25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (2024)

In the fashion industry, success can sometimes be defined by a single product that has evolved into an entire collection of its own signature – eventually becoming synonymous with the brand. Take for example, Burberry with its checked trenchcoats, Hermes with its Birkin bags, and Christian Louboutin with its rocket-high stilettos.

For Longchamp, it’s the Le Pliage bag. This year, the iconic range is celebrating its 25th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, we’ve gathered 25 fun facts you may not know about this cult-favourite carrier. Read on to find out more.

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (1)

#1 Le Pliage means “folding” in French – aptly pointing to the bag’s fold-up design in a distinctive trapezoidal shape, much like an envelope.

#2 The first Le Pliage bag was conceived by the son of Longchamp’s founder, Philippe Cassegrain.

#3 Its design was inspired by the Japanese art of origami, which Philippe had learnt about from his travels around the country.

#4 To ensure the bag is light and easy to carry around, Philippe combined Russia leather handles with a nylon canvas body. It is embroidered with the Longchamp logo, a jockey on a horse – a reference to the famous Parisian racetrack in the Bois de Boulogne.

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (2)

#5 The first Le Pliage collection was launched in 1993, but it only became a hit three years later, according to Philippe.

#6 Its lightweight design, classic shape and wide range of styles and colours are credited as the main reasons behind its success as the brand’s best-selling product and one of the world’s most iconic handbags.

#7 Despite its popularity, it’s actually not the first handbag introduced by the brand. The Longchamp Xtra-Bag was its predecessor, and way before that, Longchamp started out as a business selling pipes.

#8 In 2005, Longchamp began collaborating with Jeremy Scott for a limited-edition Le Pliage collection. He remains the longest partner with the brand today.

#9 Every year, Jeremy infuses his distinctive pop culture influences and ideas into the signature Le Pliage design to give it a new look.

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (3)

#10 One of his most popular designs for the brand features a postcard from Hollywood signed “Wish you were here”, created for the 10th anniversary of their partnership.

Related: Jeremy Scott’s newest print for Longchamp brings us back to the fifties

#11 The Le Pliage bag has garnered many loyal fans over the years, including Kate Middleton, Mary Berry, Miley Cyrus, Katie Holmes, Amy Adams and Alexa Chung.

#12 It is sold in more than 1,000 stores worldwide, with the largest market being in its birth country, France.

#13 In 2012, Mary Katrantzou created exclusive prints for her take on the Le Pliage, including elements referencing Vietnamese temple architecture and Thomas Heatherwick’s design for their Soho store, as well as orchids and lanterns.

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (4)

#14 That same year, Longchamp also introduced the first Le Pliage handbag in full leather – enter the Le Pliage Cuir collection.

#15 Then in 2014, Longchamp unveiled the Le Pliage Heritage collection in conjunction with the bag’s 20th anniversary. The line features low-key tweaks to the original, including a slightly curved trompe-l’oeil flap and handles.

#16 As modest as the design appears to be, it actually takes four hours to assemble the various leather pieces that make up a single Le Pliage Heritage bag.

#17 Another Le Pliage capsule collection was created together with artist Sarah Morris for Longchamp’s 20th anniversary, featuring her abstract artwork in vibrant colours.

#18 Thanks to the brand’s many collaborations, the classic Le Pliage tote has been reimagined in over 150 different colours and prints.

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (5)

#19 You can now also personalise your own Le Pliage bag from the model to the colour, flap and handles, snap closure, shoulder strap and lining colour.

#20 Though more commonly carried by women, the brand claims that the Le Pliage is meant to be unisex.

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (6)

#21 Today, the full Le Pliage family includes tote bags, backpacks, travel bags, crossbody bags and document holders.

#22 Longchamp has sold more than 32 million Le Pliage bags in over 1,800 stores to date.

#23 Ten Le Pliage bags are sold every minute worldwide.

#24 For its 25th anniversary, Longchamp is giving the line a casual, college-themed update, under the name Le Pliage Club.

#25 The new Le Pliage Club design features the same signature nylon canvas with a flap and handles in Russian leather, but with a subtle interplay of colours. The embroidered Longchamp horse, the snap closure and the dyed edges now come in four clashing colourways: yellow on gunmetal gray, red on navy blue, orange on khaki and navy on garnet.

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (7)

For more information or to purchase the new Le Pliage Club collection, log on to Longchamp’s website here.

Images: Courtesy of Longchamp

25 facts about the Longchamp Le Pliage bag that makes it so iconic today (2024)

FAQs

Why is Longchamp bag so popular? ›

Yes, the Longchamp Tote Bag is popular because of its lightweight foldable design, how easy it is to clean, it's easy to style, affordable price point, and free bag repair if needed. On average, Longchamp sell more than 1 Million Le Pliage Tote bags every year.

Why was Le Pliage so successful? ›

Designed as a functional bag, Le Pliage adopted one of the most practical and unusual materials, nylon which is durable, sturdy, light as well as cheap. The other remarkable point is its classic design.

Which Longchamp bag is most popular? ›

The famous Le Pliage bag was designed by Longchamp's CEO Philippe Cassegrain (son of the founder) in 1993. Pliage means 'folding' in French, a reference to how easily the bag's nylon material can be folded up when not in use. The Pliage bag remains the most popular bag the Longchamp brand sells today.

What is Longchamp known for? ›

Longchamp is a French leather goods company, founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain. The company pioneered luxury leather-covered pipes before expanding into small leather goods. Longchamp debuted women's handbags in 1971, becoming one of France's leading leather goods makers.

What are some fun facts about Longchamp? ›

The Brand was Supposed to be Called Cassegrain

But unfortunately this name was already trademarked in France, so the family had to come up with other ideas. Longchamp is the name of the racetrack in the Bois de Boulogne, the biggest green-space in Paris, and it served as in inspiration for the naming of the brand.

Where does Longchamp rank? ›

In the Fashion market in France, longchamp.com is ranked #146 with > US$10m in 2022.

When were Longchamp bags popular? ›

Named after the French verb meaning "to fold" and inspired by the Japanese art of origami, Longchamp's Le Pliage was an instant hit when it was created in 1993, and has since become the brand's bestselling bag worldwide.

Are Longchamp bags still popular? ›

While many older Longchamp fans never abandoned their Le Pliage tote, many Gen Z consumers are just discovering the brand for the first time thanks to its popularity on TikTok.

Can Longchamp Le Pliage get wet? ›

Although some Longchamp bags can be washed in the washing machine (always check the label!) this doesn't mean they are entirely waterproof. Nylon bags are more resistant to water than leather ones but keeping them out of the heavy rain is recommendable to protect the fabric and shape of the bag.

Is Longchamp Le Pliage classy? ›

Yes, the Longchamp Le Pliage is worth it. It's a luxury handbag for a super affordable price and it's a really easy to carry bag which is smart enough for work, practical enough for your groceries and fashionable enough to wear for a lunch date. It's go anywhere, with anywhere and feel good in it kind of bag.

What is the best color for Longchamp Le Pliage? ›

The cognac would go with everything, navy, green, , pink - I think black only really looks good with black, grey or white, it's a bit limiting. But it's really up to you!!

Can you use a Longchamp bag as a beach bag? ›

Longchamp- A very practical bag, good for traveling, at work, shopping, pool/ beach bag, mommy bag, and basically for … | Fashion, Pinterest fashion, Casual fashion.

What is the value proposition of Longchamp? ›

Longchamp's value proposition centers around quality, fine leather craftsmanship, French heritage, functionality, design and fair prices for the product. This is a strong value proposition in encapsulating the needs of several segments.

What type of leather does Longchamp use? ›

The leathers Longchamp uses to manufacture its products exclusively come from animals, both ovine and bovine, primarily intended for food consumption.

What is the mission statement of Longchamp? ›

What is Longchamp Mission Statement? Longchamp's mission statement is "To be an international brand that remains true to its identity."

What celebrities are using Longchamp? ›

The brand offers a variety of other appealing bags, and in past years it has touted Coco Rocha, Alexa Chung, and Kendall Jenner as the face of Longchamp. Additionally, the brand has released collaborations with the likes of Jeremy Scott and Kate Moss.

What are Longchamp Le Pliage bags made of? ›

LE PLIAGE

Available in 4 colours, Ocean Blue, Forest Green, Terracotta Red and Snow White, the body of the bag is made from recycled polyamide, commonly known as nylon.

What is the logo of Longchamp? ›

The emblematic horse logo is a symbol of the company's inception. There is a famous horse race track in Paris called Longchamp or "long field." Just next door was an old mill that Monsieur Cassegrain - which means "miller" in French - used to pass in front of every day.

Are there fake Longchamp? ›

The real one is extremely detailed, and on the fake the bodies of the jockey and the horse blend together. Longchamp currently use YKK zippers, and you can see the letters on the zipper above. Fake bag leather looks hairy and the edges jagged. Real one is also raw but is smooth.

Who are Longchamp direct competitors? ›

longchamp.com's top 5 competitors in April 2023 are: gucci.com, hermes.com, prada.com, coach.com, and more.
  • DigitalRank API.
  • Top Browsers.
  • Top Search Engines.
  • Mobile vs. Desktop.

Where is original Longchamp made? ›

Now here are more comprehensive descriptions and detailed observations on authentic Longchamp Le Pliages. The Large Le Pliage is MADE IN FRANCE.

What is the Longchamp style bag called? ›

Le Pliage is one of the most worn bags in the world. Inspired by origami, such success would not be possible without Longchamp's excellent leather expertise nor the ingenuity that is sewn into each of the line's designs.

Why is Longchamp bag so expensive? ›

Being the most expensive collection offered by Longchamp, it's not surprising that all Roseau bags are made from only the finest material. The material used is calfskin leather, known for its durability and softness, and every Roseau Handbag M is lined with just-as-durable split velvet cowhide.

Can you wash Longchamp pliage? ›

- Use a soft clean cloth dampened with fresh water, then carefully rinse the canvas with warm water right away. - Use a soft cloth to blot the bag and leave it to dry with the handles down. - Protect your bag from prolonged exposure to strong light, intense heat and humidity.

Do French people wear Longchamp? ›

Longchamp is an iconic Parisian brand and no list of Parisian fashion brands would be complete without it! Whilst it is very popular abroad and with tourists in the city, a Longchamp bag is also a staple in many Parisian women's wardrobe.

What material is Le Pliage? ›

LE PLIAGE

Available in 4 colours, Ocean Blue, Forest Green, Terracotta Red and Snow White, the body of the bag is made from recycled polyamide, commonly known as nylon.

Is Le Pliage durable? ›

I find it super durable because it's like nylon material, much more durable than leather, and also you don't have to be as careful … It is a really good one to start off with if you are looking at buying designer or luxury handbags …

Does the Longchamp Le Pliage hold a laptop? ›

The large Le Pliage is the best all around size, especially if you're looking for a lightweight work bag or packable travel tote. The large tote bag can fit a laptop, chargers, water bottle, notebooks, and anything else you may need for school, work, or travel.

Is Le Pliage Green waterproof? ›

And at the height of this antithesis is its durability with quality and design that's made to last. Even with sustainable alternatives bracing the Le Pliage Green, the bag still shares the same properties (waterproof, washable, foldable), precision in craft, and the same look and feel as the original.

Is Longchamp animal friendly? ›

Longchamp doesn't use exotic animal skin or fur. But it uses animal hair and angora, as well as leather, wool, silk, and down feathers to manufacture many of its products. These animal-derived materials are cruel and unethical.

How do you store Longchamp Le Pliage? ›

To prolong the lifespan, It's important to keep your bag out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. If not in use, always store your bag in the provided dust bag. Remember to use a soft cloth when you want to clean your bags from dust and dirt.

Can I dry my Longchamp bag? ›

Let the bag air dry.

After you remove the bag from the washing machine, hang it from its straps on a clothes hanger and let it air dry for four to five hours, or until it is completely dry. To speed up the drying process, you could toss the bag into a drying machine and run the dryer on its lowest heat setting.

Is Longchamp a US brand? ›

Longchamp, a luxury French brand.

Where is the brand Longchamp from? ›

February 1st, 1948: Jean Cassegrain creates Longchamp and lays the foundation for a French leather goods adventure. Located in the heart of Paris, the House is ideally placed: "It was situated at boulevard Poissonnière, in the second arrondissem*nt.

What is a valuable proposition? ›

What is a value proposition? A value proposition is a simple statement that summarizes why a customer would choose your product or service. It communicates the clearest benefit that customers receive by giving you their business.

Do Longchamp bags have serial numbers? ›

Longchamp bags: the format varies depending on age and style and can feature a style reference number and/or a serial number on newer models, however older models will not have these numbers. .

Where are Le Pliage bags made? ›

I purchased two Longchamp le pliage bags at Galleries Layfette, one as a gift and one for myself. After further reading on this forum, I discovered that some of the bags are made in China while others are made in France. Following this, I checked out my recent purchases and one of the two bags was indeed made in China.

Who is the brand ambassador of Longchamp? ›

“We are delighted to welcome Kim Se-jeong to the Longchamp family,” comments Sophie Delafontaine. “Not only is she an exceptionally talented performer, but her joy and energy make her great to be around. As for modelling, she was a complete natural – genuinely at ease in front of the camera and amazingly photogenic.”

What is the revenue of Longchamp? ›

Longchamp has 160 employees, and the revenue per employee ratio is $349,172. Longchamp peak revenue was $55.9M in 2022.

Is Longchamp still in style 2023? ›

The Longchamp Renaissance Is Here, So Prepare To See Le Pliage Everywhere. It's the best revival of 2023.

Why is Longchamp cheap? ›

Reduced shipping costs: Longchamp is a French brand, so the cost of shipping bags to stores in France is lower than shipping them to other countries. These cost savings are passed on to customers in the form of lower prices.

Can Longchamp bags get wet? ›

Although some Longchamp bags can be washed in the washing machine (always check the label!) this doesn't mean they are entirely waterproof. Nylon bags are more resistant to water than leather ones but keeping them out of the heavy rain is recommendable to protect the fabric and shape of the bag.

What material is Longchamp Le Pliage made of? ›

LE PLIAGE

Available in 4 colours, Ocean Blue, Forest Green, Terracotta Red and Snow White, the body of the bag is made from recycled polyamide, commonly known as nylon.

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