_By_Mark Benjamin
For Lunar New Year,LOEWEunveils "Spring Awakening: Dance of the Snake," drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese_cloisonné_—the imperial enameling technique where artisans create intricate patterns using metal wire filled with colored glass paste.
Third-generation masterXiong Songtao, whose familial legacy traces to the Qing Dynasty's royal workshops, brings his signature ultra-fine wire technique to the collection's centerpieces. His handcrafted details appear on the_Nest bag_, where serpentine motifs intertwined with lotus patterns, and a series of pendants with auspicious symbols in vibrant enamel.
The ready-to-wear line reimagines traditional silhouettes with cloud patterns reflecting porcelain motifs. Each piece pairs fine materials—silk linings and supple leathers—with youthful design and precise tailoring.
LOEWE's iconic bags receive thoughtful updates: the_Puzzle bag_appears with three-dimensional cloud formations in padded leather, while the_Pebble Bucket_features hand-finished snake chains in polished brass. New designs include a cloud-shaped clutch in_dégradé_leather—transitioning from crisp white to azure—and a coiled snake minaudière in polished aluminum.
Accompanying the collection,_LOEWE_debuts"Spring Awakening: Dance of the Snake,"starring contemporary dancerXie Xin, founder ofXDTand artistic director of the Greater Bay Area Dance Week. The film weaves her modern choreography with traditional Chinese crafts: shadow puppetry by artist Danno and intricate kites byZhang Xiaodong, a master of Weifang craft recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The collection launches globally on January 9, with Asian market previews from January 5. Master Xiong's cloisonné pieces and select items will be available in limited quantities at_LOEWE_flagships.
Through collaboration with Chinese master artisans,_LOEWE_bridges European luxury with imperial craft traditions, creating collectible pieces that honor the Year of the Snake while advancing the house's innovative legacy.