A Celebration of Artisanal Heritage and Design Innovation
In a grand showcase of tradition blended with avant-garde innovation, LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion house celebrated for its deep Spanish artisanal roots, proudly unveils its Crafted World exhibition at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. This event marks a significant moment, highlighting the brand’s rich history, unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, and pioneering design philosophy.
Curated by the visionary creative director, Jonathan Anderson, Crafted World offers an unparalleled, immersive journey tracing LOEWE’s transformation from a modest leather-making workshop in Madrid in 1846 to its present stature as a preeminent name in the global luxury fashion arena. Anderson envisions the exhibition as “a tribute to the global community of artisans who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of handcrafted artistry.”
Key Takeaways:
- Historical Journey: The exhibition, spread across 1,600 square meters, narrates LOEWE’s 178-year story of creative excellence, showcasing the brand’s evolution and its role in shaping contemporary luxury fashion.
- Thematic Exploration: Crafted World is organized into six thematic sections, each delving into a specific facet of LOEWE’s heritage and its forward-thinking approach to fashion and craftsmanship.
- Interactive and Immersive Elements: Featuring unique installations such as giant leather sculptures and a mirrored flower garden, the exhibition engages visitors in a multi-sensory exploration of LOEWE’s legacy and innovation.
- Global Artisan Tribute: It stands as a homage to artisans worldwide, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to preserving and innovating traditional crafts.
Occupying a sprawling space, the exhibition stands as a beacon of LOEWE’s enduring legacy of creativity, innovation, and excellence in craftsmanship. It beautifully articulates the brand’s journey through a curated selection of iconic designs, influential collaborations, and artistic ventures, including its esteemed role as a purveyor to the Spanish Royal Family and its integration into the LVMH family.
Crafted World is ingeniously segmented into six thematic chapters, providing diverse insights into LOEWE’s dynamic fashion ethos and its cultured craft heritage. From its foundational expertise in leatherwork to the contemporary vision under Jonathan Anderson, the exhibition encapsulates the brand’s progression with an eclectic mix of historical pieces, multimedia presentations, and engaging installations.
Conceived in collaboration with OMA, the exhibition’s highlights include awe-inspiring giant leather sculptures, child-friendly interactive displays, and a mesmerizing suspended flower garden, creating a hall of infinite reflections. Themed zones such as “Born from the Hand,” “Welcome to Spain,” “The Atelier,” “Fashion Without Limits,” “United in Craft,” and “Unexpected Dialogues” invite visitors into the intricately crafted world of LOEWE.
The exhibition’s pinnacle features include a meticulous recreation of Jonathan Anderson’s groundbreaking runway designs, intimate glimpses into the atelier’s heart, and experiential zones inspired by a decade of groundbreaking collaborations. Concluding with Álvaro Leiro’s contemporary interpretations of traditional Galician raincoats, Crafted World offers a tactile engagement with LOEWE’s artisanal essence.
Open to the public from March 22 to May 5, 2024, Crafted World embarks on a global journey thereafter. Admission is complimentary, inviting fashion and art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the enchanting realm of LOEWE’s Crafted World.
