A leather-handbags house taking to the runway with a ready-to-wear collection—with logos? Sounds like a high-nineties flashback, if not an anachronistic happening in days when so many other houses are scaling back or thinking better of having shows altogether. Yet here was Loewe, the Spanish leather-handbags company (part of LVMH), which is design-directed by the British bag specialist Stuart Vevers, reversing its policy of sophisticated static exhibitions and deciding to use models in the standard way—swinging handbags, of course.

Subtlety and extreme quality are the key qualities of Loewe’s leathers, but the act of dressing girls top to toe and having them walk in front of an audience and photographers forced an inevitable shift of focus. The luxurious craftsmanship that goes into making fine leather pieces like the black jackets and coats, with supple, fused linings visible in the folded-back lapels, isn’t in question. But was it really timely to start branding a sophisticates’ resource with perforated lettering declaring “Loewe Madrid” across the breast of leather poufed-sleeve T-shirts and shifts, or to emboss it boldly on a coral suede shoulder bag? Probably not.

Up till now, Loewe’s handbags artily lit static presentations have been characterful, sociable events, allowing for the close-up viewing—and even touching—of its fine-grained textures and workmanship. That encouraged the idea that this is a niche brand for grown women who consider it smart to invest in a timeless, underexposed product that deliberately sets itself apart from fashion handbag. It wasn’t that Vevers plunged the whole thing into a vat of vulgarity today, but the pressure to make statements for runway cameras (feather skirts, woven ribbon and leather pieces) inevitably blew away some of the mystique he’s cultivated with his previously more personal approach.

Gisele sizzles in Loewe Fall Winter 09-10 Ads.

Gisele Bundchen is one of Loewe’s new faces, and comes out with a bang in her series of photos for the 2009 2010 Fall Winter collection. The ad features the model with Loewe’ latest bags, sprawled in a lounge chair. Some have labeled the poses ad awkward, but Gisele still pulls it off, looking sexy and still covetable, much like the Loewe bags she’s totes.

The only thing though, is that we are not sure if the cat is camera ready.
Shot by Inez and Vinoodh, this ad campaign shows off the replica bags, as well as the supermodel to dramatic effect. The cat looks like its been photo-shopped in this pic.

Trends may come and go, but quality materials coupled with quality craftsmanship are what separate blah luxrious bags from the best bags. Loewe’s Ruched Napa bags certainly hit that premise on the head.

Only the best Napa lambskin are chosen for the Ruched Napa line, as the luxe and supple material in black,white, magenta and silver varieties are what takes center stage in these replica bags. There are no blingy hardware pieces to distract from the Napa’s beauty handbags, as well as to add unnecessary weight. A drawstring pull taken from a 1980’s design assures easy closure and makes beautiful leather gatherings, which give the replica bags their name.

I wanted to bring this commercial to your attention because I don’t think I got it all right. It’s for Loewe’s replica handbags latest fragrance. It’s a beautiful short clip, rather charming in conception and manifestation. It was presented at the San Sebastian Film Festival, September 25th.

I’m unsure about the signification, however… So I’m posting this ad for you to see it and tell me what you think about it, especially when it comes to the ending of the advert. (I’ll hold until you’ll see it too and then we’ll exchange opinions) Quizás, quizás, quizás Loewe Handbags. (the clip is right after the brake, plus a short movie behind the scenes with the making of this ad)

Emma Hill Joins Mulberry as Creative Director

In July, editor of Pop magazine, Katie Grand, was named the replacement of Mulberry’s creative director, Stuart Vevers who is moving to Loewe in January. But Mulberry did not have an easy time assigning a new creative director, because just a few weeks ago Grand resigned only a few months before she was set to begin. While the reasoning for her resigning is still unknown, Mulberry had to re-start their search. Mulberry found another replacement naming Emma Hill as the creative director whose designs will debut with the spring 2009 collection. Emma Hill has previously worked at Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Chloe, and Gap.

[press info below]

Mulberry announces the appointment of Emma Hill as Creative Director with effect from the Spring/Summer 2009 collections.

Emma is a widely acclaimed designer who is credited with the success of accessories collections for many of the great brands including the launch of Marc by Marc Jacobs and bags for Gap.

A Ravensbourne graduate, Emma is looking forward to coming home to a British brand after her years in New York and Paris.

Emma says “I’ve always loved Mulberry and look forward lending my skills to build on the brand’s exciting recent achievements and secure its position in the international marketplace.”

Mulberry welcomes Emma Hill to head the design team and oversee all creative functions of the company. Lisa Montague looks forward to bolstering the creative force of Mulberry as the brand embarks on new challenges and brings in resource for future development.