There have been a lot of changes in the designer bag world lately, and two brands that have undergone massive overhauls within the last decade are Loewe and, more recently, Bottega Veneta. Both brands are major players in the designer handbag game and two brands that can easily fall into the quiet luxury category. While Bottega Veneta was founded in Italy and Loewe’s beginnings can be traced back to Spain, both luxury Houses are rooted in quality and leathercraft.
Bottega Veneta and Loewe share a refined vision, one that focuses on the present but contains nods to the past, and each season brings a new cohort of bags that wow. For Spring/Summer 2023, fashion has seen a return to larger styles that are more suited for the every day, which has been a welcome change to many fatigued by the mini bag movement. When looking at the latest offerings from both iconic brands, two similar silhouettes caught our eye, and today we’re here to unpack them both in a fresh bag battle.
Let’s get to it!
Loewe Paseo Tote
Season after season, Jonathon Anderson continues to hone in on his stripped-down design vision. Part of that vision includes the Loewe Paseo bag, which joins the brand’s impressive lineup this season, making its debut in September at the spring 2023 runway show. A soft, elongated leather tote, the Paseo line is defined by its stunning pleats and exaggerated knotted handles. The Tote version brings a vertical dimension and soft construction to the distinct design. Crafted from shiny Nappa leather, the Paseo Tote’s dimensions are 23.6″ L x 18.1″ W x 3″ D, and retail is $3,850 via Loewe.
Bottega Veneta Solstice Bag
This season, the Bottega Veneta Solstice Bag is also new to the handbag world. Designed by Matthieu Blazy as part of his first spring collection for Bottega Veneta, it features a similar construction as the Paseo bag. However, it is defined by a Bottega Veneta House staple: Intrecciato Weave. Like the Paseo bag, the Solstice bag is simple in construction, but its details make it stand out, and this bag is also finished with a knotted detail. Unlike the Paseo’s knots, the Solstice contains another cornerstone motif to the House of BV: its knots are crafted from gold hardware. Overall dimensions of the Medium are 17.3″ L x 14.8″ W x .8″ D, and retail is $4,500 via Bottega Veneta.
The similarities between the two totes are hard to ignore, and while they are both ultra-luxe, they are refined and sleek, the ultimate characteristics of the quiet luxury trend we can’t stop discussing. Which one gets your vote?