FASHTALKS WITH BOTTEGA BERNARD

When did you know you wanted to become a designer?

I think I’ve always known. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been very creative and loved drawing clothes. One of my earliest memories is designing outfits for my Barbies using paper. I would draw various garments, combine them as a real fashion designer would, and tape them to the dolls, making them “walk the runway.” It’s safe to say that fashion design has always been a passion of mine!

As I grew up, my school and sports commitments, particularly swimming competitively, left me with little time to nurture my creative side. However, when I got injured and had to give up my sporting career, I channeled all my energy into designing clothes and creating my brand, Bottega Bernard.

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

My earliest design memory for Bottega Bernard is from a weekend I spent immersed in nature. When I returned home, inspiration struck, and I sketched an entire collection spontaneously. It came to me naturally, and seeing those designs come to life as finished garments was an unforgettable experience.

Where do you find inspiration? 

I find inspiration in the sensations nature evokes, sometimes just by looking out the window. Flowers, trees, the sea, sand—every aspect of nature inspires me. I try to capture those feelings and infuse them into the garments I design and the essence of Bottega Bernard.

When was your first industry experience, and how did it impact you?

My first experience in the fashion industry was launching Bottega Bernard. With no prior industry experience, I faced significant challenges and had to learn quickly.

I spent countless hours researching and studying the fashion world—analyzing trends, understanding consumer preferences, and carving out a space for my brand. I turned these challenges into opportunities for growth.

"I turned this challenge into an opportunity for growth."

What did the beginnings of Bottega Bernard look like?

The early days of Bottega Bernard were filled with passion, creativity, and a desire to create something unique. A friend who is a tailor helped bring my sketches to life. Instead of collections, we focused on one-of-a-kind pieces, photographed them, and shared them on social media. A lot has changed since then!

What is your favorite part about designing?

My favorite part is bringing ideas and concepts to life. Designing is a form of artistic expression that allows me to translate my vision and emotions into tangible creations. I love experimenting with colors, fabrics, shapes, and details to create something unique and personal.

Seeing people wear my designs and feel confident in them is deeply rewarding 

"When I see someone who feels confident and beautiful wearing one of my pieces, I feel like I have achieved my goal."

What brand values are most important for Bottega Bernard?

Tailoring, quality, Made in Italy, sustainability, timeless luxury.

How important is sustainability to your brand? What sustainable measures has Bottega Bernard taken to better the environment?

Sustainability is fundamental to Bottega Bernard’s ethos. Since the beginning, we have been committed to prioritizing the environmental and ethical aspects of fashion. It’s not just a trend—it’s a core value that shapes our identity. We proudly define ourselves as a sustainable sartorial clothing brand.

Eco-friendly fabrics: We source organic and low-impact materials from the best suppliers, such as organic and natural fabrics, recycled materials, and low-impact dyes. We also upcycle fabrics from high-end brands to minimize waste, and reduce the overproduction of fabrics. 

100% Handmade in Italy: Each garment is crafted by local artisans in Italy, supporting the local craftsmen and economy all while reducing transportation emissions.

Slow fashion: We adhere to the “produce less, produce well” philosophy, creating timeless, high-quality pieces designed to last. Instead of churning out endless collections, we create garments you can love for years. 

Made-to-order production: We only produce items when customers place orders, reducing waste and avoiding overstock.

Reuse of textile waste: We are committed to minimizing textile waste. Fabric scraps are repurposed into accessories like scrunchies and eyeglass cases, giving new life to materials that are otherwise wasted.

Eco-friendly packaging: We use sustainable materials and minimize excess packaging.

What was the toughest challenge you faced when starting your business?

Starting a fashion brand is a unique challenge, with no predetermined path to follow. The journey is filled with trial and error, and in the beginning, many people may try to take advantage of your inexperience.

There are no fixed rules or magic formulas, just continuous experimentation. Each designer has to create their own path through trial and error

I’ve had some bitter but instructive experiences. These taught me the importance of caution, intuition, and choosing collaborators who genuinely share your vision and values. 

What advice would you give to a new designer?

Stay true to your vision and authenticity. The fashion industry often pressures designers to conform to the popular trends, but maintaining a clear sense of your aesthetic, values, and story behind your brand will set you apart.

Be determined and believe in yourself! You will face many setbacks, many people telling you no, but never lose sight of why you started. Keep your focus on the end goal. 

What sets your brand apart?

Bottega Bernard stands out for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, dedication to craftsmanship, and focus on timeless and functional fashion.

We produce limited, unique pieces that embody quality and exclusivity. In a world where fashion can be often associated with excess and disposability, we prioritize quality, timeless elegance, responsibility, and creating garments that resonate with conscious consumers. We believe the garments we wear should not only make us look good, but also feel good about what we chose to put on our bodies. These principles set us apart, and they also resonate with people who share our vision of a more ethical fashion industry. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

Our biggest accomplishments include participating in New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and organizing a fashion show during the first ever Lucca Fashion Weekend. 

NYFW allowed us to showcase our vision of sustainable fashion to a global audience, conecting with other designers, industry experts, and likeminded creatives. Lucca Fashion Weekend was uniquely special because it gave us the opportunity to connect with our local community and share our work in a more intimate setting. Both experiences reinforced our commitment to creating beautiful and ethical fashion that inspires positive change in the fashion industry. 

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

I see Bottega Bernard as a global leader in sustainable fashion, making ethical luxury accessible to a wider and more global audience. We’ll continue innovating with eco-friendly materials and methods while staying true to our principles of craftsmanship and timeless design. I see us continuing to innovate in sustainability, exploring new and exciting eco-friendly materials and production methods.

What is the most important thing you want your brand to be recognized for?

I want Bottega Bernard to be known as a brand that allows people to feel unique and confident in one-of-a-kind garments, promoting beauty and sustainability and positively contributing to the fashion industry and the world. 

What should customers expect next from Bottega Bernard?

We are constantly working on fresh and innovative collections that blend eco-friendly practices and timeless designs. In our coming collections we are continuing with our sustainable focus, but exploring more relaxed tailoring. Look out for collaborations with like-minded designers and organizations that share our vision for a more sustainable fashion industry.