The Pin Mini Bucket Le Seize Septembre Taurillon Soft Pacific references Magritte's <em>Sixteenth of September</em> (All photos: Delvaux)
From a self-portrait with his face obscured by an apple to an image of a pipe cheekily labelled “This is not a pipe”, René Magritte is credited with some of the most eminent works in Surrealism. Characterised by dreamlike, nonsensical subjects that invite the logical mind to shed its preconceived notions of reality, the style has enjoyed a popular resurgence in recent years, appearing in films, object design and now as part of a new collaboration with luxury leather goods maison Delvaux. Founded in 1829, the house is widely revered as the world’s oldest manufacturer of fine leather bags and accessories.
Created to commemorate the art movement’s centennial anniversary, the Sur:real collection is a witty and fantastical showcase of history’s most noted Surrealists, with Magritte as the primary reference for many of the items. This project follows through from the house’s joint sponsorship of the Magritte: La Trahison des images exhibition in 2016, emblemising not only the brand’s long-held fascination with unique artistry but also the deeply rooted connection between two Belgian creative juggernauts.
delvaux_surreal.jpg
Their innovative new line spotlights Delvaux’s unparalleled craftsmanship by presenting a series of complex, delightful and thoroughly one-of-a-kind items. The Tempête Small Le Chant de l’Orage, for example, employs intricate beaded embroidery to form a cloud releasing raindrops upwards against gravity, channelling Matisse’s love of natural motifs while adding logic-defying visual finesse. An ode to the iconic Son of Man painting, the La Pomme crossbody, available in pastel yellow sorbetto or soft blue azure, is a refreshing portrayal of the Edenic fruit — worn, in the true spirit of subversion, upside down. For those looking for a more tongue-in-cheek accessory, the L’Humour MM is charmingly inscribed with the words “Ceci n’est pas un Delvaux” (This is not a Delvaux).
This article first appeared on Feb 17, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
