Founded in 1846 by German-born entrepreneur Enrique (Heinrich) Loewe Roessberg, the leather goods house will celebrate its 180th anniversary in 2026. Here’s a look back at the journey of a modest leather workshop that has grown into an internationally renowned fashion house.
Standing the test of time is no easy feat in the world of fashion and luxury. While Loewe posted a net profit of 157 million euros at the close of its 2024 fiscal year, according to data reported by the Spanish business publication Cinco Días, this internationally renowned fashion house took its first steps as a small workshop specializing in leather. Founded in 1846, it is now celebrating its 180th anniversary, making it the second-oldest luxury house in the world.
Promising beginnings
Let’s head back to 19th-century Madrid. At the time, a German-born entrepreneur named Heinrich (later Enrique) Roessberg Loewe fell in love with Spain. Specializing in leather, he decided to join a group of about a dozen artisans—including carpenters, upholsterers, and lacquerers—and open a modest leather goods workshop on Lobo Street (now Echegaray Street), a bustling thoroughfare in central Madrid.
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In its early days, this workshop produced small leather goods (wallets, jewelry boxes, toiletries bags…), which were all the rage among the upper classes. Building on its success, in 1892 the workshop moved to 39 Calle Príncipe, in the heart of the Las Letras neighborhood. At the time, the workshop employed 24 artisans who designed the brand’s first women’s handbags, which earned it a certain degree of popularity among high society.
In the early 20th century, Loewe achieved its first major recognition by becoming the official supplier to the Spanish royal family and receiving the approval of King Alfonso XIII. His wife, Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, was also a loyal customer of the House. This was followed by nationwide expansion with the opening of two retail locations in Barcelona.
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Featured photo: © Getty Images
