Brands
Loewe
By the Encore Luxe specialists · Updated October 2026
Loewe is a house of makers. It began with leather craftsmen in Madrid in the mid-nineteenth century, and its pieces still reward the hands as much as the eye: leather of extraordinary softness, construction that solves problems elegantly, and a fascination with craft in every form. This guide introduces Loewe, its icons and what our specialists look at in a pre-loved piece.
Key facts
| Origins | 1846, Madrid |
| Name | Enrique Loewe Roessberg, from 1872 |
| Signature details | The Anagram (four L's, 1970), exceptionally soft leather, craft-led design |
| Icons | Amazona, Puzzle, Flamenco, Hammock, Gate, Basket bag |
| Creative directors (selected) | Narciso Rodriguez, Stuart Vevers, Jonathan Anderson (2013–2025), Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez (from 2025) |
A short history
In 1846 a group of leather artisans was working in a Madrid workshop. In 1872 Enrique Loewe Roessberg, a craftsman from Hesse in Germany, joined them, and the workshop took his name. Loewe became a supplier to the Spanish royal court in 1905, and it built a reputation for luggage and leather goods of the highest quality.
In 1970 the artist Vicente Vela designed the Anagram, four interlocking L's inspired by the house's history, and in 1975 Loewe introduced the Amazona, a soft, practical bag that became a classic. Jonathan Anderson, creative director from 2013, made Loewe one of the most celebrated houses of its time. He introduced the Puzzle, the Hammock and the Flamenco, collaborated with artisans and artists, and founded the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize.
The bags most often asked about
- Puzzle: geometric panels pieced together, folding flat for travel.
- Amazona: a soft, structured bag from 1975, revived in recent years.
- Flamenco: a soft clutch or shoulder bag gathered with knotted leather ties.
- Hammock: a convertible bag that changes shape with its side panels.
- Gate: a saddle-style bag with a knotted strap.
- Basket bag: a woven summer bag in natural fibre with leather handles and the Anagram. We currently have a Basket bag in a large size.
Leathers and materials
Loewe is famous for nappa and calfskin of remarkable softness, sometimes described as feeling like silk. The house also works in suede, raffia and palm leaf for its summer pieces, and in canvas and jacquard for others. The Anagram is often embossed, debossed or woven into the material.
Choosing pre-loved Loewe
Start with the bag's personality. The Puzzle is graphic and versatile, and its folding construction makes it a natural travel companion. The Flamenco is soft and relaxed. The Hammock changes with how you wear it. The Basket bag is for summer.
Then look at wear. On leather bags, check corners, edges and the points where straps attach. Soft leathers show marks more readily, though many people enjoy their character. On woven bags, look at the weave at the base and corners, where it can soften or fray, and at the leather handles. Our listings describe each precisely, with photographs.
What we look at in pre-loved Loewe
Our specialists examine:
- Material: leather or natural fibre of the expected quality and finish.
- Construction: the precision of panels, stitching and edges.
- Anagram and stamps: shape, depth and placement.
- Hardware: weight, finish and engraving.
- Interior: lining, pockets and internal tags.
Read how we authenticate.
Caring for Loewe
- Soft leather: keep it away from rain and sharp edges, and store it lightly filled.
- Puzzle: it can be folded flat for travel, but store it open for long periods so the folds do not set.
- Woven bags: keep them dry, brush gently and store them in a cool, airy place.
- Light: store away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours.
Loewe and craft
Under Jonathan Anderson, Loewe became a champion of craft in its broadest sense, from basket weaving in Spain and Asia to ceramics, woodwork and textiles. The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, established in 2016, celebrates artisans from around the world, and many of the house's seasonal pieces have been made in collaboration with craftspeople. That spirit is visible in the Basket bag, where a traditional technique meets a precise leather finish. A pre-loved Loewe piece carries some of that story with it, which is part of why the house has such a devoted following.
Reading a Loewe interior
Inside most Loewe bags you will find a leather tag or heat stamp with the house name, and on many pieces an embossed Anagram. Linings vary by model, from suede and nappa to canvas and cotton. Our specialists check that the interior construction suits the model and era, and they note any marks or wear in the listing.
The language of Loewe
Anagram is the four-L logo. Nappa is a soft, smooth leather. Puzzle refers to the bag's geometric construction. Craft Prize is the annual award of the Loewe Foundation. Our glossary explains more.
Loewe at Encore Luxe
See our Loewe page for pieces currently available.
Related: Bottega Veneta · Balenciaga · Loro Piana
Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Loewe.
Questions we’re often asked
- When was Loewe founded?
Loewe traces its origins to 1846, when a cooperative of leather craftsmen worked in Madrid. Enrique Loewe Roessberg joined in 1872 and gave the house its name.
- What is the Loewe Anagram?
The Anagram is Loewe's logo of four interlocking L's, designed by Vicente Vela in 1970. It is often embossed into leather.
- What is the Loewe Puzzle bag?
The Puzzle is a bag made from geometric leather panels that fit together like a puzzle. Introduced in 2015 under Jonathan Anderson, it can fold flat.
- How should I care for a Loewe Basket bag?
Keep it dry, brush away sand and dust gently, and store it lightly filled so it keeps its shape. Protect the leather handles from water.