Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Ola Bag Review

Summer capsule collections have pretty much become a staple within luxury fashion in recent years. But none have managed to capture the spontaneous fun and whimsy of summer style quite like Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza. It’s now a legendary collaboration that’s synonymous with unapologetic beach style, but back in 2017, it was merely an idea in the great Johnathan Anderson’s head. The designer had heard about the legend of Paula’s Ibiza boutique with its hip clientele and creations that shaped beach party chic back in the ‘70s. So he reached out to the label (which had since closed its doors) to propose a collaboration. And a new legend was born. 

Each year since the start of this collaborative endeavour, we’ve been treated to a cohort of Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza designs. Some beach takes on house classics like the Loewe Puzzle bag, and some new creations entirely. A new design that’s fast becoming one of the most iconic and talked about pieces from this year’s collab is the Ola bag. This latest Loewe accessory has made me rethink everything I thought I knew about so-called beach bags. Sure, it’s made from raffia and has an undeniably beachy boho appeal. But the design details behind this new Loewe creation reveal it to be more than just another summer bag. I’ve gotten my hands on the Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Ola bag in honey gold raffia, so let’s get started with a deep dive, shall we? 

Oblong rectangular shape

Frilled flap opening

Beaded chain shoulder strap

Removable and adjustable leather strap

Internal pocket

Gold-toned logo lettering

Loewe Anagram logo embossed detail 

Made from raffia 

Colour options – natural, black, honey gold, dark khaki  

Also available in calfskin leather 

Beach bags are a staple summer accessory that I thought I knew everything about. By the Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza Ola bag turns the entire concept of a beachy summer bag on its head. First up, the shape. The new Ola bag doesn’t fall into any of the typical categories of raffia bags. It’s not a spacious tote to lug a beach towel around in, and it’s not a tiny crossbody style. Instead, the oblong rectangular shape feels like a breath of fresh air for those of us who love raffia bags but don’t want just another copy of what we’ve seen plenty of times before. 

The Ola feels different. The frilled flap opening gives the simple rectangular silhouette a fun finish. While the gold-toned chain is decorated with donut-shaped beads for a cool sense of whimsy that plays into the collaboration’s coveted boho vibe, yet still feels suitable enough to wear out to dinner with a dress and heels. For that signature Loewe charm, the Loewe Anagram motif is embossed onto a gold-toned bead on the chain for subtle branding. And I love the addition of the calfskin leather strap option which again makes this raffia accessory feel a little more elevated.

It’s no shocker that the new Ola bag isn’t designed to be a big bag you take to the beach, but it’s proving a lot more roomy than I anticipated when I first saw it. Long shoulder bags always prove practical, but thanks to the Ola’s raffia material, it’s got a soft structure and is pretty easy to stuff a whole lot in without altering the shape or damaging it at all. It’s currently only available in one size and I think that’s for good reason because the proportions feel super versatile. It’s not too big and bulky that you can’t wear it during those dreamy holiday nights that we’ve all been counting down to, and it’s not a mini option that looks cute but can’t do much else. The Ola bag’s size is just right. I’d describe it as more of a small teetering on a medium bag.  

The Ola bag was first released as part of the Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza collab earlier this year but a new leather version is now available as part of Loewe’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection. Does this signal that we might have a new Loewe classic on our hands? I think so! When I first laid eyes on the raffia Ola bag featured in the Paula’s Ibiza collab, it would have been pretty hard to convince me that this design could work in Loewe’s main bag range. It’s true that the Ola isn’t your typical beach bag but it still feels very summery. And Loewe have done an impressive job at turning a bag first spotlighted in a beach capsule collection into an accessory that doesn’t look out of place within the brand’s main range. 

As someone who previously did a full review of the Loewe Puzzle bag and its evolution, I’ve always found it fascinating to observe how Loewe reinterprets its own codes while introducing something entirely new. The Ola is a great example of that.

It still feels playful with a dose of Loewe’s signature whimsy. But the buttery smooth calfskin leather gives the bag a more structured and polished look without taking away the charm created by the donut-shaped beaded chain and frilled flap opening. There’s a small curated offering of colours, including black and a rich burgundy. This is well thought out but I’m still excited about the prospect of more hues joining the range as the Ola bag grows in prominence. There’s also the addition of a silver-toned hardware option, too. 

So to round up, I’m hooked on the new Loewe bag for summer and possibly beyond. The raffia option that’s part of Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza has most definitely earned a spot in all my holiday packing this summer and it’s standing out amongst the many other summer raffia bags I own. As for the leather Ola bag that’s been introduced into Loewe’s main range, there’s certainly room on my wishlist … 

Explore more bag content: 

The Miu Miu Wander Bag Is Better Than Ever

Hermès SS25 Colours

8 ‘It’ Bags For Spring/Summer

Comparing The Row’s Margaux Bags