Bottega Veneta’s Harrods Pop‑Up Marks 50 Years of Intrecciato

Celebrating Five Decades of Intrecciato at Harrods

London’s iconic Knightsbridge department store has turned its ground‑floor into a tribute to Bottega Veneta’s most recognizable craft. For a month‑long run ending on 2 October 2025, the pop‑up showcases the Italian house’s 1975‑born Intrecciato weaving technique – the tightly knotted leather pattern that has become a silent status symbol for the ultra‑wealthy.

The design language leans heavily on modernist contrasts: raw concrete panels sit side by side with warm Italian walnut, creating a structural rhythm that mirrors the interlaced leather strands. Oversized armchairs upholstered in “jumbo” Intrecciato dominate one corner, turning a textile detail that’s usually subtle into an architectural statement.

At the heart of the installation sits La Tavola, a hefty console table crafted from walnut and concrete. Inspired by the communal worktables used in Bottega Veneta’s ateliers, the piece doubles as a display surface and a visual metaphor for collaboration and craftsmanship. Its surface is littered with a curated selection of handbags, wallets, and even playful dog‑shaped leather charms, some purposely left unfinished to reveal the painstaking weave underneath.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the pop‑up is tactile. Pull‑out drawers reveal raw leather strips, stitching tools, and sample canvases, allowing shoppers to feel the very materials that go into each Intrecciato piece. An exclusive line of ready‑to‑wear garments – shirts, trousers, and jackets – carries the weave into clothing for the first time, while accessories, jewelry, and even fragrances expand the brand’s narrative beyond leather.

Colour plays a clever nod to the host venue: many items are rendered in an emerald hue, echoing Harrods’ historic green branding. This subtle synergy reinforces the partnership between the two luxury icons while giving the collection a fresh visual identity.

Walls are adorned with stills from the “Craft is Our Language” campaign, shot by British photographer Jack Davison. The images, stark and monochrome, underscore the brand’s credo that handcraft, not hype, drives its appeal. Bespoke stationery and keepsakes, designed exclusively for this space, offer visitors a tangible memory of the experience.

Louise Trotter’s New Chapter and What It Means for the Brand

The pop‑up arrives at a turning point for the fashion house. British designer Louise Trotter, formerly of Lacoste and Carven, is set to unveil her debut collection as Bottega Veneta’s creative director at Milan Fashion Week on 27 September. Her appointment marks one of the few recent instances of a woman taking the helm of a major luxury house traditionally led by men.

Trotter’s aesthetic leans toward understated elegance, a sensibility that aligns perfectly with the pop‑up’s focus on technique over flash. Early teasers suggest she will continue to explore the interplay of material and form, perhaps expanding Intrecciato into new product categories or experimenting with alternative colour palettes beyond the signature neutral tones.

• Showcasing the heritage of the weave while hinting at future reinterpretations.
• Providing an educational platform that demystifies the crafting process for a broader audience.
• Strengthening Bottega Veneta’s partnership with iconic retail spaces like Harrods.
• Positioning Louise Trotter as a fresh voice in the male‑dominated luxury arena.

Industry insiders note that luxury brands are increasingly using temporary installations to create buzz and deepen consumer engagement. By turning a section of Harrods into a hands‑on museum of leather art, Bottega Veneta not only celebrates its past but also sets the stage for the next evolution under Trotter’s direction.

Visitors leaving the pop‑up are likely to carry more than a receipt – they walk away with a heightened appreciation for the labor and precision behind each tightly woven strand, a reminder that in a world of fast fashion, true craftsmanship still commands attention.