FASHION MEETS ART IN LOEWE MANILA
The Spanish brand opens its stand-alone store in Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s East Wing with decor that also expresses its rootedness in modern art, craft, and tradition.
You might recognize Loewe from its Puzzle bag’s cuboid shape, slung over shoulders messengerstyle, gripped by the handle, or carried as a clutch both by men and women.
Or you might recognize it from its famous wearers: Beyoncé and Kate Bosworth have it in fuchsia, Sienna Miller in mint green, and Julianne Moore in Bordeaux and an XL one in black. It is the first completely new bag designed by creative director Jonathan Anderson and has been favored to become a modern classic for being at once functional, distinctive, and luxuriously tactile ever since it debuted on the Loewe spring 2015 runways.
Loewe — pronounced ‘‘Lo-ee-vay’’ — reopens its stand-alone store in the Philippines, this time in Shangri-La Plaza’s glitzy East Wing showcasing a curated selection of leather goods, accessories, and eyewear. For the new generation of fans brought on board by J.W. Anderson himself, did you know the Spanish brand was first in Manila in 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati during its minimalist Narciso Rodriguez era?
The cerebral Anderson explores the heritage of the house through the prism of contemporary craft practice. The latest Puzzle, as well as Loewe’s cross-body saddlebag Gate, drawstring bag Hammock, and the carryall Basket — coveting them lures you to the store. They all come in this season’s mini trend. The new line is not only inspired by nature but also intended to be worn in nature as juxtaposed elements — like hand-woven raffia with the softest calfskin in the new Gate. But Anderson wants to take us into his exploration further and the store is one expression.
The 68-square-meter store is executed in the Casa Loewe concept he developed. It was first introduced in its flagship in Omotesando and taken to its fullest with the premiere of Casa Loewe in its hometown, Madrid. The Manila boutique features the same stucco walls and polished Campaspero limestone flooring, selected to evoke the ambience of a stately home and paying homage to the brand’s European heritage in its materiality. The emerald-green canopy of translucent green stone references the entrance to Loewe Madrid, which was designed by famed architect Javier Carvajal in 1959. Loewe has carefully selected pieces of modern and traditional art to accentuate the space, including a tapestry by master weaver and knitter John Allen. Known for his striking sense of color and ability to transpose snapshots of the British landscape into his works, the textile designer has collaborated with Loewe on multiple occasions, including the SS 2015 accessories collection. Lending a modern edge to Loewe Shangri-La Plaza are the original stools and chairs designed for the FW 2018 fashion show in Paris, an Akari E Light Sculpture by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, as well as specially designed, handmade geometric rugs and heirloom cider presses obtained after a tireless pursuit across Spain, Portugal and the South of France. These are the finishing touches that typify the Casa Loewe experience and its harmony of modern and antique.
***
In the Philippines, Loewe is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and located at Level 1 of Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing. Contact the store at 245-9049 for more information.