By Michelle Limpe
Caught between the influx of traditional and contemporary styles, Longchamp’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection succeeds in producing a vision that caters to the younger generation, while still retaining its Parisian trademark. Unveiled recently at Century City Mall in Makati, the new bag collection, along with the brand’s LGP line, was set on private display for the eyes of Manila’s trendiest elite to see.
Longchamp’s latest thrust of mixing and matching materials and styles has enabled the brand to create accessories that perfectly complement the trendy and active nature of the Longchamp woman.
Most notably featured was the LGP La Voyageuse, a multi-use bag envisioned for the travelling woman, which is fully manufactured of debossed leather with the brand’s new “LGP” logo. Produced in multiple shapes and sizes, the bag comes in fall tones such as taupe, a bright orange, and sophisticated black that can be converted and styled to suit a variety of needs— be for traveling, everyday use, or a night out. Folding the bag and a simple clipping of straps can fully transform the accessory from a messenger bag to an elegant clutch. Variations of the multi-functional bag are produced in leather, suede and woven canvas, all with an all-over monogram print of the reinvented logo. Maintaining elegance with both functionality and urban style are the key characteristics of Longchamp’s Fall/Winter lead product.
With the collection’s staple piece intended for the cosmopolitan and well-traveled woman, it only makes sense that the new look contains features of two of the most renowned fashion capitals of the world: Paris and New York City. The effortless style of the Parisian has been combined with the inventive and free-spirited nature of the Big Apple within the clasp of the La Voyageuse.
Alongside La Voyageuse, the Amazone Matelassé Sport and Amazone Matelassé Craquelé were featured as well. These products, in particular, were exhibited as among the few that are fully manufactured in France, as a tribute to the brand’s Parisian roots. Made of buttery-soft leather, the trendy bags, built with a flap and classic chain, have gained considerable popularity, especially among the Parisian women.
Although Longchamp’s focus on novelty and innovation trumps the majority of the brand’s new collection, the classic origami Le Pliage bag still retains its acclaim, made for the first time in a miniature size. This time, the iconic look has been altered with prints that mimic those of crocodile and reptile skins. The Le Mini Pliage Cuir, available in black, brandy or white, is a symbol of the brand’s devotion to its heritage, while stepping forward in modernizing its looks.
Accompanying the Fall/Winter 2019 collection, Longchamp’s LGP collection was also on display. The innovative line of products, released as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer collection, was the first instance where the public got a taste of Longchamp’s new logo. The simple logo that once only featured the company’s name has now been transformed into a monogram myriad of block letters that encompass the new accessories, showcasing a much edgier look. No longer is Longchamp shying away from loud designs that shout its brand name to the public. The colors of the Le Pliage LGP and Le Pliage Cuir are available in a black-and- white design matched with either neon yellow or red— a flashier alternative to Longchamp’s staple look and muted colors. The nylon-made accessories are a nod to the streetwear brands that have captured the fixations of a younger audience.
The brand’s entire collection is a creative move away from the classic Le Pliage look that has surrounded the Longchamp brand for decades. With its novel “LGP” logo, partnership with renowned Chinese influencer Mr. Bags, and introduction of different prints and materials, Longchamp’s ability to modernize its line while retaining its identity has enabled the brand to find its unique place within the urban market— flying from Paris to New York and, eventually, landing in Manila.
