The LOEWE A5 Tote Bag

Introduced in the 2023 Spring/Summer collection, the A5 Tote features the currently trending vertical tote silhouette in a compact A5 size. This special summer edition is crafted from black raffia fiber, adorned with a striking white logo lettering that contrasts beautifully against the minimalist design.

· The Tote Silhouette ·

The Tote Bag is considered a workhorse in the handbag world, with origins dating back to the 1900s. Characterized by its open-top design with shoulder straps or handles, the tote offers simplicity and functionality. It gained popularity in the US during the 1940s and entered the fashion world in the 1960s, becoming a symbol of both personality and practicality.

1940s American newspaper boys with their tote bags

The word “tote” literally means “to carry,” and people particularly appreciate its spaciousness and low-maintenance nature. LOEWE’s 2023 Spring/Summer collection introduced the new A4 and A5 Tote bags, featuring a structured vertical silhouette with tubular leather handles for a clean, unisex look. This black-and-white A5 Tote is gender-neutral and can be paired with the A4 version for matching couple styles.

· Raffia Fiber ·

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Lightweight and breathable woven bags perfectly complement summer aesthetics. This A5 Tote is crafted from black raffia fiber with an unlined design that enhances airflow, making the bag exceptionally light and evoking vacation vibes.

Raffia is a palm tree native to Madagascar, Africa. Valued for being strong, elastic, and easily dyed, it’s commonly used for woven products like baskets, hats, and cushions, and has become popular in fashion.

The raffia fiber production process

Each bag is handwoven by artisans, with tight stitching that maintains the structured silhouette. The arched double handles are made of black calfskin, with tubular construction for comfort and durability.

· Logo Details ·

The black bag features a white embroidered LOEWE logo in raffia fiber, creating bold visual contrast.

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LOEWE’s current logo was introduced in 2013, designed by Creative Director Jonathan Anderson in collaboration with M/M(Paris) creative studio. Based on the Pegasus typeface created by German-British calligrapher Berthold Wolpe in 1937, it merges with the brand’s original Bembo font for a modern reinterpretation that enhances brand authority.

German-British calligrapher Berthold Wolpe and his Pegasus typeface

The evolution of LOEWE’s logo

LOEWE began as a cooperative of Madrid artisans before German leather craftsman Enrique Loewe Roessberg formally established the brand. “Loewe is actually a German word, so we decided to return to its origins, using German typography to rebuild authority and pay homage to its Germanic roots.”

· A5 Dimensions ·

The bag measures 17×21.5×6cm (6.7×8.5×2.4in) in its vertical silhouette, slightly larger than standard A5 paper (148×210mm). It comfortably fits a Kindle e-reader, paperback books, small water bottles, and more. We tested it with an iPad mini, iPhone, notebook, wallet, keys, lipstick, perfume, and headphones, with some room to spare.

· Carrying Options ·

The dual handles with detachable, adjustable strap offer multiple carrying options – hand-held, shoulder, or crossbody. The slim calfskin strap can be conveniently stored inside the bag when not in use, allowing effortless style transitions from playful handheld to hands-free convenience.