Throughout the 166-year history of Spanish fashion house Loewe, there has been one common thread: the importance of craftsmanship. Continuing the legacy, the house's latest project focuses on the craftsmanship of Spain, a collection created in collaboration with local artisans including espadrilles, origami folded coin purses, and the more traditional Spanish Fan. Here, we exclusively premiere a documentary short by photographer Matthew Donaldson, revealing the work process of the collection.
The film focuses on traditional Spanish brands including espadrille maker Castañer, which was founded in 1774 and Carbonell, the Spanish fan manufacturer founded in 1860, which has created a fan called Spanish Baroque. Its distinctive motif, painstakingly engraved on each of its ebony sticks, is consistent with the Baroque aesthetic that Loewe has developed over recent seasons. This Valencian company has been manufacturing delicate fans for four generations. The Sevillian embroidery house Carrera Iglesia has a longstanding relationship with Loewe. Every stage of production, from the cutting to the embroidery to the braiding of the fringes, is executed by hand. In order to achieve the rich nuances of the design, two embroiderers work on each piece for four months. Carrera Iglesias has devoted several decades to the development and manufacture of this exquisite garment which, despite its Asian origins, has become a symbol of Spain.
The Best Hands of Spain products will be available in Loewe stores worldwide later this month.
