‘Filled with personal memories of summers on the island, LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza 2021 captures my idea of escapism. The spirit of letting go is, for me, forever associated with this unique place.
Summer in the city was top of my mind for this collection: the carefree spirit of seaside dressing carried from the beach right into the everyday. I’m after that vibrant zing of sunny Balearic effortlessness, channelled through uncomplicated pieces of clothing and accessories that are as easy to wear as they are craft-led, lit by the touch of the hand.
Having evolved into a fully-fledged offering for both men and women, it was time for Paula’s Ibiza to widen its scope. We have introduced new shapes to the collection, as mildly formal as a deconstructed blazer for men and an array of dresses and tops mixed with trousers for women, opening up a multitude of functions way beyond the summer vacation moment. Letting go is, after all, a way of being, and the beach is both a place and an attitude, I believe.
We play with themes and variations constantly, using relaxed staples such as dresses,sweatshirts, drawstring shorts and loose trousers as a base. An amusing take on naturalworld-inspired archive prints – parrots, doves, crocuses – drawn from the repertoire of Paula’s founders Armin Heinemann and Stuart Rudnick - alternates with a playfully psychedelic interpretation of the LOEWE logo.
Crochet recurs on dresses and hooded sweats, but also along the hem of trousers and the short sleeves of blouses, while faded treatments give a sunny patina to jackets. Moon prints turn workwear-inspired chambray pieces into something dreamy. Textured geometries on tops and kaftan dresses highlight the feeling of the handmade. Shapes are loose and asymmetric, easy even when clinging to the body. Effortlessness is key.
The mix and match spirit is pervasive, with accessories adding another layer of laid back playfulness: canvas fisherman hats, goggle sunglasses and an array of bags in woven natural fibers. There are the Anagram baskets in Iraca Palm, woven in Colombia by female artisans who are part of the Corporación Oficioy Arte NGO: an artisanal collective that allows the craftswomen to be financially independent and educate their children. Their basket weaves are then married to LOEWE’s leather savoir-faire in our ateliers in Spain, resulting in impeccably crafted, timeless objects. Ruffles are interpreted in raffia on the Balloon and Pochette bags. There are fruit-inspired baskets, pochettes and coin purses in Iraca Palm. Ecru and navy canvas and tan calf leather combinations give a summery feel to Hammock, Balloon, and Gate bags. Soft suede moccasin boots highlight the summer-in-the-city feel, but there are also espadrilles in canvas with leather Anagram, calf leather sandals embellished with metallic dice and chunky-soled sandals with point sellier top-stitching. Our very own Flow runner sneaker has been given a bright makeover.
For the accompanying visual portfolio, we worked again with Gray Sorrenti, shooting scenes around the colorful architectures of Mérida and Campeche, Mexico. The protagonists are captured in glaring sunlight, playing with the graphic shape of shades and the vibrant colors of the cities. Geometry comes alive in a feat of retina-burning jollity.
Summer is heralded as a way of being, not just a season: a mindset that works all year long. A happily energizing one.‘
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