Loewe Reinvents its Iconic Handbag with Recycled Leather Scraps

Editorial TeamEditorial Team
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June 28th, 2022
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10:07 AM

The prominent Spanish fashion house has reinvented its braided handbag as part of its “Surplus Project” initiative.

If there is a fashion brand that represents luxury in Spain, it is Loewe. Its leather goods are true works of art that have evolved over time, playing with geometries, patterns, and infinite sizes. Its latest project, 'The Surplus Project', proves once again who the leaders are in craftsmanship, comprising an eco-friendly initiative that results in a braided leather basket made from leftover scraps from the brand's other bags. The brand explained that The Surplus Project presents a new way of rethinking and reusing high-quality leftover materials from previous collections. With thin strips cut from the excess of other iconic designs with the most representative leathers: smooth calfskin and soft grain. Under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, the firm once again revolutionized Paris Fashion Week as it presented this spin on the classic handbag, and in doing so has become a source of inspiration and a benchmark for accessories firms in their commitment to sustainability.  

  With a strong commitment to sustainability, the luxury fashion house has become the only Spanish survivor on Brand Finance's list of the 50 most valuable luxury brands in the world. The sector has not been spared the impact of the health crisis. In fact, the brands in the luxury and premium segmeLeather Working Groupnt analyzed by the consultancy have lost more than 18 billion euros in brand value in 2021, which translates into 9% less than last year. Striving to work exclusively with high-quality, low-impact materials, the brand’s leather comes from tanneries that are certified by (LWG), is a non-profit organization that grants the label for one of the most recognized environmental certificates for the leather industry. It has more than 1,000 members, ranging from brands to suppliers of chemicals and machinery for the leather industry.   Garments Made from Military Tents and Recycled Plastic Bottles Giving another twist to the principles of sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry, the Spanish firm Loewe, one of the commercial brands owned by the French international holding company LVMH, launched the fourth edition of its "Eye/Loewe/Nature" collection in 2020. The collection was made up of a wide range of "super-recycled" garments, made from military tents, braided knitted sweaters, and vintage flannel shirts, reused to make this series of unique and completely different clothes. On this principle based on recycling and with the theme of the military as the inspirational vertex of the entire collection, we will find a range of garments that expands its references with respect to previous collections of this Eye-Nature line. It includes new basics specially designed for the outdoor environment, such as waterproof parkas, fleece linings, sweatshirts, and various accessories, all made through a process of "super-recycling". It is undertaking techniques by which products, materials, or waste are reused, taking advantage of the transformative power of craftsmanship, to minimize their impact and give them a new use by reconverting them into new, different pieces full of possibilities.  

  Loewe Receives Sustainable Luxury Award On July 3rd 2014, IE Business School presented its Awards for Sustainability in the Premium and Luxury Sector, recognizing the culture and practice of sustainability and innovation in the luxury and premium sectors. Loewe received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing that it has been disseminating traditional Spanish craftsmanship since 1846. This responsible and sustainable business philosophy is reflected in the firm's sustainability report, which details the processes, the people involved, and the results. Other companies honored in this edition are Elvis & Kresse, Soneva, Spazio Sumampa, and Danish Institute Fashion.