Whilst Jonathan Anderson might be best known as Loewe’s creative director, collecting art is perhaps his favourite pastime. The designer has been collecting art for over a decade. Of course, his passion naturally trickled down in his creations for the Spanish fashion house, often inspired by paintings, sculptures, art installations and photography; an anthology of art, craft and design that he’s curated in the form of the Loewe Art Collection.
This summer, he’s bringing a taste of it to Kuwait.
The brand’s first flagship store in the tiny gulf nation has opened at the Avenues Mall, and it’s guaranteed to give you art collector’s home feels. The neutral walls are adorned with huge Lebrillos; traditional Spanish ceramic bowls historically used for cooking and other domestic tasks.
Also on display is Hatate 11, a 2015 sculpture by Japanese glass artist Yoshiaki Kojiro whose work earned a special mention at the 2017 Loewe Craft Prize (annual awards hosted by the Loewe Foundation to honour and support artisans across the globe).
Anderson is no stranger to art initiatives within the brand. One of his latest projects was the Loewe Weaves; a series of unique, artisan crafted objects including artist-embellished Galician chestnut roasters, woven bags, baskets and accessories, in collaboration with Sotheby’s.
Alongside the art pieces, the 240-square-meters store will naturally feature a full range of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories. The interior takes inspiration from other Loewe stores with high-quality materials including campaspero stone, marmorino and smooth concrete. Hand-braided maple wood and crafted pink and white ceramic walls add an intimate touch to the space.
From a natural jute rug and handmade wool carpets from Spain depicting the Derbyshire Landscape, Day and Pink House Cumbria by British graphic artist John Allen to a Mercury Ball chandelier by Lutyens Furniture and Lighting, the place is filled to the brim with exclusive pieces furnishing its smooth floors and podiums.
