When Tomas Maier marries the rigorous minimalism of the Bottega Veneta brand with opulent details like paillettes, chiffon ruffles, and powerful prints, the results are extraordinary. It is rare for a designer to improve so succinctly upon their own design DNA, by Maier accomplished just such a feat on the Bottega Veneta Fall/Winter 2012 runway. The show opens with a no-nonsense fitted suit dress. The daywear portion of this collection marched along the same path, using incisive tailoring to transmit an authoritarian message. Suit dresses and separates were accessorized with crumpled, elbow-length leather gloves and knee-high equestrian boots which added weight to the light linen and cotton fabrics of the clothing. His most casual look, a bumpy knit sweater and fitted capris, was a cool accomplishment amid a collection of refined pieces.

Eveningwear was the strongest part of this show. A soft pink dress, dusted with glittering accents, led the looks and was followed by halter-neck gowns, Pollockian paint-splattered prints, a corset dress, and one breathtaking gown that looked as if it was etched with the latticework of a noir garden pergola. Bottega Veneta is the perfect label for the modern woman – allowing her the crisp cleanness of a well-tailored suit for day, and the feminine luxury of a gorgeous gown for night. Maier knows how we must straddle two worlds, and he provides the wardrobe for this bifurcated way of living.

written by GRACE GORDON|photos: courtesy of GoRunway