WORDS BY SOPHIE HENDERSON
Once a footnote in fashion’s age-old encyclopedia, LOEWE’s international prominence has well and truly soared this past decade. British designer Jonathan Anderson — best known for the eponymous label JW Anderson — has churned out hit after hit when it comes to bags and accessories.
Taking the helm at the heritage leather house based in Madrid, Anderson expands on more than 100 years serving the Spanish royal family. From smart ready-to-wear in the ‘60s to LOEWE’s modern-day fashion liberation, Anderson’s first ever design for the house — the almighty Puzzle Bag — takes centre stage as a true 21st century icon.
Beloved right across the high-fashion set, this striking bag demands a detailed studying. Its architectural shape is handcrafted in Spain, with over 500 steps in the construction process. Geometric and functional — it can be folded and transformed into several different styles, meaning you can carry it however you choose.
With the addition of a shoulder strap, you can adjust it to wear cross-body, over the shoulder, slung like a reverse cross-body, as a flat-pack clutch, or simply in the crook of your arm.
We got in touch with a range of LOEWE-loving fashion influencers to discuss the all-important questions. What can you fit inside a LOEWE Puzzle Bag? Is the Puzzle Bag heavy? And simply, is it worth it? Now you can find the missing piece to your wardrobe with total peace of mind.
The Nano Loewe Puzzle Bag
With Elena Mottola @elenamottola
Stylist & Brand Consultant
Loewe’s latest release of the Puzzle is a new Nano size. Reworking the silhouette for Spring/Summer 21, this recognisable style now features a detachable metal chain. We caught up with LOEWE-loving stylist @elenamottola to chat all things teeny and tiny — so, is it worth the investment?
On Sizing & Fit:
“It’s a really small bag, so I would use it for a party, a dinner or an event. It’s not a travel bag! I typically carry my wallet, keys and lip balm. Unfortunately, my iPhone 12 doesn’t fit inside, but I don’t really mind as I always have it in my hands!”
On Styling:
“I hold my Nano Puzzle bag in my hands, but you can also wear it cross-body with the metal chain. It’s really practical when walking or cycling. It’s more of an accessory or social statement — and as the central element of my look, it communicates my personality and my tastes.”
Loewe Nano Puzzle Bag Dimensions: Strap length: 116 cm. Weight : 0.18 kg. Height: 8.5cm. Width: 12.5cm. Depth: 5.4cm.
The Mini Loewe Puzzle Bag
With Olivia Akot @olivianatalie
Digital Creator
Looking for something ever so slightly bigger? The Mini LOEWE Puzzle used to be the smallest iteration of this It bag. Long-time LOEWE fan @olivianatalie has all the right answers when it comes to the Puzzle, with her very own red bag in hand.
On Sizing & Fit:
There’s definitely enough room for an iPhone 11 Pro, as well as glasses, a pen, a cardholder and essential makeup.
“It can fit my compact face powder, hand cream, perfume, cardholder, lipstick, mints, pocket tissue, mini comb and a portable charger. It sounds like a lot, but all of the items are travel size. I can also fit my iPhone inside (or a small camera) depending on what items are already in the bag.”
On Styling:
“I like to carry the Mini by the top handle. I remove the strap, but I also carry it on my arm or as a shoulder bag when I want my hands to be free. I like the versatility of the Puzzle Bag — it can be worn in five different ways. From a shoulder bag to a clutch.”
“The bag itself is not heavy. When it’s full you can see its cuboid shape. I don’t overpack it with heavy items, as it may lose its original shape over time. I wanted the red as a statement piece. I love this style as it can be paired with any minimal outfit I wear.”
Loewe Mini Puzzle Bag Dimensions: Strap length: 115 cm. Handle drop: 4.0 cm. Weight : 0.24 kg. Height: 12.5 cm. Width: 18 cm. Depth: 8 cm.
The Small Loewe Puzzle Bag
With Karen Blanchard @karenbritchick
Fashion YouTuber
The clue is (not) in the title. The Small LOEWE Puzzle bag is Jonathan Anderson’s third smallest design — slightly bigger than the Mini. Guaranteed to fill the gaping ‘everyday bag’-shaped hole in your wardrobe, influencer Karen Blanchard verified that the Small Puzzle Bag is in fact a good investment. Now let’s talk about sizing, how to fold and how to wear the LOEWE Puzzle with two-time owner @karenbritchick.
On Sizing & Fit:
Holding the same charm as the Mini bag, the Small has enough room for an 11” iPad Pro, an iPhone 11 Pro and a notebook, as well as water bottles, make-up and other accessories — the strap is adjustable too.
“I always carry my iPhone, purse, vlogging camera, tissues, reading glasses, a small hand sanitiser bottle and maybe a lipstick for touch-ups in my bag. It can hold more though! It’s super comfortable because the strap has a wide section. Also if it’s heavy, carrying it in my hand is fine because the bag is small.”
On Styling:
“I mostly use the top handle on my Puzzle Bag, or I carry it in the crook of my arm if I want to cross my arms when walking. If I’m carrying other bags or items, then I wear it either on my shoulder with the detachable longer strap, or cross-body.”
“I want a bag that screams ‘me’ and will complement almost everything in my wardrobe. I might be a small bag girl, but it has to fit my essentials.”
Small Loewe Puzzle Bag Dimensions: Strap length: 80.5 - 115.5 cm (adjustable). Handle drop: 7.0 cm. Weight : 0.5 kg. Height: 16.5 cm. Width: 24 cm. Depth: 10.5 cm.
The Medium Loewe Puzzle Bag
With Ellen Claesson @ellenclaesson
Product Developer & Content Creator
Big things come to those who wait... and those who invest in the biggest LOEWE Puzzle Bag. Otherwise known as the ‘Medium’ size, this one completes @ellenclaesson’s capsule wardrobe — filled with her daily essentials and more.
“I'm not that person who searches for something specific when I'm looking for a bag — I don't think they need to have the same purpose. A bag might be the missing piece to your outfit, so I think it's fun to have different kinds.”
On Sizing & Fit:
There’s enough room in the Medium Puzzle for an 11” iPad Pro, an iPhone 11 Pro Max and a large notebook, as well water bottles, scarves, make-up and other accessories. However this size will not comfortably fit your 13” MacBook.
“I carry all the normal things... camera, wallet, sunglasses, lipstick, airpods, keys, receipts.”
On Styling:
“I like to wear the bag in my hand with the short handle, but when I'm going to walk for a while I prefer to use the long strap and cross it over. When it's summer and I’m not wearing a heavy coat, I’ll wear the bag on my shoulder with the short handle.”
“I love styling the cognac colour with black outfits. I also prefer to wear it with blue denim — it feels like a fresh look for spring. It's a great everyday bag and I wear my Loewe to almost every occasion. It’s super comfortable!”
What we love most about this size is the thicker strap, and the ability to wear it over your back. Style with an oversized coat and take your Puzzle piece to Instagram.
Medium Loewe Puzzle Bag Dimensions: Strap length: 79.5 - 119.5 cm (adjustable). Handle drop: 9 cm. Weight : 0.752 kg. Height: 19.5 cm. Width: 29 cm. Depth: 14 cm.
Shop the Loewe Puzzle Bag Edit