Back in October, Bottega Veneta held an exclusive, secretive show to present its Spring/Summer 2021 collection in the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Among the select roster of guests were a few dozen fashion editors and celebrities such as the model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, actress Salma Hayek-Pinault, and Kanye West, who brought along his daughter North, dressed in a “Vote Kanye” hoodie. No one in the audience was allowed to take pictures or talk publicly about what they saw – until now: on Monday, the show was finally made available for anyone in the world to watch and catch up on the collection. 

The short film, titled “Salon 01 London,” was directed by Tyrone Lebon and gives us a glimpse of what we can expect fashion to look like in a post-pandemic world. In a colorful box-like set illuminated by alternating shades of red, green, blue, and yellow, models in matching monochromatic ensembles walk between socially-distanced, masked guests with no phones in sight. The voice-over soundtrack, provided by singer Neneh Cherry, adds to the mood: clothes are made for us to feel good in them. “It’s armor that you can fly in,” she says in the monologue.

Much of the collection is knit, with looks that weave elegance and comfort. Womenswear includes crochet open-back tops and two-pieces made of crop jackets and mini skirts with fringes and pompoms at the hem – with the idea seemingly being that, after having to spend the past year covering up, it is time to show more skin again.

Fluid 1970s-inspired dresses and ample skirts are also featured, along with what appears to be a knit version of the Pouch bag and open-toe clogs in lime green, turquoise, and red. Colorful hollow platform strap sandals and slip shoes are there, too.

Menswear is also made comfortable with crochet tank tops, loose button-ups, wide-legged pants, and knit jackets that play with minimalist patterns. The shades are more neutral, with the most colorful designs being a blue shawl cardigan and a teal jumpsuit-looking ensemble. Some looks feature a belt bag with a golden buckle that resembles that of an airplane seatbelt. 

The “Salon 01” project will continue through a series of three books and a record, which present the making of the collection, giving access to Daniel Lee’s designing process and influences. Like the October show, the material delves into our connection with clothing and discusses why certain items become so fascinating. 

Book 01 showcases Lee’s mood board for the collection; Book 02, created in collaboration with German artist Rosemarie Trockel, combines photos and short texts, along with a reflection on our connection with garments; Book 03 presents behind-the-scenes photographs of the “Salon 01” October presentation by Tyrone Lebon; and the record is Neneh Cherry’s exclusive soundtrack for the show.

“Salon 01 London” is available to watch on Bottega Veneta’s website.