We sat down with the talented Austrian bag designer, Raphaela Schiretz, whose brand, Loosebag, has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts with its multifunctional designs. She recently collaborated with La Moda Me on an exclusive collection. So today we’re talking about her journey, insights, and vision for the future.
Beginnings: From a Party Idea to a Business
Starting a business at 23 is no small feat. For her, it all began at a “bad taste” party, where guests wear deliberately mismatched or just bad outfits. “I needed a bag that didn’t fit my look, and fanny packs weren’t trendy back then. But I noticed that wearing it felt so comfortable and freeing.”
The idea lingered. “I couldn’t find modern or elegant belt bags, so I decided to create them myself.” A year and a half later, she launched Loosebag with a friend. Though her co-founder eventually stepped back for family reasons, the brand continued to thrive.
Defining the Loosebag Identity
The brand name reflects its ethos: “Loose” symbolizes freedom and flow. “I wanted people to feel unrestrained when wearing the bag. But Germans sometimes confuse it with ‘lose,’ as in losing the bag,” she laughed.
Design Philosophy and Process
Loosebag's defining feature is its multifunctionality, countering over-consumption. “Trends come and go, but you won’t toss a Loosebag aside—you can wear it differently every time.” She personally crafts each bag using high-quality artificial leather, ensuring durability.
Her creative process is hands-on: “Cutting the fabric takes the most time. Then I sew while listening to audiobooks—it’s second nature by now.” Early on, she even personalized packaging herself but later streamlined the process.
Sustainability and Future Goals
Sustainability has always been close to her heart, and she is committed to transitioning from artificial leather to recycled plastic. “Living in Innsbruck, I got involved with the Precious Plastic community and became very informed about recycled plastic. I’ve really been wanting to incorporate it into my designs because there’s so much plastic waste that lasts for so much longer. Why let that go to waste when you can turn it into something new and beautiful?” Her experience with the community sparked an interest in collecting and recycling plastic before it even reaches the sea. “That’s something I really want to do next. But for now, I envision hiring a team to handle production, which will allow me to take things one step further. Loosebag is like my baby—it’s already 10 years old. In five years, it will be like a teenager—it’s time for it to explore the world beyond Europe, reaching new countries and continents while staying true to its sustainable and multifunctional roots.”
Exclusive Collaboration with La Moda Me
The collaboration with La Moda Me began this summer at a design exhibition in Salzburg, where she was showcasing her bags. “It was my first time in Salzburg, and I’d recommend visiting in the summer—it’s beautiful there,” she shared. “The founders of La Moda Me came to my stand, and I think they fell in love with the design. They bought a Loosebag and started thinking about how it could be something for them. They asked if there was a potential collaboration opportunity, and that’s how it all started.”
They stayed in touch, discussing the potential for a collaboration. “I was thinking of changing the design a bit, so we started talking about what would make this collection exclusive,” she said. “The founders of La Moda Me wanted something different from my regular designs, not just a rebranded version. So, we started brainstorming and decided to make the flap round, which was a key difference from my original design.”
The collaboration brought about a unique, custom look that blended her original style with La Moda Me’s vision. “We were all happy with the solution in the end, and I think it turned out to be something really special.”
The Most Rewarding Moment
When asked about the most rewarding moment in her entrepreneurial journey, she shared a personal milestone that filled her with immense joy. “It’s not a big thing, but for me, it’s something I had always dreamed of. I remember walking down the street, and there, in front of me, was someone wearing one of my bags—the one that I had designed. The first time it happened, I was ecstatic. To see someone rocking something that I created, just randomly in public, was such a beautiful, rewarding moment.”
The Future of Fashion Trends
As trends in fashion come and go, she pointed out a common issue with many styles: “You see a lot of people with crossbody or fanny pack-type bags right now, and in a couple of months, when that trend blows over, what’s going to happen to those bags? Will people just throw them away or tuck them away in the back of their closet somewhere?” She sees this as a flaw in the fast-paced, disposable nature of fashion. “That won’t happen with the Loosebag, though, because you can change it up every time you wear it. It adapts to your style, so it never feels outdated or out of place.”
Staying Inspired Through Challenges
When asked how she stays inspired in the face of industry challenges or creative blocks, she shared a balanced approach. “Pressure works well for me. If I have a lot of time to do something, I’ll take it slow, but if I know I have to do it right now, I’ll just do it because I have to,” she explained. However, she also emphasized the importance of self-care in maintaining her creativity. “Taking it slow and taking time for myself is so important—whether it’s going on a vacation, meditating, or just giving myself space to recharge. So, I would say it’s a balance of pressure and self-care—finding something in the middle that works.”
Following Trends or Listening to Her Inner Voice
When asked about her approach to trends in the bag industry, she explained that she’s not one to follow them. “I’m not really a social media person. So, when I have to do something online for my brand, it’s not a lot, because I’m behind the sewing machine all the time,” she shared. “I’ve never been someone who just goes with the flow. It’s always been my inner voice that tells me what works and what doesn’t. If I just follow trends, then my designs wouldn’t be special anymore. That’s why I always stay true to what feels right for me.”
Vision and Legacy
Her ultimate goal is for Loosebag to become synonymous with multifunctional bags. “Like how people say, ‘I’ll take my Vans,’ I want them to say, ‘I’ll take my Loosebag.’”
Advice for Aspiring Designers
“Don’t go with the flow,” she advised. “Listen to yourself. It’s your product and your vision—trust it.”
