For Fun: Will you buy the classic/original Puzzle or the Puzzle Edge from now on?

[roxta]

Maybe you've been waiting to add a Puzzle to your collection. Or maybe you've been hoping to grow your current Puzzle collection.

The majority prefer the classic/original Puzzle from what I've seen. However, while it doesn't seem like the OG is being discontinued for now, there's definitely a much smaller range of OGs than there used to be. Going off the Loewe site as a sign of things to come, the mini (and nano) sizes are completely gone, as are the mediums. Minis and mediums are only released in the Edge version now. The small size no longer comes with the regular handle and leather strap. You either get the regular handle with fabric guitar strap or braided handle with leather strap.

So I'm curious, with such limited options for the OG, will you choose the Edge instead? Have you perhaps always preferred the Edge? Will you shop pre-loved to get the OG with regular handle and leather strap? I know many are wary about pre-loved due to superfakes and will only shop new.

 

[zlauren]

I did choose an Edge instead, last summer. My first puzzle is a classic in smooth calfskin in a neutral colour, and was going to add a second classic in a bright and fun colour, but when I was at the boutique I fell for the Edge in a textured calfskin. The colour, texture, and design made it the most perfect puzzle in the boutique, and I still have zero regrets.

I don't have any plans to add another, so I can't say which version I'd choose for next time.

 

[roxta]

I did choose an Edge instead, last summer. My first puzzle is a classic in smooth calfskin in a neutral colour, and was going to add a second classic in a bright and fun colour, but when I was at the boutique I fell for the Edge in a textured calfskin. The colour, texture, and design made it the most perfect puzzle in the boutique, and I still have zero regrets.

I don't have any plans to add another, so I can't say which version I'd choose for next time.

Sounds like purse peace to me

 

[danidach]

I'm going to say classic with a caveat or two I got a chance to go into a department store with a few puzzles the other day. I was hoping to look at the woven handle classic but they only had edges in store. It reinforced that I don't like the edge as much at least in the mini and small size. Although I did like the look of the edge in the new large size it's like it suited the large more than the other sizes at least to my eye and I think I could pull off the new large size after seeing it and comparing it to my current large work bag. Whereas the old classic large size was a bit too big. So I'm going to wait and see if a classic new size large makes it to market and if not I might get a lage edge. If not I might get the edge especially if a colour I like ends up in sale as the bags in the men's department seem to be more likely to go on sale with some retailers. Otherwise I can't see myself buying an edge unless a holiday collaboration really speaks to me or a colour really speaks to me that isn't available in other bags

 

[roxta]

I'm going to say classic with a caveat or two I got a chance to go into a department store with a few puzzles the other day. I was hoping to look at the woven handle classic but they only had edges in store. It reinforced that I don't like the edge as much at least in the mini and small size. Although I did like the look of the edge in the new large size it's like it suited the large more than the other sizes at least to my eye and I think I could pull off the new large size after seeing it and comparing it to my current large work bag. Whereas the old classic large size was a bit too big. So I'm going to wait and see if a classic new size large makes it to market and if not I might get a lage edge. If not I might get the edge especially if a colour I like ends up in sale as the bags in the men's department seem to be more likely to go on sale with some retailers. Otherwise I can't see myself buying an edge unless a holiday collaboration really speaks to me or a colour really speaks to me that isn't available in other bags

I've seen the classic large in grey and in sage green on the Loewe site. They both look like pretty versatile neutral colors. I find the Edge version in any size seems to appear a bit bigger than the classic version when worn, even though they are supposed to be the same measurements. I think it's because the classic slouches more when hand-held and molds against the body when worn on the shoulder/crossbody. Whereas the Edge holds its shape more so it tends to look "puffier". The difference is especially noticeable the longer the bags have been used.

 

[anya1955]

I wouldn't go for edge, maybe only in bicolor version, but even then it makes me angry it takes less time and effort to make this bag, and they charge more for it, and I'm 100% sure they don't pay the actual people who make those bags more, so they are increasing profits (which okay, I'm not against as such) at the expense of craftsmanship and the people who work so hard for almost nothing (maybe even in horrid conditions), and against their customers who in majority seem to prefer the original. Unfortunately by buying edge you are showing Loewe that you're okay with all of the problems (and more), and I just couldn't do it. Fortunately I already have my classic puzzle, and one is enough anyway

 

[danidach]

I've seen the classic large in grey and in sage green on the Loewe site. They both look like pretty versatile neutral colors. I find the Edge version in any size seems to appear a bit bigger than the classic version when worn, even though they are supposed to be the same measurements. I think it's because the classic slouches more when hand-held and molds against the body when worn on the shoulder/crossbody. Whereas the Edge holds its shape more so it tends to look "puffier". The difference is especially noticeable the longer the bags have been used.

Thats funny i thought the small edges looked smaller in store than my small classic but i didnt have it with me and it might just have looked smaller becase of the size of the store. They do seem to be less slouchy or to at least take longer to slouch I did consider the green but the newer large size is a few centimeters smaller than the older large size classics. old large size 23 36.5 19 vs new large 21.5 33 14.7. The medium size seemed a bit too small to fit everything on certain days but the old large seemed like it would be too big and look ridiculous on me especially crossbody but thats how i have to wear bags(SAs tend to tell me bigger bags are too big but i need to carry a lot sometimes). So I think the smaller large would work better. It looks like more classics could be coming for SS25 or at least that's what I'm hoping. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed but if not I might get the edge in abyss. Or I might be sensible and save money but that only lasts so long when it comes to bags 😂

 

[roxta]

Thats funny i thought the small edges looked smaller in store than my small classic but i didnt have it with me and it might just have looked smaller becase of the size of the store. They do seem to be less slouchy or to at least take longer to slouch I did consider the green but the newer large size is a few centimeters smaller than the older large size classics. old large size 23 36.5 19 vs new large 21.5 33 14.7. The medium size seemed a bit too small to fit everything on certain days but the old large seemed like it would be too big and look ridiculous on me especially crossbody but thats how i have to wear bags(SAs tend to tell me bigger bags are too big but i need to carry a lot sometimes). So I think the smaller large would work better. It looks like more classics could be coming for SS25 or at least that's what I'm hoping. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed but if not I might get the edge in abyss. Or I might be sensible and save money but that only lasts so long when it comes to bags 😂

I agree it is wise to wait and see what comes in 2025 collections. It sounds like getting an Edge is a compromise for you, like you are settling on a design you don't like as much because the size suits you better. These bags are so expensive (even on sale), they should tick all your functional and aesthetic boxes - that's how I feel anyway. Crossing fingers for Loewe to bring out some good stuff soon!

 

[roxta]

I wouldn't go for edge, maybe only in bicolor version, but even then it makes me angry it takes less time and effort to make this bag, and they charge more for it, and I'm 100% sure they don't pay the actual people who make those bags more, so they are increasing profits (which okay, I'm not against as such) at the expense of craftsmanship and the people who work so hard for almost nothing (maybe even in horrid conditions), and against their customers who in majority seem to prefer the original. Unfortunately by buying edge you are showing Loewe that you're okay with all of the problems (and more), and I just couldn't do it. Fortunately I already have my classic puzzle, and one is enough anyway

Loewe must be aware that the majority prefer the Classic (reflected in sales records when both were widely available). But I think that from a business perspective, it doesn't matter which is more popular - they must have already crunched the numbers and decided to sell more Edge and fewer Classics because Edge has a much higher profit margin since it is easier/quicker to make.

But how do you increase sales of a less popular product? You heavily reduce the more popular product, but keep it as a feature of your range so that it will continue to draw new and existing customers into your store/site (at least temporarily). Once in store, customers will see that there is a very limited selection of Classics, but don't worry: we have the Edge in every size, color, leather and hardware combination your heart desires, and cheaper too - so buy it instead!

I suppose that's their aim with this move. More customers will buy the Edge and since, like the Classic, it's a nice high quality leather bag, there will be more people talking about it and recommending it. If they can generate enough hype, sales and momentum from the Edge, maybe they won't keep the Classic around anymore and then they can just focus production on the high-profit Edge.

 

[baggieQ]

This one's a toughy because I am team classic Puzzle but I do love the assortment of colors that the edge comes in. I have the large classic in tan as a neutral option so wanted to round it out with another puzzle in a fun stand-out color.

The perfect sizes for me are the small and the large so I figure my next puzzle can be a small. I just HATE that they removed the feet, the D-ring, and the original wide leather straps on the small classic and edge. (This bag just gets more expensive and it has fewer functions/features than it did before!)



I do really love the braided handles on the small classics currently available, however, I just can't get over all the things they removed from it to justify that hefty price tag. I'm not against buying it second-hand, however, those original small classics are getting harder to come by and the condition of some of the ones I have found were not worth the near-full prices sellers were asking for IMO.

I'm pretty happy with my large and I have other bags that do the job the small puzzle would, so I'm not in any rush to fill that void.

 

[roxta]

This one's a toughy because I am team classic Puzzle but I do love the assortment of colors that the edge comes in. I have the large classic in tan as a neutral option so wanted to round it out with another puzzle in a fun stand-out color.

The perfect sizes for me are the small and the large so I figure my next puzzle can be a small. I just HATE that they removed the feet, the D-ring, and the original wide leather straps on the small classic and edge. (This bag just gets more expensive and it has fewer functions/features than it did before!)

View attachment 6037303

I do really love the braided handles on the small classics currently available, however, I just can't get over all the things they removed from it to justify that hefty price tag. I'm not against buying it second-hand, however, those original small classics are getting harder to come by and the condition of some of the ones I have found were not worth the near-full prices sellers were asking for IMO.

I'm pretty happy with my large and I have other bags that do the job the small puzzle would, so I'm not in any rush to fill that void.

You know, I think if I had a OG-OG Classic (with feet, D-ring etc) in great condition to sell, I would be tempted to ask top dollar for it too - if someone is willing to pay, why not. They are hard to come by as you said and there's always going to be a pocket of the market who won't settle for the Edge, nor even the post-2018 Classic.
One thing's for sure: despite having been discontinued for several years now, their secondhand value has continued to increase, following the trend of the retail prices of puzzles. I have no doubt that secondhand prices of the OG-OG from pre-2018 have exceeded the original purchase price by now. And if I'm not wrong, puzzle prices in general have doubled since pre-COVID. Who would have guessed they would be such great investments!

 

[baggieQ]

You know, I think if I had a OG-OG Classic (with feet, D-ring etc) in great condition to sell, I would be tempted to ask top dollar for it too - if someone is willing to pay, why not. They are hard to come by as you said and there's always going to be a pocket of the market who won't settle for the Edge, nor even the post-2018 Classic.
One thing's for sure: despite having been discontinued for several years now, their secondhand value has continued to increase, following the trend of the retail prices of puzzles. I have no doubt that secondhand prices of the OG-OG from pre-2018 have exceeded the original purchase price by now. And if I'm not wrong, puzzle prices in general have doubled since pre-COVID. Who would have guessed they would be such great investments!

Honestly same! I never would have guessed they would become such a great investment bag. Puzzle prices are insane now. I remember seeing these at Nordstrom back in like 2016 and I thought they were "overpriced"

I can't disrespect the hustle for those sellers. TBH if I came across a decent condition pre-2018 small OG-OG classic in tan or green, I would seriously consider paying top dollar lol

 

[weezer]

I’m for OG

But I will say the small puzzle with woven handle and suede interior is beautiful (I finally got to see one in-person at a Neiman Marcus store) and if I did not already have too many handbags (I’m at peace now!), I would seriously consider getting a small braided handle.

 

[allie23]

I have the mini Puzzle Edge, in sand. I was really drawn to the contrast trim in a deeper beige colour. I was a bit too late to get an original mini, and I always wanted the sand colour

I also prefer brand new. When I saw first the Edge in person I thought it was a beautiful bag, just like the OG

I’m glad for now they are still producing the classic puzzle in small size and wouldn’t rule out saving up for one in the future. But I really do love my Edge

 

[roxta]

I’m for OG

But I will say the small puzzle with woven handle and suede interior is beautiful (I finally got to see one in-person at a Neiman Marcus store) and if I did not already have too many handbags (I’m at peace now!), I would seriously consider getting a small braided handle.

The braided handle is lovely!