1960s Loewe Black Leather Top Handle Bag
This fine and rare handbag was designed by Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe in the 1960s. Loewe was established in Madrid in 1846 and specialised in leather goods almost exclusively for Spanish royalty and the aristocracy which helped establish its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. King Alfonso XIII and his wife, Queen Victoria Eugenie, frequently visited the store on Príncipe de Madrid street. In addition, Princess Grace of Monaco and celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, Sophia Loren, Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich were among Loewe’s frequent customers.
In 1963 the brand opened a store in London; the iconic four 'Ls' motif was born in 1970 and this elegant leather top-handle bag can be dated to this period 1963 - 1969. We have included vintage 1960s photographs of the interiors of the flagship Loewe store in Serrano 26, Madrid, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Javier Carvajal which shows several similar bags from the period.
This boxy top handle bag is crafted from the finest smooth black leather. It has a rectangular shape and a fold-over flap closure. The clasp is a twist clasp and it is housed within a gold-toned metal plaque with a playful 'toothed' edge. There are two short black leather handles which attach onto the bag flap at the front with gold-tone metal buckles which also have a jagged edge. Inside, it has one compartment and four pockets, one that closes with a zip. The inside is stamped with “Loewe 1846” in metallic gold ink.
The bag is in very good to excellent vintage condition and has been taken very good care of by its previous owner. We were fortunate to buy this lady's entire collection of bags and shoes and she bought the best money could buy. On inspection, there is a tiny bit of wear to the gold plating around the twist clasp but it is hardly noticeable. The leather is in very fine condition with no discernible wear to the front. On the back there a handful of very tiny indentations which can only be seen in bright light, and a faint linear scratch about a little finger's width long. This is one of the finest 1960s bags we have ever had the pleasure of in Circa's collection; the fact it is around 60 years of age and in this barely used condition is remarkable.
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH - 7 in. (18 cm)
WIDTH - 9.5 in. (24 cm)
DEPTH - 5 in. (13 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
Will you set anything aside for me before I come?
We are happy to find anything you may be interested in from our website - please let us know a week in advance.
We also have an extensive offline collection. If you let us know your size, style, favourite colour to wear and perhaps your budget, we can browse through our archive in advance of your appointment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Clients may wish to bring modern shapewear when trying on garments from certain eras, especially the 1950s. Vintage clothing was often worn with undergarments that shaped the waist and as such is tailored for them.
We have a huge variety of slip dresses and petticoats to complete your look; many of which are also for sale.
You may also wish to bring your favourite footwear. We often find a classic pair of nude shoes work well when trying on, or a pair in gold or silver.
Do you have a price range?
Many of our lower-priced pieces (under £150) are not available to buy online. Our prices range from £80 - £600 for separates. Dresses start at around £150 and go up to £2,500 for the very best antique pieces and designer vintage. Our bridalwear ranges from £300 - £3,000.
Can I bring anyone with me?
Yes but please do let us know the size of your party in advance.
Where can I get alterations?
We offer some alterations in house. Should you need alterations we cannot provide, we can refer you to one of our tried and trusted tailors.
Do you have an after-care service?
We will advise you on the best way to clean and preserve your vintage pieces and can also recommend trusted local dry cleaners.
Can I cancel my appointment?
You are free to cancel but please do give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment, you will be invoiced a late cancellation fee of £25.
Where's the showroom?
Our address is Circa Vintage, 87A Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB
Upon arrival, buzz the 87A button on the gate or call us 020 7736 5038 to let you in.
Do you have parking?
We offer free, secure, off-street parking but it is a tight squeeze – so do let us know in advance if you will be needing this and we can make sure that there is space available.
How do I get there by public transport?
Underground:
Stockwell (7 min walk) - Northern and Victoria Lines
Nine Elms (9 min walk) – Northern Line
Overground:
Wandsworth Road (13 min walk) – Westbound to Clapham Junction / Eastbound to Dalston Junction
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit/debit card, bank transfer, contactless, Paypal