Invite Only: Bottega Veneta Livestreams--With an Exclusive Twist

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Thanks to the internet, the world of fashion is going through a major growing spurt. There was a time when only the world's top editors and buyers were privy to seeing a designer's collection a season prior to it's arrival in stores--after which they would dictate the season's trends and what was worth purchasing. Now? Not so much. The internet has democratized fashion in a major way--with virtually any fan able to see looks fresh off the runway in real time. Many designers have even started livestreaming their shows, allowing the public at large to see next season's hits from the comfort of their couches (clad only in undies whilst scooping gobs of sticky ice cream into their mouths as frail Burberry models wobble down the catwalk). Well, luxury label Bottega Veneta has come up with an interesting negotiation to the new media's response to all this internet-crazed immediacy. Bottega's creative director Thomas Maier will be streaming the show for customers, but on an invitation basis--only. This means that only the label's top customers will be receiving a password to allow them the privelage to view the show through the brand's website, as it's happening. They will then be able to access a digital look book and the opportunity to purchase items from the spring collection. We suppose that it was only a matter of time until somebody figured out a way for the internet to catch up to the nose-in-the-air elitism of the real world. (WWD)