Longchamp : A Legacy of Luxury and Craftsmanship

Introduction

Longchamp is a name that resonates with luxurious leather goods and timeless elegance. Known for its high-quality craftsmanship and sophisticated designs, Longchamp has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Longchamp was founded in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain in the heart of Paris, France. He built the reputation of his leather goods brand by appealing to tourists strolling along Paris's Grands Boulevards, as well as to Parisians. He selected crocodile and lizard leathers and surrounded himself with the best craftsmen to create a collection that he presented at the Paris Fair that same year. New international customers became interested in the brand. In 1955, the brand's international expansion gave Jean Cassegrain the idea of creating passport covers in leather embossed with gold leaf and featuring the country's emblem. Following this success, he decided to introduce small leather goods into his collections. A year later, he sent his son Philippe, then aged 16, to other continents to promote the Longchamp brand. In 1971, he created his first bag for women and launched the LM (Longchamp Maroquinerie) line, which was a great success in Japan. Thanks to its creative and original designs, the company collaborated with numerous designers. 1993 saw the launch of the first Pliage bag. This essential model has remained in the zeitgeist ever since. Jean Cassegrain wanted to combine the lightness of a bag with its solidity. Today's teenagers have a cult following for this model, and are bringing it back into fashion. The same year saw the birth of another icon : Le Roseau. This model remains just as timeless. In 2019, Longchamp gradually began replacing all virgin synthetic fibres in its collections with recycled fibres. In 2024, this transition has been completed and the entire range of Longchamp leather goods and canvas luggage is made from recycled fibres.

Longchamp is now in the hands of the third generation of the Cassegrain family: The founder's grandson, also called Jean Cassegrain, is the CEO, his sister Sophie Delafontaine is Creative Director, and their brother Olivier runs the American boutiques.

Jean Cassegrain came up with the idea for the logo, representing a galloping horse, by playing with his surname as he passed a racecourse on his daily commute. This logo is a symbol of elegance.

Longchamp is renowned for its innovative and stylish leather goods1. Some of the standout pieces include:

_ Le Pliage : An iconic nylon tote bag inspired by origami, known for its practicality and style.

_ Le Roseau : A collection of leather goods featuring the finest materials and craftsmanship.

_ Daylong : A range of bags designed for everyday use, combining functionality and elegance.

_ Le Foulonné : A line of leather goods that showcases the brand's expertise in leatherworking.

The brand has around 1,300 points of sale in 80 countries, 300 branded shops, 25 subsidiaries and just over 25 workshops. Sales are going very well internationally, especially in China, where the figures are very impressive.

Longchamp remains an influential brand in the luxury fashion industry, known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship, elegant and timeless design. From its beginnings in Paris to its current global presence, the brand has consistently offered stylish and functional products. Longchamp's continued dedication to innovation and tradition ensures its place as a significant player in the market.