WITH THE aim of reinforcing Loewe’s commitment to craft, the brand is exploring the world of weaving. Looking at the Chestnut roaster from Galicia, a handmade pot created from clay that has poles in it, the Spanish fashion house is embarking on a new adventure.
With the concept of holes in any object seeming dysfunctional, the beauty of this vase-like decoration is that they become a place to experiment with weaving techniques. “Craft is one of my main interests: one that I’ve made central to Loewe’s identity” explained Creative Director Jonathan Anderson on this new venture.
A collection of unique, artisan crafted objects including artist-embellished Galician chestnut roasters, woven leather bags, baskets and accessories.”
Loewe Weaves Chestnut Roasters
Loewe Weaves Chestnut Roasters
In collaboration with Sotheby’s, the auction house has chosen seven chestnut roasters that showcase unique weaving techniques from around the world to put on display. The handmade pot was constructed by potter Antonio Pereira and interpreted by Japanese artist Arko, Min Chen from China and Laia Arqueros from Spain.
From this May, Sotheby’s will be putting on an exhibition of some of the best work from the 20th and 21st century – with the pieces available to buy at fixed prices.
Loewe Weaves Chestnut Roaster
To further see how the chestnut roasters could be reimagined, 84 of these clay vases were given to Idoia Cuesta and Belen Martinez in Spain and to the Loewe artisans to experiment on. Surplus materials from collections were used again to help create sustainable, beautiful pieces of decoration that will be shipped across the world and be available to buy in-store worldwide.
Loewe Weaves Bags
Loewe Weaves Bags
In terms of accessories, the Ballon and Elephant bag have been given a makeover to match the theme with embellishments and woven raffia. The key to understanding Loewe has always been its playfulness, and this experimental dialogue between objects and accessories outlines Anderson’s approach.
“Across this whole project, what I hope that what comes through is the liveliness and expansiveness of contemporary craft, as well as its playfulness. I am proud we have created singular objects that rewire function through decoration, and the other way round,” he says.
by Imogen Clark
The collection will become available in-store and online from May 27.