Runway report: Culture and Art at Loewe

Since appointment of Jonathan Anderson as the creative director of Loewe in 2013, the Spanish label's foundations have been built around the ideals of free-thinking bohemianism and individualism. Not only has this concept catapulted Loewe to new levels of success and relevance in today’s copycat society- a feat the label's previous head, Stuart Vevers, was unable to achieve- but it also serves as a common thread that ties its collections together.

The event was hosted at the landmark United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization heritage building in Paris which provided an artsy space for the FROW to contemplate and digest the message of Loewe's cultural idiosyncrasy for its SS/19 collection. Lara Favaretto’s spinning car wash brushes and rustic woven baskets by Joe Hogan – the first winner of the Loewe craft prize – are situated by the runway as pieces that joined by and accentuate Anderson's own exhibition pieces.

Bright, vivacious colours are paired with Clean cut silhouettes that, despite boasting large amounts of fabric, frame and fit the female form beautifully. Muted blues, browns and burgundys are accentuated by rainbow racer stripes- painted horizontally and diagonally- almost like the strokes of paint across a canvas.

The use of materials including straws and mohairs also delivered the rustic and rustic snakeskin collars edged in thick stitching with a more delicate essence of the collection expressed through flowing asymmetrical silk tunics and airy linen kaftan dresses.

Smatterings of feathers appear throughout the collection, ranging from multi-colour vests to statement earrings. Outfits are made statement with huge sunglasses, covering the entire upper half of the face.

Anderson is known to have a stellar track record in creating inventive and individual 'bag-wear' (as demonstrated within his eponymous label J.W Anderson) , and this collection is no anomaly. Woven wicker bags are updated with crochet patterns and gilded with leather.

Loewe SS/19 is at heart, an exploration the interplay between modern fashion and contemporary art with Anderson stating : “It’s free; it’s sensual; it’s satin; it’s a mass of textures. I feel this is what the brand is becoming—its DNA,” at debrief at Loewe. He further confirms “I had the idea about people walking through a gallery space who are individuals but connected by a common thread.” and it is fair to say that Loewe SS19 lives up to this lofty vision.