The ELLE Guide to Loewe’s Most Iconic Handbags

You’ve likely seen the highly sought-after jeans with the Loewe’s logo embroidered on the knees (or maybe the brand’s equally popular ribbed tank tops), whether it be on your social media feeds or elsewhere. Maybe you even saw the brand’s “I TOLD YA” T-shirts on the stars of Challengers, further cementing the house’s spot as a legacy brand with undeniable relevancy. It makes sense; since 2013—under the helm of creative director J.W. Anderson—the fashion house has become the ultimate must-have. And while those more casually chic ready-to-wear pieces are undoubtedly worth adding to your closet, Loewe’s iconic designer handbags are where you’ll make some of your best investments.

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I’ll never forget the moment I learned the proper pronunciation of Loewe. “It’s ‘lu-EH-vey,’ the sales associate politely corrected. I was 20 years old and had never heard the Spanish label’s name spoken out loud. That moment made me a changed woman. I had only seen street style images highlighting its handbags—a whimsical Elephant bag, a rabbit-shaped crossbody, and, of course, a variety of Puzzle bags in a number of hues. Naturally, when I saw each of these artisanal styles in person, I made a beeline toward them—and the rest is history.

Before we get into the best Loewe bags to shop, let’s get into the humble beginnings of the brand, shall we? Founded in Madrid in 1846 by Spanish leather craftsmen, the label was first as an artisan collective before officially becoming a brand in 1876, when Enrique Loewe Roessberg joined the group. In 1905, the label received the honor of receiving the title, “Supplier of the Royal Court.”

Since then, Loewe has become a household name for luxury leather goods, with names like Narcisco Rodriguez, José Enrique Oña Selfa, and Stuart Vevers each taking on the role of creative director through the years. However, it wasn’t until the label appointed Jonathan Anderson, who also designs for his eponymous brand, that the label blossomed into the ubiquitous sartorial hero that we know and love today.

Now that you’ve brushed up on the label’s legacy, see the best Loewe handbags to shop right now.

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The Puzzle

Though Loewe launched its now-iconic Puzzle bag back in 2015, it’s become a staple for the brand, thanks to its variety of colors, sizes, and, of course, the construction. It was Anderson’s first bag for the brand and features nine pieces of soft leather sewn together to create a more structured silhouette (which takes about nine hours per bag). The bag has also led to other styles in the Puzzle series, including the Puzzle Fold and the Puzzle Edge.

The Squeeze

A more recent addition to Loewe’s handbag line, The Squeeze debuted in 2023 and has quickly become an It bag among fashion lovers. Loewe has made a handful of iterations in this silhouette, including a special-edition style that features over 20,000 caviar beads.

The Flamenco

Ah, one of my personal favorites in the bunch. The soft and slouchy (but nonetheless sophisticated) Flamenco bag first debuted in the ’70s and was later relaunched in 2010 by Vevers. Loewe’s current version features knots at the drawstrings and the Anagram logo—small embellishments to an otherwise understated bag.

The Paseo

Debuting with the spring/summer 2023 collection, the Paseo is made with soft nappa calfskin leather and comes in three different sizes. With the knotted drawstring cords, this newer style from Anderson is a nod to the Flamenco, but with some added structure. With an east-west design, it looks reminiscent of an elongated market bag—and honestly, can’t you just picture some summer blooms popping out of the side?

The Gate

Those who love the elegance and ease of a chic designer crossbody will likely gravitate towards Loewe’s Gate bag—a chic saddle bag with a leather tie detail on the front. Debuting in 2018, this is the perfect option for someone who wants to carry a piece of luxury with them everywhere they go, the hands-free way.

The Basket

If you ask me to name the best designer beach bags or raffia bags to invest in, Loewe’s Basket Bag will be the first that comes to mind. Ranging in sizes from mini to oversized and with a myriad of colors to go with the neutral palm leaf material, Anderson brought luxury to the humble straw tote. Without a doubt, if you want a low-key way to flex your sartorial prowess, toting this bag is the way to do it.

The Pebble

Another minimalist option from the brand, this utilitarian bucket bag’s only adornment is the gold-tone hardware that allows you to adjust the length of the strap. Style it as a crossbody bag or carry it by the shortened handle for an effortlessly cool touch to any ensemble. Either way, if you’re the type to lean towards quiet luxury brands, this is the bag for you.