Patti Smith Gets Back on Stage for Bottega Veneta

Patti Smith has always been a force in both music and poetry, and she brought her signature artistry to Milan for a special collaboration with Bottega Veneta. As part of the Italian brand's latest Correspondences project with Soundwalk Collective—an ongoing exhibition of the use of natural sounds from around the world—Smith performed her spoken word at the brand’s new headquarters, Palazzo San Fedel, on March 1, marking a powerful moment for not only the brand, but also in its storytelling.

This particular edition of Correspondences paid tribute to Italian designer Carlo Mollino, specifically his enigmatic Casa Mollino in Turin. Designed between 1960 and 1968, the space was kept secret during Mollino’s lifetime, with the goal in mind to keep true to his artistic vision without interruption. Smith’s performance, set against a backdrop of Bottega Veneta’s curated aesthetic, honored the apartment’s symbolic elements—including the butterfly motif, a theme woven through both Mollino’s and the brand’s design legacies. While on stage, she rocked her signature long tresses with a woven leather jacket by Bottega Veneta.

Bringing together Soundwalk Collective’s field recordings with Smith’s poetic reflections, the event created an ambient, atmospheric experience for all attendees. As the brand continues to evolve its craftsmanship and storytelling, this collaboration was a natural extension of its ethos, blending fashion, art, and history into one moment.

Smith’s return to the stage in this intimate setting reaffirmed her enduring influence, as her presence alone made for quite the spectacle, proving that whether in music, poetry, or fashion, her voice continues to inspire. Watch a glimpse of it here.