Daniel Lee is leaving Bottega Veneta

After three years at the helm of Bottega Veneta, Daniel Lee is leaving.

“Bottega Veneta and Daniel Lee announce their joint decision to end their collaboration,” a statement from the label begins, “he brought new energy to the House and greatly contributed to the new momentum that Bottega Veneta is enjoying today.” Since joining in 2018, the designer, who was schooled under the tutelage of Phoebe Philo at Céline, transformed the sensible Italian brand into a blockbuster fashion house, beloved of the art world, fashion circles, and influencers alike.

In a release, the unassuming Leeds-native remarks, “My time at Bottega Veneta has been an incredible experience. I am grateful to have worked with an exceptional and talented team and I am forever thankful to everyone who was part of creating our vision.” Leo Rongone, CEO of Bottega Veneta, added: “I would like to thank Daniel for his dedication…He provided Bottega Veneta with a fresh perspective and a new sense of modernity while remaining respectful of the brand’s fifty-year heritage.” Rongone also spoke to the “remarkable” growth that the Kering-owned brand has enjoyed under Lee’s direction.

There’s no overstating how impactful Lee’s tenure at Bottega Veneta has been. In addition to solid sales and continuous hype — despite bowing out of all social media earlier this year — Lee’s vision of understated, but impactful, forward-thinking luxury for the Italian fashion house resonated with customers, influencers, and important industry people alike pretty much since his debut for Fall 2019, a phenomenon dubbed “New Bottega.” That year alone, Lee won all four Fashion Awards he was up for: Designer of the Year, British Designer of the Year —Womenswear, Accessories Designer of the Year and Brand of the Year.

Lee’s tenure at Bottega undoubtedly gave us some of our favourite fashion moments of the past 3 years. Below are some highlights.