How to Spot a Fake Loewe Slit Pochette bag in Raffia and Calfskin. Circa 2024
This has got to be the bag of the Summer. Read my full review here.
Loewe never misses with their raffia collections, but I would say this S/S they have gone a bit logo crazy - which I don’t love. LOEWE seems to be massively stamped on every bag… am I wrong?
Sadly, the rise in popularity of Loewe in the past five years means the rise of the fake/dupes/counterfeiters all trying to get your hard earned money for a bag that is not real.
Let me give you the knowledge so you can shop preloved with confidence.
The Logo
The leather rectangle measures 8cm (h) x 6.5cm (w)
It is positioned 8 coil rows down from the top of the bag. (counted from the horizontal edge stitching)
Loewe is positioned 6mm in from the side and 1cm down from the top
The leather has 23 stitches along each side 19/18 along the top and bottom. This leather rectangle is fully secured in place. (Unlike the basket bag where the sides are not sewn down)
Notice: The 3 double stitches in the bottom right corner. This is the same stitching on the basket bag.
In 2014 Loewe underwent a rebrand and changed the font of 'Loewe' and reimagined the logo. But this doesn't affect the Raffia Slit - as this was released in 2022.
The leather rectangle is edged with black edging.
The Loewe letting is 11mm (h)
The L, E and E measure 7mm (w)
The O measures 11mm (w)
The W measures 14mm across the top
The Raffia
Loewe is super proud of their craftsmanship.
The method used to make this bag is called ‘coiling’ and definitely one of the more robust methods. The palm weaving I find splits easier (like on the basket bag)
Google Gemini gave me a cheeky breakdown of how it works:
“The "coiling method" involves layering and stitching together coils of raffia, gradually building up the desired shape of the basket or bag. This technique, inspired by various weaving traditions, allows for both structural integrity and intricate detail in their creations”
Serial Number
Fun fact: Loewe does not include the year or month in their serial numbers like Louis Vuitton or Chanel. Therefore it’s good to cross-reference Loewe bags in handbag forums, check Loewe bags in store (subtly) and on preloved sites. Also, it really benefits to know when bags were released and where Loewe make them - they usually have all this information on their website.
Instead, you date a Loewe bag based on:
Loewe’s modern bags (2010s onward) typically feature a 6-digit code like this:
Example Format: 123456
The first 3 digits = Model or style number (internal reference)
The last 3 digits = Factory + batch code, not a date in itself
My Code 522402
The “522” is consistent with Raffia & Calfskin styles (e.g., Slit Pochette and Basket bags).
The “402” indicates factory/batch code — not publicly decipherable but consistent with known authentic bags produced in Madagascar.
“MADE IN MADAGASCAR”
Loewe's raffia bags have been handwoven in Madagascar for years.
Bags are woven in Madagascar then assembled in Spain or shipped directly depending on construction.
Positioning
You will find this code on the left hand side seam of the bags interior.
The numbers are positioned 8mm down from the top of the leather tab.
The leather tab is 3.8cm (w) x 1.5cm (h)
The back is finished leather - not raw.
Interior Loewe Leather Logo
The interior leather logo is attached on either side with 6 double stitches.
It is not fixed in position at the top and bottom.
It is 2cm (h) x 3.5cm (w)
The Loewe is positioned perfectly in the middle 7mm in from the top and bottom.
Hardware
There is limited amounts of hardware on this bag. But the hardware we do have is very pretty.
The hardware is shiny and gold toned.
The Zipper features the little Loewe logo engraved. The zip features a tiny Loewe (4mm) on the pull - but only on one side.
The back of the zip is blank
The D ring that attaches the shoulder strap is thick and chunky. It is quite firmly secured in position by the leather. It doesn’t wiggle around very much.
Stitching
3 stitches per 1 cm.
The thread has a slight* shine to it that catches in the light. The thread colour matches the leather perfectly, it’s ever so slightly lighter to outline the bags leather.
The knotted detail on the shoulder strap is fixed into position by 2 double stitches and is not adjustable.
Interior
The interior is lovely. A soft grey herringbone - beautifully finished at the sides with invisible stitching.
Tag
The tag is attached to the bag with black string and a small silver toned embossed square bearing the Loewe logo.
The front of the tag has Loewe and the logo. It is raised to touch - it is not printed.
Inside is a white sticker - this has a barcode on it, various style numbers and description of the bag.
You will also receive a care booklet
I hope this has helped xx
