REAL OR FAKE. Unboxing: Loewe Medium Puzzle Bag (2018)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 มี.ค. 2024
- In 2017 I spotted Loewe’s tan leather in their hammock bag and fell in love. I saw it again in 2019 as trimmings, then again in 2021, again as trimmings. Every time I see the Loewe logo, the bag that got away washed over my memory and I can’t shake it off.
This is the Loewe puzzle bag that I have always wanted, but never knew I wanted, and never bought. Until now.
At the time of this video, the medium size is no longer available directly from Loewe, but may still be available new on sites such as LVMH affiliated online store 24S and various department stores.
The puzzle bag first appeared on the Loewe runway in 2015 (?), went into production, and dropped in the market soon after (2016?).
It has been observed that from 2018 onwards several changes happened with the puzzle bags.
The disappearance of the metal feet and the wide straps on the small puzzle bags. Logos moved away from being stamped in white to blind stamping. At some point unknown to me currently, those "breaks" on the leather underneath the puzzle pieces are no longer visible from the front. Date stamp relocated. Just to name a few.
Was Loewe still experimenting with their puzzle design when they launched its first generation puzzle bags? What are the changes they made throughout the years since 2015?
Clarification: I don’t know if the leather under the pieces are in fact continuous or only appear to be so in their more recent constructions. (Note that the larger bags seem to have been constructed slightly differently to their smaller counterpart).
All these changes were happening as the older versions were still available in the market. The old were phased out while the new ushered in. Not unlike the coexistence of the original puzzle, with the newer and less edgy version they ironically call the “Edge”, which has been rumoured to be in line to replace the original.
DATE
Based on the visible breaks in its “under leather” on the front, the blind stamping, the location of the date stamp, and the possibility of overlapping market availability of both older and newer versions, it is reasonable to estimate that this bag might likely to have originated from late 2018 at the earliest, to early 2019 at the latest.
INDICATORS
Because I can’t find a larger puzzle bag in tan classic smooth calf anywhere, including from Loewe directly, I had to resort to the secondary market.
Indicators observed appear to suggest that they are consistent with those of an authentic Loewe puzzle bag. With one indicator related to precision craftsmanship which isn’t optimal. This is consistent with historical information describing occasions which sadly occurred with bags bought directly from Loewe.
Only the creator of an item can authenticate an item. My personal judgement on authenticity is based on the above. But ultimately the weighing was determined by the look of the leather, the hand feel, and the smell.
CAVEAT
It seems to me that counterfeiters are quicker these days in getting themselves up to date with all indicators, compared to some years ago. No doubt the popularity and hype around Loewe and their puzzle bags, as well as communication technologies and social media are all parts of this development.
Therefore, it is my personal approach to judge an item ultimately based on characteristics of the unique material/s used by each designer / design house, which reliability in turn depends on how much exclusivity any particular design house has managed to come to an agreement with their supplier for.
RE-SELLER
This was bought in March 2024 from “Rachel’s Vintage” on eBay Australia (Ivan / Rachel / Anita on Vestiaire Collective)
SPECS
Medium: 29-30 cm.
Tan.
Gold hardware.
Contrasting stitching.
Blind stamping
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Pardon my very Anglo pronunciation of “Barenia”. I don’t speak French. Also please excuse the audio pops in the mic.
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STAY TUNED
Since I was last in the designer scene, these so called luxury brands have compromised more on quality while counterfeiters have increased in materials and skills. In some dysfunctional ways, they are meeting in the middle.
Personally I think there are factors which contribute to why shopping in the secondary market has become both easier, and harder.
1) The role of professional authenticators
2) The role of social media
3) The LVMH phenomena
4) The rise of Vestiaire Collective
Stay tuned for a rant.
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DISCLAIMERS
I am NOT affiliated with the above seller/s or brand, in any way.
Item was purchased for an agreed price, plus international shipping and taxes, using PERSONAL funds.
I have NOT monetized my channel nor any of my videos.
All opinions are personal, and mine.
I am here to entertain myself.
I am not an influencer, fashion journalist, a life style consultant, stylist, or brand expert.
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#loewe #loewepuzzle #loewepuzzlebag #unboxing #unboxingvideo #luxury #luxurybag #leather #leatherfashion
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1st Gen puzzle (2015-2018) was offered:
- Smooth Calfskin = White anagram stamp (only option for tan until 2017)
- Soft Pebbled = Blind Stamp (offered on tan from late 2017-2018).
- An exception would be the Men’s versions (which still come with feet & D-ring).
In 2019 the small & medium underwent those large changes; white anagram replaced by blind stamp, feet & D-ring removed, no visible seam underneath puzzle pieces, & shoulder strap all the same width, etc.
Thank you! Based on the same info I estimated this to be from 2018. Smooth calf with blind stamp, metal feet, D ring, and visible seams. Do you know anything about the contrasting stitching. I saw conversations about bags with contrasting stitching from a few years ago but it seems to have become less common in later years?
@@OrangeIsTheNewBag Hmm that’s a bit harder (JA is constantly switches details) so don’t quote me on this BUT…I’ve yet to see a pre-2018 with contrasting stitching (especially those w/ white anagram). Even the LE exotics, engraved calfskin, mixed-color, & Ibiza collections appear to have all used monochrome thread.
If u look at the 2018 seasons there were some releases that used monochrome on the bag & contrasting stitches on handle + strap. The blind stamp standard colors appear to have been released in full contrast as well (so ur likely correct about ur new bags age).
Late 2018 - 2021 has heavy variation! There’s full monochrome (including hardware), others with contrast, & everything in between (depending on release & size).
As of the poor decision in 2023 we’re left with limited colors, sizes, & a crappy strap. The stitching is mostly ‘color matched’ but its not good enough to be called monochrome anymore.
@@Snail_Nailz Sad isn’t it. Based on all the info I can gather and now some of yours, I am pretty certain we agreed that this is more likely than not from 2018. Especially given the visible seams. When you say monochrome and how it can’t be called that anymore, what do you mean if you don’t mind me asking. Have you noticed they are also now moving people on to cheaper non leather straps with their brands plastered all over them making us walking advertisers for them while we pay them money? Same with the discreet blind stamped anagram on the Flamnco bags, now a very visible gold stamped L O E W E…?
@@OrangeIsTheNewBag 1000%! I panic-bought after SA confirmed they were basically being discontinued. (Why get rid of a bag that made u a fashion darling?!)
*The decision to replace it with Edge was SUCH a poor choice & abandons everything the house of Loewe is built around!* Its not only WAY simpler (ie cheaper) to construct but it offers none of the beauty found within the puzzle bags complexity.
Then..they have the audacity to make customers buy an additional donut strap or be forced into wearing that monogrammed guitar monstrosity as walking advertisement.
I’m a JA-stan but the massive price hikes & poor decisions have really put me off the brand to the point I mainly buy pre-loved.
@@OrangeIsTheNewBag However, I did try on the new Flameco PURSE in black & OMG is it heavily…buttery soft, sooo to carry (kept forgetting it was on my shoulder), has multiple strap options builtin, & the gold donut chain w/ interwoven leather adds just enough pop to keep things interesting.
Couldn’t bring myself to buy (cuz I’m still mad at them) but it did go on my wishlist for the Mr 😂
It’s Gorgeous love it 🥰 I will have to live vicariously through you 😂 Congratulations 🎉 TFS 👛🛍️🚢🙏🦆PS I love your accent
I used to have a very THICK North American accent! Then I moved to New Zealand 😂 Thanks Dee Dee. I finally found what I am looking for, so I am about done 🎉
@@OrangeIsTheNewBag yay 😁 congratulations 🎊
Is it healthy for me to watch and rewatch this video and your other Loewe puzzle one over and over again? It’s not like I don’t own my own. 4, with a 5th on the way as a matter of fact. Too bad you’re not monetized-you could have made a mint off me. 1 or 2 bucks for sure.
Probably not 😂 But thank you for helping the algorithm of this video so it can circulate more ❤
Hello! Currently in the same dilemma of trying to source an early Puzzle... thank you for this super helpful video! Am I right in thinking the original Medium is smaller than the current size 'up' from the small? Could you possibly tell me the dimensions of this one? Thank you!
Oh! I have no idea what the current size up from small is! This is a 29 cm wide!
After a bit of research I think it’s the same! Think the small is the one for me but proving even trickier to find! Thank you 😊
Not sure if it is authentic? I think puzzle bags from that time period have white embossing on the Loewe logo.
They transitioned from white embossing to blind stamping around 2018 😊
Tan colour comes with sliver hardware?
Apparently? At least for back then.