Loewe honors Ancient Chinese craft with the Year of the Snake capsule
As the Year of the Snake approaches, Loewe has once again embraced the traditions of Chinese craftsmanship to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This time, the brand has turned its focus to the timeless art of cloisonné, collaborating with Chinese Arts and Crafts Master Xiong Songtao, the third-generation heir of Xiong's Enamel studio, to merge this ancient craft with Loewe's modern fashion ethos.
The result is a limited-edition cloisonné high jewelry collection featuring three auspicious motifs: the green snake, the monkey, and the cloud. Each pendant, crafted using the finest bent wires on a metal base and filled with vibrant enamel, showcases the intricate beauty of the cloisonné technique, which originated in the Yuan Dynasty over 600 years ago. After being fired, polished, and gilded, these pieces represent a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary style.
Xiong Songtao, known for his elaborate works including jewelry, watch dials, traditional vessels, and sculptures, has infused the collection with a unique charm. "Unlike traditional depictions of the snake, these are relatively cute and lovely," he said in a behind-the-scenes documentary. "Yearning to fly, yearning to be free, yearning to reach new heights, these are all auspicious implications from the clouds," he added, referring to the cloud motifs in the collection.
Inspired by cloisonné designs, Loewe has also expanded the collection to include ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, and accessories. Highlights include the Nest bag adorned with snakehead and lotus cloisonné decorations, clutches shaped like auspicious clouds or coiled snakes, and the iconic Puzzle and Pebble Bucket bags featuring 3D cloud patterns and snake chain embellishments.
To further celebrate the spirit of the new year, Loewe has released a modern dance short film titled "Spring Awakening: Dance of the Snake." The film, starring Chinese dancer Xie Xin and her troupe, intertwines modern dance with traditional kite-making and shadow puppetry, showcasing the mastery of handicrafts and the rejuvenating energy of spring. Created by Chinese artist Shen Xintong, the shadow puppets in the film boast exquisite details that complement the traditional techniques. At the same time, the green snake kite is crafted by Zhang Xiaodong, a national representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Weifang kite-making, reviving the charm of traditional craftsmanship.
Looking ahead to the Year of the Dragon in 2024, Loewe plans to focus on the theme of jade. It will collaborate with jade carving masters to launch jade-inspired limited-edition pendants and new products, delving deeper into the unique status of jade in Chinese culture.
Loewe's clever approach is to use "craftsmanship" as a bridge to connect Chinese traditional culture with the brand's core philosophy. This localized narrative aligns Loewe's designs more closely with the emotional needs of Chinese consumers, enhancing its brand image and fostering a unique, gentle, and profound aura in their hearts.
