Story Of the Bag: How the Loewe Puzzle Was Created

by Sana Bun

Story Of the Bag: How the Loewe Puzzle Was Created And Why Everyone Wants It

28 Aug 2024

When we talk about “it” bags, we usually mean those old-timers like Hermès Kelly, Gucci Jackie, or Chanel 2.55 that have managed to stick around in our wardrobes for decades without pacing themselves. However, there are younger players in the team — take, for instance, Loewe Puzzle which was introduced just 10 years ago. A decade might seem short, but this bag still keeps the buzz on, remaining a highly desirable fashion piece. But what makes Puzzle so special? Let’s dive into its story to figure out.

The bag for men

Ironically, one of the most coveted handbags of today was originally designed for men.

In 2013 Jonathan Anderson was onboarded at Loewe as a creative director and, a year later, in June 2014, introduced his debut collection. It was men’s Spring/Summer 2015, where Puzzle appeared as a duffle bag. In September 2014, it saw the light again, but now during the women’s show, as a top-handle bag with a crossbody strap.

Puzzle was the first bag silhouette Loewe launched since the 1980s and immediately stole the show, becoming one of the brand’s signature designs.

Questioning the structure

While working on a new model, Anderson aimed to reconsider the concept of a conventional bag. He deconstructed it into a flat object with a tridimensional function and then turned it into a cuboid-shaped accessory, appearing masculine and feminine at the same time.

Instagram: @loewe

Exceptional craftsmanship

Since its founding in 1846, Loewe has been specialising in leather goods, so the combination of the house’s expertise, superior artisanship, and the use of high-end materials merged with Johnathan Anderson’s contemporary, eye-catching design resulted in a bag of exceptional quality and attention to detail. Each classic Puzzle is handcrafted in Loewe’s atelier in Madrid from 75 leather pieces and takes nine hours to complete.

Variety of styles

While keeping the core elements in place, Anderson has transformed the Puzzle bag from season to season, playing with its sizes, colours, material, and details.

The classic Puzzle bag went through two significant transformations. The first was a minor one: the bag lost metal legs on its bottom part and switched the wide padded strap to a slimmer one. The second was more crucial and was related to the bag’s construction. The model, now consisting of 44 pieces and called Puzzle Edge, joined the line alongside classic Puzzle.

Puzzle expansion

Yet it was not the last Puzzle iteration. The signature design became a foundation for bumbags, totes, pouches, wallets, and other accessories, all keeping recognisable foldable elements.

Instagram: @loewe

From Studio Ghibli to Suna Fujita

An artistic mind, Jonathan Anderson has partnered with fellow creators from Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli to Suna Fujita for special editions of Loewe’s clothing and accessories, including, of course, the Puzzle Bag. Those unique designs not only make remarkable additions to any fashion enthusiast’s collection but also hold significant value on resale, often exceeding the original price and making a Puzzle bag an investment piece.

Instagram: @loewe

Solving the Puzzle

Why does everyone want this bag? I believe it just has too much to offer. The solution to this Puzzle is the seamless stitching of Loewe’s rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship with catchy yet timeless and adaptable design enriched with Jonathan Anderson’s creative vision, constantly offering a fresh twist on this modern classic that doesn’t allow you to get bored.

LOEWE Small Puzzle Bag in Classic Calfskin12,950 AED

LOEWE Small Puzzle Bag in Soft Grained Calfskin Leather12,950 AED

LOEWE Small Puzzle Bag in Satin Calfskin14,300 AED

LOEWE Small Puzzle Bag in Classic Calfskin12,950 AED

LOEWE Small Puzzle Bag in Soft Grained Calfskin Leather12,950 AED

LOEWE Small Puzzle Bag in Satin Calfskin14,300 AED

by Sana Bun