Bottega Veneta Spring 2012 RTW

Abbey Lee Kershaw

Abbey Lee Kershaw detail

Abbey Lee Kershaw backstage

Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn backstage

Kasia Strauss

Kasia Strauss detail

Kasia Strauss backstage

Olga Sherer

Olga Sherer detail

Olga Sherer backstage

I'm more than a little sorry to say that these four pieces were the only designs I deemed worthy of posting. However, as they are quality designs with the potential to be iconic dresses in many fashion editorials in the coming months, Tomas Maier can almost be forgiven for a less than strong collection. The collection fell flat when Maier played with dark purple's and green's, black and red and a touch of brown with no thematic line running through it whatsoever. It had a murky and dubious look and feeling. Even the sexiness of a Bottega Veneta collection had gone missing and that has been the saving grace and strength of many a show by Maier. The flashes of the old Maier are seen in the pieces above and I hope, are what he views to be his strengths after the fall-out of this season's effort. On another note, special attention must be given to the models; Abbey Lee Kershaw, Jourdan Dunn, Kasia Strauss and Olga Sherer, who have done a stunning job for the season and really make these pieces shine - hence why I have included multiple shots of the same outfit.

Bottega Veneta Resort 2012

Daria Strokous

Hanne Gaby Odiele

Hanne Gaby Odiele

These particular pieces in the Bottega Veneta Resort 2012 collection were the only ones that stood out to me as being particularly well-designed, attractive, complementary in colour and cut and unique. You can make your own judgement of course but in my opinion there was far too much beige, cream and light brown in his colour palette. And when Tomas Maier did branch out the colours clashed and were a tad too garish for my tastes. Take a look at the pieces that didn't make the cut here.

Bottega Veneta Spring 2011 RTW

Caroline Brasch Nielsen

Britt Maren

Daria Strokous

Jac

Kasia Strauss

Linnea Regnander

Patricia van der Vliet

Caroline Brasch Nielsen

Tomas Maier's designs for Bottega Veneta centred around a neutral palette of tones, ranging from white, cream and tan to grey, brown and black. There was both structure and fluidity in this collection, seemingly opposing concepts, but they were brought together in beautiful harmony. The models' hair, which appeared as if they had just been swimming in the ocean, was important to the texture and overall look of the collection. This is because many of the materials (including satin) and the way they were draped, had a sheen and 'wet' look about them, clinging to the body as a swimsuit would do. This is especially obvious in the metallic brown dress that Daria Strokous is wearing above. Overall, this collection was inspiring in it's clear concept, relaxed feeling and stylishly confident air. I look forward to Maier's next offering.