Loewe join forces with Junya Watanabe for Spanish-Japanese capsule collections

Established by the governments of the two culturally rich countries, The Spain Japan Foundation has designated 2013 to 2014 as the ‘year of Spain in Japan and Japan in Spain’. 

In celebration of the festivities, Loewe are working with Junya Watanabe on new male and female capsule collections. 

According to WWD, clothes and bags will launch at Dover Street Market in Ginza, Tokyo and Loewe stores around the world from September this year. Watanabe will also be debuting some items at his upcoming Paris Fashion Week show.

The ‘Year of’ event also apparently coincides with two other dates, the anniversary of the first Japanese ship to land in Spain 400 years ago, and the Loewe’s 40th year in Japan. The two countries have a long shared history: the first Japanese people to settle in Spain date back to 1617 when an embassy delegation led by Hasekura Tsunenaga remained in Coria del Río, near Seville rather than returning to Japan.

Spanish luxury brand Loewe was founded in 1846 as a leather goods specialist. Purchased by French luxury group LVMH in 1996, the company has recently focused on the reputation of its ready-to-wear lines, appointing British designer Stuart Vevers as creative director in 2008.