Once the subject of excited squeals from strangers in passing, the lore of the Uniqlo bum bag has gone from insider IYKYK secret to global legend.
As soon as you land on foreign soil, the travel essential will be everywhere - with locals and tourists alike fashioning the instantly recognisable sling design.
"It just fits everything" we'd agree as we pass like-minded individuals sporting one of the impressively expansive colourways. The latter of which are constantly unveiled by the Japanese label to the delight of its ever-growing and loyal fan base (who no doubt have more than just one).
The capacious interior has spurred TikToks aplenty proving just how much they can fit. One travel influencer, cheapholidayexpert, crammed a three-day trip into her “Mary Poppins bag”.
But what do you do if you're finding yourself looking for something different from the status quo? More high-end? More luxury leaning? Well, you're in luck as I have stumbled across the designer equivalent of the Uniqlo hero silhouette. I am obsessed with the LOEWE Puzzle Hobo Bag.
The Loewe Puzzle was introduced by the Spanish fashion label’s former creative director Jonathan Anderson in his spring/summer 2015 men’s collection. It gets its name from the manufacturing process and the way in which the individual laser-cut triangular elements are stitched together to create the boxy jigsaw-like silhouette.
Since its inception, it has taken on many forms, from the original duffle to the mini crossbody beloved by the style set. A decade later, it remains as popular as ever and almost synonymous with the brand itself.
However, it's the slouchy Hobo style that has got me waxing lyrical to just about anyone who asks - and many people who haven't - just how versatile it is.
Through trialling the Cocoon bag subscription service that costs from £59 a month, I had the opportunity of road-testing many of the most iconic designer bags on the market - and the Loewe silhouette was my favourite hands-down.
A commuting hero, I was able to stash all my prized possessions – key, wallet and phone - as well as my entire makeup bag and even a book inside its main compartment. And there was even an exterior zip pocket for easy access and an interior option for added security. It also has a soft leather construction and the strap was the perfect size to fit over my bulky winter coat. You can wear from work to the weekend, wedding to the pub.
Find the bag second-hand at Vestiare (£1,921) or rent it as part of a membership at Cocoon.
Verdict
LOEWE Puzzle Hobo Bag in Black Leather
The Loewe Puzzle bag was introduced by the Spanish fashion label’s former creative director Jonathan Anderson in his spring/summer 2015 men’s collection. It gets its name from the manufacturing process and the way in which the individual laser-cut triangular elements are stitched together to create the boxy silhouette.
Since its inception, it has taken on many forms, from the original duffle to the mini crossbody beloved by the style set. A decade later, it remains as popular as ever and almost synonymous with the brand itself.
However, it's the slouchy Hobo style that has got me waxing lyrical to just about anyone who asks - and many people who haven't - just how versatile it is.
A commuting hero, I was able to stash all my prized possessions – key, wallet and phone - as well as my entire makeup bag and even a book inside its main compartment. And there was even an exterior zip pocket for easy access and an interior option for added security. It also has a soft leather construction and the strap was the perfect size to fit over my bulky winter coat. You can wear from work to the weekend, wedding to the pub.
You can find the bag second-hand at Vestiare (£1,921) or can rent it as part of a membership at Cocoon.
Buy now £1850.00, Cocoon
