Mediterranean summers are an essential reference within Loewe’s creative world. And despite the negative
impact of the pandemic, and the restrictions limiting tourism and holiday plans, the Spanish luxury label has once again kept its annual date with the island of Ibiza, which has played a starring role in Loewe’s summer collections for many a season.
“Summer in the city was on my mind when I designed the collection: I wanted to inject a carefree beach mood into the everyday,” said Jonathan Anderson, creative director of the label owned by French luxury group LVMH. He added that, in his latest creations, he sought to replicate “the sparkle of the sunny Balearic Islands, transplanting it on to clothes and accessories that are simple and easy to wear, with a distinct artisanal touch.” For the occasion, Loewe has mirrored this style in a “visual portfolio” lensed by photographer Gray Sorrenti, who drew inspiration from a series of sunlit scenes featuring the colourful architecture of Mexico City.
With Loewe’s new Paula’s Ibiza collection, Anderson wanted to convey a sense of escape, the feeling of “letting oneself go” that is inextricably linked with this “unique place.” And he did so with a capsule collection that is much more comprehensive than previous editions. Loewe said that Paula’s Ibiza has evolved, becoming “a complete range of products for men and women.” The label has added new shapes to the collection, from soft, deconstructed blazers for men, to highly feminine dresses and top-trouser combinations for women. Garments with which Loewe intends to cater to a variety of needs and occasions that go beyond the summer season.
The collection features multiple prints inspired by the natural world, typical of the style created by the founders of Ibizan label Paula’s, Armin Heinemann and Stuart Rudnick, and it includes a psychedelic new take on Loewe’s logo. Crocheted details and trimmings on trouser hems and shirt sleeves, tie-dye effects, chambray embroidery and textured patterns add an extra touch to the garments, which include jackets, tunic-style and handmade tops and generously cut, asymmetric outfits.
The collection also includes accessories, from canvas fisherman hats to diver-style sunglasses and a series of handbags woven from natural yarns, as well as the signature ‘Anagram’ basket tote, made in Colombia using Iraca palm by artisan women belonging to the Corporación Oficio organisation and the Arte NGO. In addition, Loewe has again included the tropical scent of its unisex Paula’s Ibiza perfume, first launched last year.
Loewe was founded in Madrid in 1846 by Enrique Loewe. It is owned by French luxury giant LVMH and has been led since 2016 by the former vice-president of Céline, Pascale Lepoivre. The label is currently present in over 28 countries with approximately 200 monobrand stores, and is distinctive for the Casa Loewe retail concept, already deployed in Madrid, Tokyo, London and Singapore.