Loewe

Summary

Loewe, a Spanish luxury fashion house established in 1846, is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to leather goods. Founded in Madrid, the brand began as a cooperative of leather artisans before German entrepreneur Enrique Loewe Roessberg consolidated it under his name, building its reputation for exquisite quality and timeless designs. Today, Loewe stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity, blending its heritage with cutting-edge creativity under the direction of creative director Jonathan Anderson. Known for iconic products like the Puzzle bag and collaborations that merge art, culture, and fashion, Loewe continues to set itself apart as a leader in luxury fashion while remaining deeply rooted in artisanal excellence. Today, it is owned by LVMH.

History

Loewe was founded in 1846 in Madrid as a collective of artisans dedicated to leather making and an obsessive focus on craft. “Craft is the essence of Loewe” Creative Director Jonathan Anderson states on the official website of Loewe. “It is where our modernity lies and it will always be relevant.” Based in the house’s historic Madrid ateliers.. master artisans combine their centuries-old technical and material knowledge with a modern approach to design to create objects of desire.

The fashion brand was officially launched in 1876 when German craftsman Enrique Loewe Y Roessberg joined the group. King Alfonso XIII of Spain granted Enrique Loewe Y Hinton, a descendant of the original brand founder, the title “Purveyor to the Royal Court.” His wife Queen Victoria Eugenie frequently visited the store on Príncipe de Madrid Street. By the Seventies, Loewe had diversified into fashion and fragrance. Notably Giorgio Armani and Laura Biagiotti subsequently designed Loewe’s womenswear .

Loewe’s legacy of craftsmanship is the living heritage of the maison and is reflected in its ongoing commitment to supporting contemporary art, craft and design around the world. Craft and luxury are inextricably linked at Loewe and by honouring the complex artisanal processes behind the collections, it becomes possible to see their value and their merit. Overall Its minimalist aesthetic and artisanal craftsmanship have made Loewe one of the most sought-after luxury fashion brands worldwide.

In 1986 Loewe had sales of an estimated $200 million. By 1997 Narciso Rodriguez joined the company as Creative Director and the fashion brand held its first Paris runway presentation at LVMH headquarters in fall winter 1998During Vever’s tenure, Loewe scaled back fashion to concentrate on handbags, leather apparel and a gift business based on leather picture frames and leather boxes.

There was another significant organisational change and this time Jonathan Anderson became Loewe’s creative director in 2013. His first ready-to-wear collections for Loewe were presented the following year. Per Vogue Business: “In five years, 35-year-old Jonathan Anderson has remade the very foundations of Loewe LVMH’s oldest luxury fashion house. When he joined, Anderson spent a year revamping every element of the brand — from the logo down to the style of the press release — before he began work on his ready-to-wear debut.. The result is a brand that feels rooted in craft and tradition.. ”

The transformative power of Loewe continues to enthral. Per BoF, “Anderson’s work exults in the off-kilter. The dominant look in this show was a coat – or variant thereof – worn splendidly solo. Legs were bared, begging the kilt-shaped question: what does a man wear under his Loewe coat? Shorts, said Anderson. He talked about tricking people into feeling it’s familiar. And, as with his own show the other day, it quickly seemed so. That’s how the 1920s, with all their baggage, slide into a new century…”

Vision

Steeped in art and historical references, rooted in craft and tradition, luxury brand Loewe has been reinventing leather craftsmanship since 1846. From its birth as an artisanal collective in Madrid to its latest collection, the maison’s vision is rooted in creativity and a modern approach combined with traditional techniques. Today Loewe’s master artisans combine knowledge accumulated over generations with cutting-edge technologies to produce iconic collections representative of Loewe’s ideals and vision.

Each piece, whether it be a luxurious bag, a garment, or a fashion accessory, represents the culmination of years of expertise and a commitment to excellence. Loewe’s vision is to continue evolving, maintaining its position as a leader in the luxury fashion industry by staying true to its artisanal roots while embracing modern creativity and technological advancements. Through this balance, Loewe ensures that its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation will continue to inspire and resonate with future generations.

Mission Statement

Luxury fashion brand Loewe’s mission is entrenched in a deep commitment to creativity and craftsmanship, which has been its cornerstone since inception. This mission drives Loewe to produce luxury collections that are not only visually stunning but also of the highest quality. Each piece reflects Loewe’s dedication to traditional techniques albeit with a modern sensibility that ensures the luxury brand remains at the forefront of fashion.

In addition to their commitment to quality, Loewe’s mission also involves preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Spain. This is evident in their use of silken scarves and ties that carry intricate tales and motifs inspired by Spanish art and history. Through these creations, Loewe not only showcases its creativity but also pays homage to its roots, ensuring that every product tells a story.

By focusing on these core values, Loewe remains dedicated to producing timeless pieces that embody both elegance and cultural significance. The brand’s mission is to continue blending tradition with innovation, offering luxury items that are as meaningful as they are beautiful, and solidifying Loewe’s position as a leader in the world of luxury fashion.

Products and Services

LVMH-acquired luxury fashion brand Loewe caters to both men and women with apparel, small leather goods, bags and scarves, fragrance and leather gift items. Loewe’s scarves and ties, often adorned with intricate designs inspired by Spanish heritage, add a touch of elegance to any look while their fragrances embody the luxury fashion brand’s dedication to refinement. Additionally, Loewe offers a selection of leather gift items, perfect for those seeking high-quality, timeless pieces that reflect the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and creativity.

Beyond their exceptional products, Loewe provides luxury services designed to offer a personalized and exclusive shopping experience. Customers can enjoy bespoke fittings for apparel and leather goods, ensuring that each item is tailored to their preferences. The brand also offers customization options for select products, allowing clients to add a personal touch to their purchases. Loewe’s boutiques, located in some of the most prestigious cities around the world, offer a serene and sophisticated environment where customers can explore the full range of the brand’s offerings.

In addition, Loewe provides exceptional customer service, including personalized consultations and aftercare services, ensuring that every aspect of the shopping experience reflects the brand’s dedication to luxury and customer satisfaction.

Key Team

Jonathan Anderson is Creative Director of Loewe while Pascale Lepoivre, CEO, helms the luxury fashion brand.

Awards and Recognition

Enrique Loewe Y Hinton, a descendant of the original brand founder, was bestowed with the title “Purveyor to the Royal Court.” Loewe is recognized for its exceptional creativity and craftsmanship, particularly in the realm of luxury leather goods and suede ready to wear for both women and men. Loewe’s dedication to quality is further reflected in their beautifully designed silken scarves and ties, which often carry stories and motifs inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Spain. By focusing on these core values, Loewe continues to distinguish itself as a leader in the luxury fashion industry, blending tradition with contemporary design to create timeless pieces that are both elegant and deeply rooted in craftsmanship.

References

• https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/17/style/IHT-in-fashion-chess-more-new-moves.html
• https://www.expansion.com/empresas/distribucion.html
• https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/loewe-jonathan-anderson-interview
• https://www.vogue.es/moda/modapedia/marcas/loewe/143
• https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/anderson-preps-loewe-for-next-chapter-7946096/
• https://www.heroine.com/the-editorial/history-of-loewe
• https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/jw-anderson-biography
• https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/26/fashion/first-look-at-jonathan-andersons-mens-line-for-loewe.html
• https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/07/style/a-new-wave-of-boutiques-rolls-in-from-europe.html
• https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/21/garden/loewe-leather-arrives.html