IN A captivating fusion of art and functionality, Loewe unveils its latest project, Loewe Chairs, at this year’s Salone del Mobile. The innovative display, running from April 17 to April 23, transforms the courtyard of Palazzo Isimbardi into a showcase of imagination and craftsmanship, centered around the humble yet versatile chair.
Thirty chairs, including twenty-two antique pieces and eight new creations by a British atelier, act as the canvas for this innovative exploration. Artisans from around the world employ a diverse array of materials, from traditional Loewe staples like leather and raffia to unconventional choices such as thermal blanket foil.
The history of the stick chair, dating back to 10th-century Welsh King Hywel Dda, highlights the simplicity of construction. Once considered peasant items, these chairs now serve as a springboard for unbridled woven decoration.
Complementing the stick chairs are eight Lloyd Loom chairs by Belgian company Vincent Sheppard. Born in the United States in 1917, the Lloyd Loom weaving technique combines paper and metal wire for a durable woven texture. Loewe’s Lloyd Loom chairs, featuring natural fibers and leather, pay homage to this innovative material while also expanding the brand’s creative language.
Nevertheless, Loewe Chairs not only showcases the brand’s passion for craftsmanship but also introduces bags and leather goods inspired by the materials and techniques used in the chairs, available exclusively during the event. The project ultimately invites us to rediscover the beauty and potential hidden within the objects we often take for granted.
by Zlata Kryudor