Camp, glamour, outrage, freedom: Loewe releases Divine collection

Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead), was quite simply larger than life. He was in every sense — as a man, a performer, a personality, and a body. He is the embodiment of self-determination.

Labeled as the filthiest person alive and seen in such movies as Pink Flamingos, Hairspray and Lust in The Dust and in theater plays such as The Neon Woman, Divine has had a huge impact on popular culture. He preempted the glorification of trash, the mix of high and low, the fantastic erasure of gender barriers. Here, he is celebrated, the LOEWE way: with a limited edition collection inspired by his looks and a museum exhibition honoring his artistry.

Loewe has staged an online exhibition of Divine memorabilia and pictures, which was initially planned as part of our exhibition for PhotoEspaña Madrid at our Gran Vía store in Madrid. The virtual exhibition now comprises a showcase of Divine memorabilia shot by the legendary Greg Gorman, portraitist extraordinaire to pop royalty and Divine himself, and made possible with the gracious help of Noah Brodie from Divine’s estate. These images will be accompanied by the LOEWE Divine unproduced collection that never was (but eventually, may be) shot on mannequins wearing Divine’s signature makeup look.

The Divine memorabilia, ranging from the infamous white dress to a mechanic tool-like vanity case, from the World Tour jacket to the gold record to posters and magazine covers, is overwhelming. It bursts with color, trash, fantasy, outrage, glamour, and freedom. Loewe tried to capture a merging of the label’s sense of ease and Divine’s proclivity for camp. There are patent platform pumps and a bevy of feathers splashed onto a miniskirt, or edging the sleeves or hem of a maxi t-shirt. Divine’s provocative face is printed on tops, dresses and even on an apron, and posters of his performances are allover prints on T-shirts and dresses.

The limited-edition collection consisting of three T-shirts and a Cushion tote bag, will be sold online. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will be donated to Visual AIDS, an organization which utilizes art to fight HIV/AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting artists living with HIV, and preserving a legacy.

Loewe will also make a donation to Baltimore Pride, the hometown of Divine and the setting for the film Hairspray. Additionally and more importantly, Baltimore Pride is a Black-led LGBTQ+ organization and celebration.

Limited edition collection is available on loewe.com and Greene street store inNew York. The online exhibition will run until the end of September at loewe.com.

In the Philippines, Loewe is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.,and is located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph or follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.