Since the somewhat unexpected arrival of Daniel Lee as Bottega Veneta‘s new creative director in Summer of last year, the top luxury brand has seen a renaissance hailed by global fashion crowds, and not unimportantly, steeply rising sales. But Lee’s badly needed brand rejuvenation has not only been confined to the runway and is now spilling over into the realm of retail. Although retaining Bottega Veneta‘s renowned luxury aura, a distinctly playful stance has been adopted which will more easily connect the brand with a younger demographic and raise brand awareness. The recent opening of a Bottega Café at upscale department store Hankyu Men’s in Osaka, a first for the brand, should be seen in this light. The watering hole is situated on the premises of an existing men’s shop-in-shop on the second floor, occupying a compact 55 sqm. (592 sq.ft.) space punctuated with three large windows. The watering hole has an entrance of its own and sees Italian terrazzo flooring and sand-coloured walls. Upon entering, shoppers encounter an elongated bar with stools against a backdrop of lush tropical plants shielded by opaque glass panels and the café’s name in neon. Around the corner more seating can be found, captured by tables with bright yellow table tops and chairs featuring signature intrecciato leather as seating similar to the aforementioned stools, in addition to an elongated bench lining once side of the venue. The newly opened Bottega Café aptly serves Italian coffee, aperitifs and wines.