While many brands preach of traditional craftsmanship, the Spanish maison, under the watch of creative director Jonathan Anderson, has distinguished itself with its febrile exploration of what an authentic relationship between fashion and craft can look like. Just think of its numerous projects with artisans of every stripe – not to mention the annual Loewe Craft Prize.
Continuing in that vein, the brand’s latest project Loewe Weaves is a collection of woven leather bags and accessories, as well as one-of-a-kind artisanal objects. The latter is a key protagonist in Loewe Weaves: it comprises 92 Galician chestnut roasters (a handmade clay pot in which multiple holes are punched) all made by the master potter Antonio Pereira.
But the artistic process doesn’t stop there.
Examples of the pots in the Loewe Weaves project, where different artists and artisans have been invited to decorate them through the art of weaving
The holes are not merely decorative; they serve as the backdrop for which other artists from around the world have been invited to decorate the pots through the multi-formed art of weaving. These collaborators include artists Arko from Japan, Min Chen from China and Laia Arqueroes from Spain, as well as artisans Idoia Cuesta, Belen Martinez and the brand’s own atelier.
Loewe Weaves is also a joint project with Sotheby’s and is reportedly the first time a luxury fashion house is collaborating with the auction house. Seven of the artist-embellished chestnut roasters will be sold online via Sotheby’s on May 12.
The bags and accessories in the Loewe Weaves collection feature ornate, artisanal details
Most of the materials used for the decoration of these pots are surplus from previous Loewe collections, tying well with the brand’s increasing commitment to a more sustainable mode of production.
And finally, when it comes to the ready-to-wear aspect of this project, the bags and accessories all sport rich and ornate details (iconic Loewe bags such as the Balloon and the Elephant feature cascades of leather flowers for example).
The collection will be available at selected Loewe stores and online from May 27. Below, some of our favourite pieces.
