Loewe William De Morgan

Since its inception, the house of Loewe has been a mainstay in the world of luxury fashion. Even in modern times marked by machinery and mass production, the Spanish brand is firmly rooted in artisanal craftsmanship as well as art, which is a fixture in its flagship stores and is central to its desirable hand-stitched handbags, accessories and ready-to-wear clothing. One of the oldest high-end luxury brands in the world, Loewe was acquired by LVMH in 1996.

In 1876, German artisan Enrique Roessberg Loewe joined forces with a group of skilled leather craftsmen in a workshop in Madrid, which had been established 30 years earlier. Loewe, highly gifted with leather himself, unified the collective that now bears his name — which is pronounced: “low-eh-veh.” 

Timeless and elegant, vintage Loewe leather shoulder bags, totes, jackets and shoes are always in high demand — and contemporary Loewe fashion is no less revered. In 2013, the brand brought on Irish designer Jonathan Anderson as the new creative director (the role had previously been filled by the likes of Narciso Rodriguez and Jose Enrique Ona Selfa).

Anderson, who had worked for Prada and founded his eponymous label JW Anderson in 2008, introduced his first handbag design for Loewe in 2015 — the famed, foldable Puzzle Bag, described by Anderson as “a flat object with a tridimensional function,” a deconstruction of conventional handbags. 

Aside from the impeccable construction and undeniably stylish appeal of its wares — from its colorful but refined shirts and day dresses that merge streetwear and modern luxury to its versatile, meticulously crafted bags — what draws prominent Loewe-lovers such as Harry Styles, Hailey Bieber and others to the brand is its commitment to pushing the boundaries of ready-to-wear as well as its support of arts, crafts and culture across the globe. 

Paintings and pottery enrich the shopping experience at the company’s flagship stores in locales such as London and Los Angeles, and in 2016, Anderson launched the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, an international award that highlights and celebrates artisans across a range of disciplines. 

Find vintage Loewe fashion and accessories on 1stDibs.

Ever since we’ve needed an accessory to carry our personal items when we’re on the go, shoulder bags have proven indispensable. Today, vintage and designer shoulder bags are such a treasured part of fashion history that they even get their own museum exhibitions. And while lovers of luxury handbags and purses are savvier now and have a wider range of shopping options, classics created by brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.

Prior to bags becoming an essential piece of any ensemble for any gender, women wore pockets strung on ribbons as garments that were separate from their gowns, accessible by openings in the fabric. Small handbags and handheld purses were developed before the accessory gained importance as functional and fashionable. Most had more in common with wallets than anything else.

While the bags of the 16th century warranted ornament, such as exteriors embroidered with silver-gilt thread and beads, it wasn’t until the late 18th century and early 19th century that the design and craft of bags had really broadened. Handheld purses were finished with details that were meant to garner attention, and bags were fitted with shoulder straps. A stylish shoulder bag meant that women could tote jewelry, cash and perhaps a decorative snuff box full of tobacco to an evening ball across town.

The early 1900s saw the introduction of gold and silver minaudières. The patenting of these compact bejeweled clutches has been attributed to revered French jewelry house Van Cleef Arpels, and today they remain a fashion favorite. One of Judith Leiber’s innovative minaudières even earned a role in the movie Sex and the City.

A luxury shoulder bag is a work of art with a long, fascinating origin story, and entire brands and fashion lines have emerged around creating the perfect versions of shoulder bags and top-handle bags. For example, the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, which was popularized by actress Grace Kelly, is a widely coveted, collected and often faked entry from the handbag hall of fame. And while vintage Gucci tote bags have their own dedicated fan base, collectors are likely familiar with the Dionysus, a pared-down Gucci shoulder bag that manages to make a substantial statement anyway.

Embrace a classic look with a vintage shoulder bag designed by Chanel, Givenchy or Fendi — find yours on 1stDibs today.