Louis Vuitton, the iconic luxury fashion brand, has once again showcased its commitment to art and creativity with the introduction of the latest installment of its Artycapucines Collection for the year 2023. This collection brings together the imaginative visions of five prominent contemporary artists, including the talented Billie Zangewa.
Originally from Malawi and now based in South Africa, Billie Zangewa is known for her unique approach to art, using raw silk to create captivating landscapes and portraits. Her piece for the Artycapucines Collection features her 2020 work titled “The Swimming Lesson,” which depicts her son, Mika. This artwork has been recreated on a Louis Vuitton Capucines bag using a combination of high-definition printing, trompe-l’oeil techniques, expressive embroidery, and intentionally visible hand-stitching.
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Zangewa’s silk collages often draw inspiration from everyday events, such as taking care of her child or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home. “The Swimming Lesson” is a reflection of the weekly trips she took with her son to the pool. The artwork portrays a young boy sitting by the water’s edge against a washed-out terra-cotta-coloured sky, evoking a sense of tranquility and nostalgia.
In collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Zangewa has successfully captured the essence of her original artwork in her Capucines rendition. This limited edition handbag, of which only 200 will be available, showcases the brand’s legendary craftsmanship. The raw silk collage was meticulously scanned and printed on leather, ensuring that every crease and irregularity was faithfully reproduced.
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The slightly off-kilter stitches and metallic embroidery, along with the beadwork depicting the pool and the figure of her son, add a personal touch and a sense of the artist’s hand. To further enhance the design, Zangewa has included three gold African penguin charms, symbolizing her son’s experience of swimming with these birds along the Cape Town coast.
The Artycapucines Collection has become a platform for artists to express their creativity and for Louis Vuitton to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship. With each new installment, the collection continues to captivate and inspire, offering fashion enthusiasts the opportunity to own a truly unique and artistic piece.
