Lemaire‘s “Wearable Sculptures” exhibition is a testament to the brand’s commitment to merging art with fashion. The showcase features the innovative work of Carlos Peñafiel, a self-taught Chilean artist renowned for transforming the human body into a canvas. Born in 1949, Peñafiel’s collaboration with Lemaire began in the Fall-Winter 2014 collection, where his creations added a unique flair to the runway show at La Maison de la Radio et de la Musique in Paris.
One of the standout pieces from this collaboration is “The Carlos Bag,” an accessory that blurs the lines between sculpture and utility. Described as “a magic lamp, an object of erotic projections that stimulates the touch and the imagination,” the bag’s design is inspired by the shape of a clamshell. Peñafiel’s approach to design emphasizes the tactile experience, inviting interaction and engagement.
Peñafiel’s work transcends traditional fashion, creating statements that are as much about artistic expression as they are about everyday wearability. As he reflects on his creations, “I look for things that communicate something deeper about our interactions with our environment.” Lemaire’s collaboration with Peñafiel brings his wearable art into the realm of high fashion, turning the gallery into an immersive experience that is both cerebral and visually arresting.
The “Wearable Sculptures” exhibition is set to run from March 3 to March 23, 2025, at Lemaire’s Parisian boutique.
