Celine or Loewe: Which Brand Makes the Best Bags?

Celine and Loewe are two of the world's most prestigious luxury fashion brands. Both companies have forged their reputations with a mix of traditional craftsmanship and forward-thinking designs, creating bags coveted by fashion enthusiasts globally.

It's not just their iconic designs that have received acclaim but their work shaping fashion trends and cultural moments.

Whether it's the minimalist elegance of Celine's leather bags or the artisanal innovation of Loewe, the two have firmly cemented their places in the luxury market.

But, with so many similarities, parallels, and striking differences in their offerings, deciding between a Celine or Loewe bag can be complicated. 

Luckily, we've done it for you.

In this edition of Slingo's lifestyle blog, we take a deep dive into both Celine's and Loewe's bag selections. Comparing the brands' designs, quality, exclusivity, price and cultural significance to see which of these two fashion giants is the best.

It's a battle of Celine's understated sophistication and Loewe's iconic creative flair, but which will come out on top?

First, let's look at how these brands ascended to the top of the fashion mountain.

A Brief History of Celine and Loewe

Celine History

Celine was founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana as a made-to-measure children's shoe business in Paris. Over the years, the brand expanded into womenswear and accessories, quickly gaining a reputation for its understated elegance and sophisticated designs.

Under the creative direction of Phoebe Philo from 2008 to 2018, Celine became synonymous with minimalist luxury. The Parisian's tenure brought iconic designs such as the Trapeze and Luggage Bags, which remain popular today.

Since 2018, Celine has been helmed by former Dior Homme Creative Director Hedi Slimane.

Slimane has infused the brand with a modern, edgy vibe while maintaining Celine's core values of simplicity and elegance. 

Today, Celine continues to be a favourite among fashion-forward individuals who appreciate timeless design.

Loewe History

By comparison, Loewe was founded in 1846 in Madrid and began as a cooperative of leather artisans. In 1872, German entrepreneur Enrique Loewe Roessberg joined the cooperative, and the brand was named Loewe.

Loewe quickly became the official supplier to the Spanish Royal Family, solidifying its reputation for exceptional craftsmanship. Known for its luxurious leather goods, the brand has continually evolved, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative design.

In 2013, Loewe appointed Jonathan Anderson as creative director. His appointment revitalised the brand and introduced iconic designs, like the Puzzle Bag and Gate Bag, merging Loewe's artisanal heritage with modern aesthetics.

Celine vs Loewe – Which Should You Choose?

Now you know more about the history of these two luxury giants, let's get stuck-in to our Celine vs Loewe comparison.

Design

Celine

Celine's designs are the epitome of minimalist chic. The brand focuses on clean lines, neutral colours, and timeless silhouettes. Bags like the Celine Luggage Tote and the Celine Triomphe Bag are perfect examples of the brand's dedication to sleek, structured designs. Celine's approach to design appeals to those who appreciate subtle elegance and versatility.