Luxury leather label Loewe lands in L.A

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On Wednesday, a bungalow at the Chateau Marmont was filled with buttery soft leather bags, jackets, dresses and pants from Spanish luxury brand Loewe (pronounced “low-ay-ve”) that had stylists and celebs drooling despite the soaring heat. The Loewe team was in town from Madrid for the first time, to show off the brand’s most signature styles.

The brand’s creative director and veteran accessories designer Stuart Vevers (who has held design positions at Bottega Veneta, Mulberry and Luella and was named Accessories Designer of the Year at the 2006 British Fashion Awards) was on hand to discuss the rich history of the brand as well as take orders for bespoke leather clothing that includes a vast array of leather jackets, skirts and dresses that all feel like a second skin.

Founded in Spain, Loewe dates to 1846, when it began as a leather goods line creating mostly luggage, wallets and ladies’ handbags for Spain’s elite and was appointed as Supplier to the Royal Court by Spain’s royal family in 1905.

Today Loewe has more than 100 freestanding stores around the world, with local distribution at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. But perhaps it’s strongest presence has been with celebrities such as Mila Kunis, Freida Pinto, Jessica Alba and Claudia Schiffer, who have been sporting the brand’s iconic Flamenco bag in bright poppy colors such as coral, yellow and violet.

With the departure from It bags in fashion to more understated styles made sans logos and embellishment, Loewe’s luxury bags in bright, fun colors make sense among these celebs, who like to punctuate their everyday basics with bold hues (seriously, Alba was even seen carrying her coral Flamenco with her to the gym). Hope she stowed the super-soft leather bag somewhere secure while working out.

--Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: At top, Loewe Flamenco bags. Credit: Loewe

At right, Freida Pinto carrying Loewe’s Flamenco bag. Credit: Loewe