In the realm of high fashion, collaborations have become a dynamic expression of cultural exchange, blending artistry, history, and modern luxury. The 2025 Lunar New Year capsule collection from Loewe, in collaboration with Chinese contemporary artist Xiong Songtao, is a celebration of both heritage and innovation. This collection, blending traditional symbolism with avant-garde design, reinterprets the spirit of the Lunar New Year in a fresh, luxurious way—creating pieces that transcend fashion to become cultural landmarks in their own right.
Xiong Songtao, a rising star in the contemporary Chinese art scene, is renowned for his bold, thoughtful reinterpretation of traditional Chinese cloisonné motifs. Known for blending ancient symbolism with modern design sensibilities, his work seamlessly merges the old with the new, much like Loewe itself, a brand that stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson. The result of this collaboration is a truly unique collection that invites us to experience the Lunar New Year in a way that is both deeply rooted in culture and forward-thinking in its aesthetic.
A Seamless Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Xiong Songtao’s work often incorporates elements of traditional Chinese art, such as calligraphy, mythological creatures, and natural motifs, but with a contemporary twist that breathes new life into these ancient symbols. This ethos is reflected in the 2025 Loewe collection, where the Lunar New Year’s classic symbols—fortune, prosperity, and new beginnings—are reimagined through Songtao’s distinctive artistic lens. His artistic vision transforms the familiar into something extraordinary, allowing the viewer to experience these symbols in a completely new light.
“Unlike traditional depictions of the snake, these are relatively cute and lovely,” said Xiong. “Yearning to fly, yearning to be free, yearning to reach new heights, these are all auspicious implications from the clouds,” he continued, referring to the symbolic creatures featured throughout the collection. His reimagining of the snake, often a symbol of transformation, is softer and more endearing in this collection, imbued with an energy of hope and potential that is fitting for the start of a new year.
Loewe’s impeccable craftsmanship complements Songtao’s artistic vision, weaving these new interpretations into the fabric of the collection. The luxurious textiles, ranging from velvets to silks, are elevated with Songtao’s dynamic brushstroke-inspired designs, evoking movement, growth, and a sense of freedom. The fluidity of these designs speaks to the idea of yearning, as expressed by Xiong, symbolizing the desire for both personal growth and collective prosperity.
The Art of Leather: Masterpieces of Craftsmanship
Loewe’s reputation for expertly crafted leather goods is unmistakable, and this collection is no exception. The luxury house has reinterpreted its iconic designs, such as the Puzzle bag and the Flamenco clutch, incorporating Songtao’s signature motifs into the supple leathers. The result is a stunning marriage of artistic expression and master craftsmanship, resulting in pieces that are both functional and artistic.
The Puzzle bag, another icon of Loewe, is reimagined with the artist’s unique calligraphic designs embossed into the leather. These fluid, ink-inspired strokes capture a sense of movement and transformation, perfectly embodying the theme of yearning for growth and new possibilities. The bag’s geometric shapes are softened by the organic patterns, making it a striking representation of the collaboration’s fusion of old-world symbolism with modern aesthetics.
For those seeking smaller accessories, the collection also offers wallets, keychains, and other leather goods featuring Songtao’s artwork, giving admirers the opportunity to carry a piece of this unique collaboration wherever they go.
A Timeless Celebration of Craft and Culture
The 2025 Loewe Lunar New Year collection stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration, blending traditional Chinese symbolism with cutting-edge design. Songtao’s work resonates deeply with the spirit of the Lunar New Year—new beginnings, prosperity, and the promise of a brighter future—while Loewe’s expert craftsmanship ensures that each piece in the collection is a work of art in itself.
Xiong Songtao’s reflections on the collection highlight the deeper cultural implications of the designs: “Yearning to fly, yearning to be free, yearning to reach new heights.” This idea of upward movement, growth, and transformation infuses every element of the collection, making it a perfect fit for the auspicious occasion of the Lunar New Year.
By blending tradition with innovation, Loewe and Songtao have created a collection that feels both timeless and forward-looking, offering a new way to celebrate the Lunar New Year while paying homage to its rich cultural legacy. The result is a collection that isn’t just about fashion—it’s about embracing the energy of the year ahead with optimism, hope, and an eye toward new horizons.
Written By: Jennifer Lu
Published: 29th January 2025