New York has birthed countless iconic institutions -- dollar pizza, Joan Rivers, the second best Real Housewives franchise. But the biggest icon of all is the city itself. To celebrate it, Bottega Veneta creative director Tomas Maier has launched the 33-piece capsule collection Icons of New York, paying tribute to classic Big Apple motifs on a selection of satchels, rucksacks, purses, and phone cases.
While the offerings for women should sate the hautest of bag ladies, there's also a lot to love on the men's side. The Brick backpack, decked out in skyscrapers, combines laser and embroidery work to create a cool 3-D effect. Meanwhile, the Manhattan Craquele, a handcrafted tote that bears the city's street grid, doubles as a map should you ever get lost, as even the most native New Yorkers do from time to time.
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Coinciding with the collection, Maier is opening a 15,000-square-foot "Maison" at 740 Madison Ave. that further reflects his admiration for N.Y.C. "The same way that our product needs to be touched and worn to be fully appreciated, the new Maison offers an experience you can't get from just seeing images," Maier says. "It doesn't look like any other Bottega Veneta store in the world. The design is subtle and sophisticated, with layers of details and elements that are unexpected and even a bit surreal."
The store, Bottega's third Maison, will also be its largest, combining three landmarked 19th-century townhouses that were originally private residences. All that gorgeous space houses four floors, including one dedicated to men's ready-to-wear and accessories, and another to The Apartment, which features the brand's home collections displayed in a setting resembling an actual living space. As with any choice Manhattan apartment, the rent must be astronomical, but at least this one comes fabulously furnished.
Photography by Gieves Anderson
Styling by Michael Cook