“I have always been drawn to artists whose practices expand, push and challenge conventions,” Jonathan Anderson quips. Take a look at Loewe’s new capsule collection – which hits stores today – and you’ll see just how apt that statement is. “I have long admired the work of Ken Price, who once said, ‘We’ve been cited as the people who broke away from the crafts hierarchy and substituted so-called ‘total freedom!’. This is utterly inspiring.”
It is prolific American artist Ken Price who has inspired the designer’s latest creations for Spanish fashion house Loewe, which brings Price’s colourful drawings to life through ready-to-wear and accessories.
Taking inspiration from a series of 20 unique hand painted ceramic plates created by Price (1935-2012), which he made for La Palme restaurant in Newport Beach in the early 1980s, Anderson has interpreted sunny landscapes, bright pops of colour and swaying palm trees as prints, intarsia and leather marquetry, emblazed across silk shirts, sweatshirts, t-shirts and washed denim trousers.
The laidback LA style also inspired the ready-to-wear silhouettes, which include loose volumes and cropped culottes that capture its quintessential ease.
Hooded sweatshirts, blouses, silk twill scarves, long mohair scarves and palm-shaped scarves complete the collection, which comes with a distinctively unisex feel.
When it comes to accessories, you won’t be disappointed either. All our favourite styles are back – think the Balloon, Hammock and Puzzle bags, however this time they come served sunny side up as palms and landscapes unfold on their iconic surfaces.
Born in thirties America, Ken Price established himself as part of the milieu of the legendary Ferus Gallery in the early sixties, using clay as his main material of choice. Famous for creating boldly hued cityscapes and landscapes in humorous cartoon-like style scattered over pottery and plates, Price was an easy choice for Anderson, who has always been crafts first.
The much-anticipated collection has launched just in the nick of time, too – that’s our festive season shopping sorted.