An artisanal journey with Loewe
For several years now, Belén Leiro, artisan and co-founder of Casa Atlântica, has had the privilege of working with the renowned fashion house Loewe, participating in some of its most significant projects, where craftsmanship, history, and innovation intertwine with a unique sensitivity.
2023
LOEWE Chairs: we wove three unique chairs
In 2023, Belén worked on three chairs that were part of the LOEWE Chairs collection. She reinterpreted antique chairs using artisanal weaving techniques and natural materials, transforming them into unique objects of contemporary design. It was a project that celebrated the diversity of global craftsmanship, merging tradition with modern design.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
2022
Repaired in Spain and the “Weave, Restore, Renew” exhibition
One of the most important milestones of this journey was the participation in the 2022 Salone del Mobile in Milan, where Loewe presented the exhibition “Weave, Restore, Renew” at the Palazzo Isimbardi. This gave life to the “Repaired in Spain” project, a collection of 240 antique baskets from around the world, restored with a contemporary perspective inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which honors imperfections.
2022
Repaired in Spain and the “Weave, Restore, Renew” exhibition
One of the most important milestones of this journey was the participation in the 2022 Salone del Mobile in Milan, where Loewe presented the exhibition “Weave, Restore, Renew” at the Palazzo Isimbardi. This gave life to the “Repaired in Spain” project, a collection of 240 antique baskets from around the world, restored with a contemporary perspective inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which honors imperfections.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
For nearly two years, Belén restored 50 selected baskets, using Loewe leather cords and natural fibers. Each piece became an opportunity to pay tribute to the passage of time, the hands that first wove them, and the stories they hold.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
For nearly two years, Belén restored 50 selected baskets, using Loewe leather cords and natural fibers. Each piece became an opportunity to pay tribute to the passage of time, the hands that first wove them, and the stories they hold.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
The project also brought together great artisans like Álvaro and Vitoria Leiro, Belén’s father and sister, who brought the ancestral Corozas gallegas—straw raincoats traditionally used in Galicia—to Milan. Loewe and Leiro reinterpreted these traditional techniques in the creation of baskets and bags, using the same inherited materials and knowledge.
The project also brought together great artisans like Álvaro and Vitoria Leiro, Belén’s father and sister, who brought the ancestral Corozas gallegas—straw raincoats traditionally used in Galicia—to Milan. Loewe and Leiro reinterpreted these traditional techniques in the creation of baskets and bags, using the same inherited materials and knowledge.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
2021
LOEWE Weaves: a new life for the chestnut roaster
The 2021 collaboration was part of the LOEWE Weaves project, a celebration of Spanish craftsmanship through an innovative lens.
The protagonist was the Galician chestnut roaster, a handmade clay pot perforated with holes. Loewe invited various artists and artisans to reinterpret this piece using experimental weaving techniques, altering its functionality and giving it new life.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
These vessels were created by Galician potter Antonio Pereira, heir to a lineage of generations dedicated to clay. Belén worked on several of these pieces using raffia and leather, blending traditional materials with new aesthetic proposals. The entire process and final result can be seen in a video where she talks about the connection between contemporary design and ancestral craftsmanship.
These vessels were created by Galician potter Antonio Pereira, heir to a lineage of generations dedicated to clay. Belén worked on several of these pieces using raffia and leather, blending traditional materials with new aesthetic proposals. The entire process and final result can be seen in a video where she talks about the connection between contemporary design and ancestral craftsmanship.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
She was joined by artists such as Japanese artist Arko, Min Chen from China, Laia Arquero from Barcelona, and Idoia Cuesta from Galicia, weaving a network of knowledge and cultures around a single piece.
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
(Photo: www.loewe.com)
All these projects were carried out under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson and his team at Loewe. It has been a true privilege to walk alongside professionals who not only value craftsmanship, but place it at the heart of contemporary design with admirable sensitivity and respect.
Just recently, it was announced that Jonathan Anderson is stepping down as creative director of Loewe, and from here we can only say: what an honor to have been part of such a brilliant era!
All these projects were carried out under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson and his team at Loewe. It has been a true privilege to walk alongside professionals who not only value craftsmanship, but place it at the heart of contemporary design with admirable sensitivity and respect.
Just recently, it was announced that Jonathan Anderson is stepping down as creative director of Loewe, and from here we can only say: what an honor to have been part of such a brilliant era!
(Foto: www.loewe.com)
And in 2024, the collaboration continues—we are developing various prototypes for their collections which, for confidentiality reasons, cannot be shown here, but once again reflect the trust and creative harmony between both parties. We love collaborating with the brand and are deeply grateful for these shared years, which have been as enriching as they have been exciting.
Over the years, media outlets around the world have echoed these collaborations, highlighting the value of local craftsmanship and its fusion with contemporary design. Here’s an article by Labois, the consultancy & marketing agency led by our dear Adriana Campo, where Belén shared her experience on the LOEWE Chairs project: Artesanía, lujo y diseño en el Salón del Mueble de Milán – Labois.
“I want my collections to feel like a conversation between the past and the future.”
JONATHAN ANDERSON