Loewe Flamenco Leather Clutch

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.

Vintage and designer clutches are the perfect size to hold exactly what you need. While they’re typically small purses, Chanel clutches, Gucci clutches and other kinds of clutches can make a big impact on an outfit. They also have a fascinating history.

Clutches are handbags without handles that are carried by hand. One of the oldest known clutches was made in Mosul, Iraq, in the 14th century. It was made of brass and inlaid with gold and silver in geometric patterns. Although the loops on the side indicate it likely had handles to wear as a shoulder bag, manuscripts show a similar example being carried by hand.

Fashion designers often made clutches to reflect the wealth of the holder. In Medieval Europe, men and women securely carried items in small bags hidden inside their clothing as tie-on pockets. Women carried their possessions, scented and secreted, in the folds of their voluminous skirts. Pockets eventually became integral to garment design, but bigger sacks were needed to carry books and documents. When women’s clothing became lighter, consisting of fewer layers, it could no longer easily hide their handbags or pockets.

Changes in fashion led to handbags becoming a popular fashion accessory, and today, even as we’re overwhelmed by options from a variety of high-end brands, iconic luxury handbags still rule. The highly decorative bags of the 19th century faded from popularity when women entered the workforce and the clutch became the dominant business accessory. Flappers in the 1920s, clad in the dazzling Art Deco jewelry of the era, also loved the freedom of carrying clutches as they didn’t get in the way of dancing.

The simplicity of the clutch remains stylish today. Once made to be carried on special occasions, they are now an accessory for everyday use. Find a collection of vintage and designer clutches from Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more on 1stDibs.