LOEWE Unveils Year of the Snake Collection Inspired by Imperial Craft

ByMark Benjamin

For Lunar New Year,LOEWEunveils "Spring Awakening: Dance of the Snake," drawing inspiration from ancient Chinesecloisonné—the imperial enameling technique where artisans create intricate patterns using metal wire filled with colored glass paste.

A cloisonné pendant with cloud motifs in cobalt enamel, showcasing the collection's signature technique (Photo: Courtesy of LOEWE)

Third-generation masterXiong Songtao, whose familial legacy traces to the Qing Dynasty's royal workshops, brings his signature ultra-fine wire technique to the collection's centerpieces. His handcrafted details appear on theNest bag, where serpentine motifs intertwined with lotus patterns, and a series of pendants with auspicious symbols in vibrant enamel.

The ready-to-wear line reimagines traditional silhouettes with cloud patterns reflecting porcelain motifs. Each piece pairs fine materials—silk linings and supple leathers—with youthful design and precise tailoring.

Navy jacket with shearling collar featuring cloud print; a look into the collection's motifs (Photo: Courtesy of LOEWE)

LOEWE's iconic bags receive thoughtful updates: thePuzzle bagappears with three-dimensional cloud formations in padded leather, while thePebble Bucketfeatures hand-finished snake chains in polished brass. New designs include a cloud-shaped clutch indégradéleather—transitioning from crisp white to azure—and a coiled snake minaudière in polished aluminum.

LOEWE's new cloud clutch draws inspiration from cloisonné craft (Photo: Courtesy of LOEWE)

The Flamenco bag reimagined in blue dégradé leather with brass chain detail (Photo: Courtesy of LOEWE)

Accompanying the collection,LOEWEdebuts"Spring Awakening: Dance of the Snake,"starring contemporary dancerXie Xin, founder ofXDTand artistic director of the Greater Bay Area Dance Week. The film weaves her modern choreography with traditional Chinese crafts: shadow puppetry by artist Danno and intricate kites byZhang Xiaodong, a master of Weifang craft recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Zhang Xiaodong crafts a traditional snake kite in his Weifang studio (Photo: Courtesy of LOEWE)

The collection launches globally on January 9, with Asian market previews from January 5. Master Xiong's cloisonné pieces and select items will be available in limited quantities atLOEWEflagships.

Through collaboration with Chinese master artisans,LOEWEbridges European luxury with imperial craft traditions, creating collectible pieces that honor the Year of the Snake while advancing the house's innovative legacy.