The story of LOEWE began in 1846, decades before the invention of the light bulb, when a collective of Spanish leather artisans opened a small workshop in Madrid. Nearly 180 years later, that humble atelier has evolved into one of the world’s oldest and most influential luxury fashion houses and a flagship brand within the LVMH portfolio.
Japan has long played a defining role in that journey. In 1973, LOEWE chose Tokyo as the location of its first boutique outside Europe, opening at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi and marking the beginning of a relationship that has flourished for more than five decades. Today, the house operates 43 boutiques and three outlets across Japan.
That enduring connection reaches a new milestone with the opening of CASA LOEWE Ginza. Located at the intersection of Chuo-dori and Miyuki-dori in the heart of Tokyo’s prestigious Ginza district, it is the brand’s largest store in Japan, its second largest worldwide, and joins an exclusive group of CASA LOEWE global flagships alongside Madrid, Shanghai, Paris and Milan.
Designed to evoke the intimacy of an art collector’s home while offering the sophistication of a luxury retail space, CASA LOEWE brings together Spanish sensibility and Japanese design. Its façade is clad in handcrafted muddy-green ceramic tiles that reference Ginza’s Edo-period origins as marshland at the edge of the Edomaejima peninsula. The ceramics continue inside, adding warmth and texture to the concrete interiors, while marble finishes and brass-framed windows pay homage to Ginza’s heritage as a center of coin minting and metalworking.
More than a flagship boutique, CASA LOEWE stands as a meeting place where Spanish heritage and Japanese creativity come together through a shared belief that true luxury begins with craftsmanship.
Spanning 965 square meters across four floors, the boutique presents LOEWE’s complete range of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, footwear, jewelry, eyewear, fragrances, home scents and accessories. Exclusive to Ginza is the fourth floor introducing immersive experiences including a dedicated Bath Line, fragrance, and home scents space, personalize products, and a selection of traditional Spanish treats.
Reflecting LOEWE’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and culture, the interiors feature signature furniture crafted from leather, iron and reclaimed materials, including the Re-Crafted coffee table, made from 95% surplus leather from the brand’s ateliers. Contemporary art and craft from LOEWE’s international collection are displayed alongside works by Japanese artists, creating a dialogue between Spanish heritage and Japanese creativity.
The Lore of LOEWE
Behind every great fashion house lies a story. For LOEWE, that story spans nearly two centuries of craftsmanship, royal patronage, artistic reinvention and enduring cultural relevance.
1846: A workshop is born
Long before fashion houses became global empires, a collective of Spanish leather artisans established a workshop in Madrid dedicated to exceptional leather craftsmanship. Today, LOEWE is one of the world’s oldest luxury fashion houses – older even than Louis Vuitton.
1872: The name LOEWE
German merchant Enrique Loewe Roessberg joined the cooperative, unified the workshop under his leadership and gave the house the name it carries today (for those wondering, it is pronounced loh-eh-vay).
1892: Madrid’s finest
LOEWE opened its first boutique on Madrid’s prestigious Calle Príncipe, establishing itself as Spain’s premier destination for luxury leather goods.
1905: A royal seal of approval
The house was appointed an official supplier to the Spanish Royal Court under King Alfonso XIII, cementing its reputation for exceptional craftsmanship.
1965: Beyond leather
After more than a century devoted to leather goods, LOEWE introduced its first ready-to-wear collection, marking its evolution into a full luxury fashion house.
1970: An icon is born
Spanish artist Vicente Vela created the now-famous Anagram logo — four interlocking “L”s inspired by traditional cattle branding irons. Today, it remains one of fashion’s most recognizable yet understated emblems.
1973: Japan first
LOEWE chose Japan for its first boutique outside Europe, opening at Tokyo’s Nihombashi Mitsukoshi department store. More than 50 years later, Japan remains one of the house’s most important markets, now home to 43 boutiques and three outlets.
The designer years
As LOEWE expanded beyond leather, some of fashion’s greatest names helped shape its collections. Karl Lagerfeld designed for the house in the 1970s, followed by Giorgio Armani in the 1980s.
1996: Joining LVMH
LOEWE became part of the LVMH portfolio, bringing Spain’s historic leather house into the world’s largest luxury group while preserving its artisanal identity.
2013: A creative renaissance
Jonathan Anderson’s appointment as creative director marked the beginning of a new era. While honoring LOEWE’s leather-making heritage, he transformed the house into one of fashion’s most influential and culturally relevant brands.
2015: The Puzzle Bag
Anderson’s first handbag for LOEWE quickly became a modern icon. Crafted from 75 precisely cut pieces of leather, the Puzzle Bag draws inspiration from the geometric folds of Japanese origami – a perfect expression of innovation rooted in craftsmanship.
2026: CASA LOEWE Ginza
More than five decades after arriving in Japan, LOEWE unveiled CASA LOEWE Ginza — its largest boutique in Japan and second largest worldwide. Joining flagship destinations in Shanghai, Paris and Milan, the new Ginza store represents both a celebration of the house’s Spanish heritage and a testament to its enduring relationship with Japan.
Why Japan Loves LOEWE
LOEWE’s enduring popularity in Japan extends far beyond fashion. The house’s philosophy mirror values deeply rooted in Japanese culture: meticulous craftsmanship, respect for artisans, thoughtful design and an appreciation for understated luxury. Rather than relying on bold logos, LOEWE lets the quality of its materials and workmanship speak for themselves.
That shared philosophy has also inspired some of the house’s most celebrated collaborations. Under Jonathan Anderson, LOEWE partnered with Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli on collections inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, while collaborations with Kyoto ceramic studio Suna Fujita showcased a deep appreciation for Japanese artistry and storytelling.
From cultural exhibitions such as Crafted World in Tokyo to the opening of CASA LOEWE Ginza, the relationship has continued to deepen. More than a flagship boutique, CASA LOEWE stands as a meeting place where Spanish heritage and Japanese creativity come together through a shared belief that true luxury begins with craftsmanship.
