Milan Design Week 2024 (April 15–21) has returned for its 62nd edition, immersing locals and travelers alike in a series of design presentations that spark inspiration. Adding to the city’s main activation, Salone del Mobile, brands from around the world have brought new ideas to old palazzos, showcasing contemporary products in immersive atmospheres that tell a significant story. From fashion labels to historic design companies, each brings something unique to the cultural fabric of Design Week, marking its makeup with imaginative collaborations, fresh products, and new chapters.
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
LOEWE Lamps at Milan Design Week
Earlier this week, we visited the 18th-century Palazzo Citterio in Brera to see LOEWE’s latest presentation. Named “LOEWE Lamps,” it featured commissioned lighting designs by 24 internationally renowned artists: Alvaro Barrington (Venezuela), Nicholas Byrne (UK), Enrico David (Italy), Andile Dyalvane (South Africa), Ernst Gamperl (Germany), Kazunori Hamana (Japan), Anthea Hamilton (UK), Akiko Hirai (Japan), Joe Hogan (Ireland), Ann Van Hoey (Belgium), Genta Ishizuka (Japan), Dahye Jeong (South Korea), Takuro Kuwata (Japan), Jennifer Lee (UK), Young Soon Lee (South Korea), Anne Low (Canada), Hafu Matsumoto (Japan), Magdalene Odundo (Kenya), Zizipho Poswa (South Africa), Magali Reus (Netherlands), Chikuunsai Tanabe IV (Japan), Andrea Walsh (UK), Cerith Wyn Evans (UK), and Shohei Yokoyama (Japan).
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
Once past the palazzo’s gates, we moved into the courtyard and down the grand stairs, where a sprawling presentation of lamps strung across the room, hung from the ceiling, and anchoring the floor took place. Throughout the space, we also saw a new collection of homeware—from ikebana vases, candles, woven leather doorstops and paperweights, and other designs created in collaboration with some of the participating lamp designers.
Courtesy of LOEWE.
New LOEWE Handbags
Other notable items included LOEWE’s iconic Puzzle and Hammock bags, reimagined by the bamboo artist Hafu Matsumoto, featuring two new shapes—a hobo bag and pocket style, both available in black or tan leather—and Kay Sekimachi’s reimagined LOEWE Puzzle Fold tote and bucket bag in jacquard, inspired by her 1999 series “Takarabako.”
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
“LOEWE Lamps” marked the first time many of the featured artists created lamps, opening them up to using a wide range of mediums and techniques—some even brand new to their creative practices. Playing with the pliability of materials like bamboo, birch twigs, and horsehair, artworks also explored the translucencies of paper and lacquer finishes, and the reflective natures of glass, leather, and ceramic.
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
Work from LOEWE Craft Prize Artists
Included in the presentation was also work by previous LOEWE Foundation participants, including the 2017 LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize finalist Chikuunsai Tanabe IV, who revealed intricately woven baskets made of calfskin leather; and the 2018 LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize finalist ceramicist Ann Van Hoey, who debuted a series of bowls made of nappa lambskin, available in 21 colors.
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
All items included in the show are available at Palazzo Citterio and the LOEWE Montenapoleone store, alongside limited-edition candles created for Milan Design Week 2024 that encompass LOEWE’s new Roasted Hazelnut scent in unique vessels, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi.
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
During the busy week, Whitewall spoke with the brand’s creative director, Jonathan Anderson, to hear how this year’s LOEWE presentation is important to participate in, and how it brings various people, ideas, and disciplines together for an exciting breath of fresh design air.
Portrait of Jonathan Anderson by David Sims, courtesy of LOEWE.
LOEWE in Milan
WHITEWALL: This is LOEWE’s 8th presentation at Milan Design Week. Why is this an important activation for the brand to participate in?
JONATHAN ANDERSON: I think it’s very important because it showcases what the brand is able to achieve through collaboration with different people. I think it is a really good way for us as a laboratory to bring different types of talents together and explore different things that can be possible in the future.
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
WW: What are you looking forward to doing, seeing, eating, or experiencing in Milan during Design Week?
JA: I love the energy of Milan Design Week because I think it’s such a merging of different kinds of people and different types of disciplines. And I think it’s a nice way to see what people are thinking in terms of tridimensional structure. I also love to just sit and drink coffee while enjoying the beautiful weather.
“LOEWE Lamps,” courtesy of LOEWE.
