Daniel Lee of Bottega Veneta debuts the New Americana look in Detroit

With Daniel Lee at the helm, Bottega Veneta’s been given a facelift.

From padded bags to plush square-toed heels, Lee’s accessories are trendsetters and verified classics. Now, he turns to innovate ready-to-wear in his spring/summer 2022 show.

Lee’s Americana collection debuted at the Michigan Theater, the iconic movie palace turned parking garage. Detroit is largely black and working class, and one may wonder how an English designer could possibly pay proper homage to the city’s history. 

If you just take a peek into the designer’s own history, it’s no surprise that he chose Detroit over the favored fashion capitals of the world. Although from England, Lee comes from an office worker and a mechanic.The workwear-inspired collection is sturdy and practical in its construction and the designer captured the city’s essence effortlessly: strong, unwavering, and continuously innovative. 

And as the birthplace of techno, a point of nostalgia for Lee, neon look after neon look made its way down the runway. The automobile-inspired construction and metallic threads of the anoraks is perfect for the Windy City, where the wind cuts through you like glass.

What makes Daniel Lee so special is his clarity of vision. Nothing is ever overdone, but his messages always read loud and clear. He doesn’t overstep or has something to prove. His work is a love letter to this great city.

Legends Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim lauded Lee’s support of one of the greatest culture hubs in the world. Despite debuting in the off-season, celebrities like Kehlani, Zazie Beetz, Sasha Lane, and Burna Boy flitted to the show to witness Detroit’s christening of its title of budding fashion capital – all thanks to Daniel Lee.