The cat-inspired design from new creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez is already shaping up to be fashion's next It bag.
When Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez departed Proenza Schouler to take the helm at Loewe in April 2025, they brought with them a distinct creative vision. As the house's new creative directors, the pair immediately set about reshaping the brand's identity, merging whimsical craftsmanship with refined, contemporary pieces suited for everyday wear.
Their spring/summer 2026 debut delivered numerous standout moments, from layered button-down shirts to athletic-inspired jackets. Yet the accessories commanded the most attention. The Amazona 180, a reimagined version of Loewe's signature Amazona Bag, emerged as the collection's breakout star upon its February launch, quickly earning coveted status among celebrities.
But McCollough and Hernandez have since proven their accessories prowess extends beyond archive revivals. For Loewe's fall/winter 2026 collection, the designers unveiled an entirely original creation: the Whisker. In under three months since hitting shelves, the bag is already positioned to become fashion's next essential carryall.
The design achieves a deft equilibrium between playful charm and sophisticated elegance—with particular weight on the former. True to its name, the Whisker evokes feline features without requiring any interpretive leap. Zipper pulls and elongated side tassels form what unmistakably resembles a pair of drooping ears and cat whiskers.
This relaxed sensibility carries through to the bag's construction. Fashioned from soft, glazed leather with structured folds, the Whisker possesses a pliable character that allows it to settle naturally against the wearer's frame. It shares the Amazona 180's structured handle, though its extended length improves shoulder-wearing comfort—even atop bulky winter outerwear. The shoulder strap incorporates circular button hardware enabling fluid hinge movement, reflecting the designers' meticulous attention to detail. The color offerings further broaden its attraction, spanning butter yellow, cherry red, black plaid, and light-brown plaid.
The Whisker has already demonstrated considerable adaptability, as evidenced by its early celebrity adopters. Petra Collins has sported it over the shoulder alongside a pencil skirt and tailored blazer, while Hannah Einbinder has carried it tucked underarm as a clutch to elevate denim and a leather jacket. Julia Garner, Cazzie David, Sarah Snook, and Odessa A'zion have also been spotted with the bag.