Distilling fashion to its fundamental essence, focusing on its core silhouette, experimenting with its components, and adjusting proportions. Stepping back to view the larger picture, and then moving in for a closer examination of the intricate details.
Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection at Valentino L’École illuminates the human form, a celebration of both femininity and humanity. It transcends being merely a fashion statement; it serves as a manifestation of an ideology, articulating the principles of intimacy and individuality. This collection emphasizes the empowerment of the body, liberating it from the constraints of the male gaze or societal expectations, focusing on personal agency and the embrace of one’s own skin.
Under the guidance of a cinematic influence that stems from his childhood dream of becoming a filmmaker, Pierpaolo introduces the ‘cut-out’ as a central motif. More than just a design element, it becomes a dialogue, a dance of geometric elegance echoing his passion for storytelling. Every pattern tells its unique tale, converging to form a mosaic of personal allure and architectural splendor. Rooted in his early years at the Istituto Europeo di Design and refined during his tenure at Fendi, Pierpaolo’s commitment resonates throughout. As he once noted, “Savoir-faire is the foundation of the designer’s craft.” At Valentino, fashion is not mere ornamentation; it is an elevation, a celebration, and a profound connection to the human spirit.
Maintaining its partnership with artist Lynda Benglis, LOEWE introduces a series of sizable bronze sculptures integrated into the exhibition’s ambiance, along with a collection of jewelry co-created in collaboration. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA in 1941, Lynda Benglis is a towering figure in the realm of postwar American sculpture. Throughout her impressive six-decade career, she has reshaped the concept of art objects through her continuous exploration of form and material. By utilizing a dynamic and hands-on approach to a wide range of materials, including polyurethane, latex, glitter, paper, plaster, bronze, and water, Benglis has boldly questioned and pushed the boundaries of what sculpture can represent.
In preparation for the runway show, a curated selection of six expansive bronze sculptures has been chosen. These pieces are enlarged replicas, crafted from a series of clay sculptures named “Elephant Necklace” by Benglis. Each of these original clay sculptures was formed by twisting malleable clay into dynamic, artistic shapes, a creative process Benglis has likened to a dance. Through the enlargement process, the distinctive marks and imprints of her clay manipulation are dramatically magnified. Various surface treatments, ranging from polished bronze to a matte black patina, interact with light in strikingly diverse ways, generating a constantly shifting landscape of visual effects.
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