THE LOEWE BAGS BY JONATHAN ANDERSON
It’s no secret that Loewe bags by Jonathan Anderson become sensations almost instantly. Since taking on the role in 2013, the creative director has mastered the balance of merging the legacy of a historic Spanish brand with the desires and modernity of younger generations. The result? A brand with an aesthetic that is as specific as it is broad, making it almost impossible for someone not to find their style within the house.
Since its founding in Madrid in 1846, Loewe has been one of the most prestigious fashion houses. It grew to become the leather goods provider for royalty and high society, all from its workshop. The brand has gone through various phases, always maintaining its roots in artisanal leatherwork and a close relationship with the fine arts. With Jonathan Anderson at the helm since 2013, these key elements of the brand have been elevated tenfold. Loewe has now become a global cultural phenomenon, uniting art with popular culture, tradition, and innovation.
Behind Loewe bags stand laborious artisanal processes, carried out in their workshops in Spain. One example of this is the famous Puzzle bag, made with up to 75 pieces of leather, hand-sewn and painted. In this blog, we will discuss some of the brand’s most recognisable models.
The Flamenco bag: a classic, but with a twist
The Loewe Flamenco bag has a relatively long but very rich history. Its name comes from the shape it takes when closed, compared to the skirt of a Flamenco dancer. While its soft and contemporary silhouette may sound like a recent creation, it actually originates from a model first introduced in the 1980s. Later, the famous Flamenco bag was relaunched in 2010 under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers, consisting of the classic pouch shape with a tasselled leather drawstring closure.
However, it was Jonathan Anderson who, in 2015, reinterpreted it into the form we know today. He and his team replaced the tassel closure with leather knots. This fresh redesign relaunched the Flamenco as one of the most recognisable and timeless bags in existence today.
For the spring/summer 2024 collection, Anderson introduced a new version that has already been seen everywhere. The updated Flamenco features folded drawstring flaps, giving it a more padded and rounded appearance. Additionally, the leather shoulder strap is intricately hand-woven with a gold-tone donut chain. This bag, already a favourite of many, is an example of how Loewe reinterprets its traditional craftsmanship into fresh, renewed designs.
You can find the Loewe Flamenco bags here.
The iconic Loewe Puzzle bag
As the first bag he designed for the brand, the Loewe Puzzle bag marked a turning point for both Jonathan Andersonand Loewe. It was his first original design for the house after his arrival in 2013, launched in the spring 2015 men’s collection, and was released the following year. This bag, whose name is a nod to its innovative construction, is a true showcase and homage to Loewe’s craftsmanship. Each Puzzle bag is crafted in the brand’s Spanish workshop from up to 75 pieces of laser-cut leather, hand-painted and assembled, a process that takes up to nine hours and goes through hundreds of steps in total.
The idea behind the Puzzle was to "deconstruct a traditional bag to create a three-dimensional object with flat functionality" (according to Anderson). This innovative work has kept the Puzzle at the top since its launch, turning it into a classic on par with other iconic bags. In 2022, the new Loewe Puzzle Edge introduced a new way of constructing the bag, where the leather pieces are folded over themselves instead of assembled.
Find them in our store here.
The Puzzle Fold tote
At the height of the quiet luxury trend, fashion was searching for a tote bag that was timeless and practical, yet recognisable and sophisticated. And as has happened many times before, Jonathan Anderson had the answer: the Loewe Puzzle Fold tote.
For the autumn/winter 2023 collection, Anderson presented the Puzzle Fold tote, inspired by his original Puzzle bag design. This shopping bag is influenced by the traditional Origami technique, thanks to its ability to fold in on itself until it becomes compact and nearly completely flat. The Puzzle Fold is a simplified version of the original Puzzle, with seams that allow the bag to fold entirely. With its simple lines, discreet appearance, and gold-stamped logo near the handles, the Puzzle Fold is perfect for shopping trips or carrying office documents. It is also an essential travel piece, ideal as a comfortable and spacious carry-on.
Find the Loewe Puzzle Fold here.
Loewe Baskets: Summer essentials
In 2018, Jonathan Anderson turned the humble raffia basket into a cult phenomenon: the Loewe basket bag. This open, rustic, artisanal-style bag, adorned with details like a Loewe leather patch, became the Loewe bag to carry to the beach or pool. Its simplicity and functionality made it a must-have during the summer months, and its popularity has kept it as one of the most sought-after items year after year.
The trapezoidal design of the Loewe basket, inspired by French and Moroccan woven palm-leaf bags, is perfect for both the beach and the city during the warmer months. Since this model gained popularity, the brand has explored all sorts of artisanal reinterpretations of the basket. Themed collections have been created, and new models, like the Loewe Font basket bag from the Paula's Ibiza collection, have been introduced. Collaborations with artists and artisans have also pushed the boundaries of what a basket can be. An example of this was the 2022 collaboration with Galician artisan Álvaro Leiro.
The new Loewe bag: The Pebble Bucket
The Loewe Pebble Bucket bag, launched in the autumn/winter 2023 collection, instantly made waves. Its design, ranging from mini to large versions, is recognisable enough to be a classic bucket bag, but with Loewe’s unique touch. The Loewe Pebble bag is the definition of modern, practical minimalism.
