At Loewe, one touch tells the story.
That story began in Madrid in 1846, marking Loewe as one of the oldest purveyors of luxury goods in the world. While Spanish leather had been prized by the crowned heads of Europe since the 8th century, it was in the middle of the 19th century that Enrique Loewe Roessberg founded the company that bears his name.
In 1905, the new King and Queen, Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia - the latter the niece of Britain's Queen Victoria - granted Loewe the honour of the official title of "Supplier to the Royal Court". For ladies, a handbag in iguana, crocodile or snake from the firm, now helmed by the founder's son, Enrique Loewe Hilton, had become the ultimate symbol of elegance and refinement. Spain is a land of great culture; of art's grand masters; El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, Dalí. It is the nation depicted by Cervantes and García Lorca on the page; Buñuel and Almodóvar on the screen. Legendary travellers to Madrid as Ava Gardner, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Sophia Loren and the writer, Ernest Hemingway, all fell in love with Loewe.
From the 40's until the 70's, Loewe's window displays became glorious explosions of creativity to be enjoyed by all. The rebel soul creator back then was José Pérez de Rozas, who gave Loewe its creative lead from 1945 right up until 1978. For Spaniards, luxury is Loewe, whether it's about heirlooms passed through generations; such as the iconic Amazona bag, its name signifying female strength, which has remained contemporary for over quarter of a century; or of leather and suede clothing which gets better the more it is worn. For men, Loewe spells leather jackets, attaché cases, and small leather goods. The Loewe silk scarves and ties in the rich and vibrant colours of Spain are unforgettable. Just as the sense of touch is vital to Loewe so is the sense of smell. Scents for men and for women strive to bottle Spain's complex and magical allure.
Today, this is a global brand, part of the world's leading luxury group LVMH. The seductive touch of leather of unrivalled sheen, suppleness and softness is now infused with modern glamour thanks to Stuart Vevers, the creative director who has brought his plugged-in fashion vibe to designs that are absolutely of their time and yet informed by heritage and craftsmanship.