veneta’s craft.

True to the house’s philosophy, Craft is our Language rejects flashy logos in favor of quiet excellence. Intrecciato remains its most recognizable signature: a weave of creativity, heritage, and emotion, shaped by many meaningful hands and destined to last generations.

Fore more information: www.bottegaveneta.com