Loewe's 'Crafted World' blooms with papery flowers and glowing mushrooms, celebrating the brand's heritage, creative influence, and a sense of youthful enchantment.
Loewe's Crafted World Exhibition Celebrates Fine Craftsmanship in Tokyo
Loewe, the Spanish luxury brand, has brought its immersive exhibition, Crafted World, to Tokyo's Harajuku district. The event, which runs until May 11, showcases the brand's commitment to craft culture and its rich heritage.
The exhibition, spanning 1,300 square meters across two levels, is a spatial journey designed by Dutch studio OMA. It begins with an illuminated block-like facade that transforms into an urban dialogue with Tokyo. The experience continues inside, with the spatial experience flowing through seven chapters, each with a different identity, texture, and atmosphere.
Focus on Fine Detail and Craftsmanship
Visitors to Crafted World are treated to a close-up experience of the handcrafted details that are not easily appreciated on the runway. This emphasis on the artistry behind Loewe's creations is evident throughout the exhibition, from the century-old calfskin travel vanity cases to the sculptural 1980s perfume bottles.
Collaborative Design Projects
The exhibit features special projects like "The Landscape of Memory," designed in collaboration with artists to bring a narrative depth to the craft displays. Other collaborations include works inspired by various traditional and contemporary techniques, reflecting craftsmanship from around the world as part of Loewe's Mindcraft Project and related initiatives.
Interactive Elements for Children
Crafted World offers family-oriented activities such as a hidden character hunt game where children place stickers, enhancing engagement beyond mere observation.
Integration of Diverse Crafts
The exhibition aligns with Loewe's broader commitment to craft culture, featuring a curated collection of craftsmanship, including works by Loewe Foundation Craft Prize winners, such as British artist Jennifer Lee's stoneware, Japanese artist Takayuki Sakiyama's ceramic abstractions, and Kyoto-based Genta Ishizuka's contemporary lacquer works.
Artistic and Cultural Fusion
Crafted World embraces a blend of crafts, art installations, and design, including the involvement of artists like Japanese creatives and international collaborations that reflect Loewe's global craft connections.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The Castle Room features a 2m-high Howl's Moving Castle bag, inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli film and part of a 2023 capsule collection. The exhibition moves into the fashion cosmos, displaying 54 looks from across the decades, Loewe art collection works, and catwalk footage.
The first chapter, Born from the Hand, explores the history of the brand, including early tools dating back to 1846, monochrome photography from around 1910 of the Madrid store and workshop on Calle del Principe, and Sculptural 1980s perfume bottles and costumes worn by Rihanna and Beyoncé.
The exhibition concludes with Unexpected Dialogues, an immersive exploration into the creative worlds of five collaborators, including the New Mexico studio of potter Ken Price and the magical animal-dancing world of Japanese ceramicist duo Suna Fujita.
Sheila Loewe, president of the Loewe Foundation and fifth generation of the luxury house, sums up the exhibition as a celebration of heritage, playfulness, and beauty. Crafted World Tokyo can be visited at craftedworld.loewe.com.
Ishizuka, a Japanese artist, was inspired to create his work by seeing oranges being sold in mesh bags at the supermarket. He aims to turn the transparency, depth, and allure of Japanese lacquer into artworks. Crafted World is a testament to Loewe's progressive approach to fashion, craft, and culture since its 1846 establishment in Madrid.
- The exhibition, Crafted World, highlights Loewe's dedication to various crafts, showcasing works like Jennifer Lee's British stoneware, Takayuki Sakiyama's Japanese ceramic abstractions, and Genta Ishizuka's contemporary lacquer works from Kyoto - all winners of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize.
- Beyond fashion and beauty, Crafted World also integrates home and garden elements, offering a hidden character hunt game for children, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond mere observation.
