Loewe scores another winner We have been partial to the Puzzle tote since its quiet inception, and find it to be not only appealing but practicable too. Just a year in existence, the tote is available this season in raffia, seemingly ready for th…
We have been partial to the Puzzle tote since its quiet inception, and find it to be not only appealing but practicable too. Just a year in existence, the tote is available this season in raffia, seemingly ready for the warmer months in beach resorts or coastal towns. While Loewe has totes in raffia, such as the ever-popular 'Basket' bag, this is the first time it has tapped its admirable resources and craftsmen to output the Puzzle tote in the natural, rustic fibre. The bag looks very much the holiday, rather than market, bag that raffia totes—as well as its cousin in straw—have come to be associated with. And is totally in keeping with Loewe saluting the tradition of craft.
Raffia is a durable fibre that comes from the leaves of the raffia palm tree. Their use can be traced to ancient civilisations across the world, if not in the manufacture of bags, certainly household receptacles such as baskets. To the discerning raffia craftsman, the best fronds come from the island nation of Madagascar, east of Mozambique. The yarns made from these long leaves are known for their suppleness and strength. Loewe's raffia bags use fibres sourced from Madagascar, and yarns woven by artisans there (the products are completed in Spain). Which may explain why Loewe "makes a donation to the local communities who weave them", as the brand asserts, for every raffia bag sold.
The raffia used for the Puzzle tote speaks highly of the developmental strength of Loewe. The Puzzle started as a shoulder bag in 2014 (interestingly, shown during the men's spring/summer 2015 presentation) before spawning sibling versions in the form of belt bags and shoulder hobos, even small leather goods. And then last year, the tote was added to the handsome family, and now it is available in raffia. What astounds us is how Loewe is able to keep to the spirit—hence, foldability (into a flat square)—of the original Puzzle tote, and not forgoing the craft details, including open weaves to mark the diagonal fold lines. The handling of leather and raffia are vastly different. As one Loewe fan eagerly told us, recently, "the construction is amazing".
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Loewe Puzzle Fold Tote in raffia, from SGD2,550 is now available at Loewe stores. Photo: YKS for SOTD
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