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Longchamp’s super practical and stunning handbags and leather goods are a must-have in your wardrobe, but is Longchamp a luxury brand? Find out here!
French brand, Longchamp, is known for its luxurious range of handbags, leather goods, and accessories, all with a chic, minimalist design that is classically French.
The practical and functional design of Longchamp bags has made them beloved all over the world – the Le Pliage bag is a particular success because of its versatility and is subsequently one of the best-selling designer bags.
Longchamp is a very popular brand, but can we consider it a luxury brand? Some may see Longchamp as a luxury brand because of its high quality products top materials and craftsmanship. However, the price range of Longchamp bags and small leather goods is much lower than other well-established luxury brands, and so many fail to see it as a “true” luxury brand.
To reach a conclusion on this debated question, this article will take a look at the history of the brand, the quality of Longchamp, and some of the top pieces from the brand before answering the question, is Longchamp a luxury brand?
is Longchamp a luxury brand?
The history of Longchamp
The French luxury leather goods company, Longchamp, was founded by Jean Cassegrain in Paris in 1948 and has remained a family business ever since.
The brand began by producing the first luxury leather-covered pipes, that became popular worldwide (even Elvis Presley was a fan!), before expanding into small leather goods, including passport covers and wallets. However, Longchamp did not start making handbags until 1971.
Longchamp’s breakthrough came with the use of nylon to produce luggage. This was an idea from Jean’s son Philippe Cassegrain who sketched a line of nylon luggage in the 1970s, including the Xtra-Bag, which was a bag that folded down to a small size and was the predecessor of the Le Pliage bag.
Their nylon and leather luggage collection was wildly popular due to their lightweight nature, and so a few years later, nylon bags began to be produced and Longchamp became a top French handbag brand.
Longchamp has always remained in the Cassegrain family, with Jean’s son, Philippe, and daughter-in-law, Michelle, becoming the CEO and head of retail, respectively, before their children, Jean Cassegrain and Sophie Delafontaine joined the family business.
The range of premium items produced by Longchamp has expanded over the years, and this fashion brand now offers men’s and women’s bags and small leather goods, luggage, sunglasses, belts, scarves, and shoes, and has most recently entered the fashion world with a women’s ready-to-wear collection.
The Le Pliage handbags, which were first launched in 1993, remain the best-selling items from Longchamp and are now available in a wide range of styles, sizes, patterns, colors, and fabrics to suit any style. Now Longchamp has 1,500 retail outlets across 80 countries and is stocked in department stores across the United States and Europe.
The quality of Longchamp
To answer the question, is Longchamp a luxury brand, we need to consider the price range, materials, and craftsmanship of their goods.
1. price range
Longchamp offers pretty affordable prices across their entire range of handbags and leather goods. Bags are sold for between $85 and $1,185, depending on the size and fabric; small leather goods range between $44 and $460; while the accessories may be as affordable as $70, or as expensive as $405.
The ready-to-wear collection available from Longchamp is still small, as this is an addition in recent years, but the prices range between $180 and $3,350. These prices are relatively affordable and much lower than other established French luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton or Saint Laurent.
2. Materials
Since there is such an extensive range of Longchamp bags and accessories, the materials they use are pretty extensive too. Longchamp’s leather bags are made from lambskin leather, cowhide leather, calfskin leather, split velvet cowhide, or grained cowhide leather, so there are many different finishes and you are bound to find an option you love.
There are, of course, a range of nylon handbags as well as bags made from a jacquard weave, polyamide canvas, and econyl recycled polyamide canvas, all of which feature a lambskin or cowhide leather trim. All Longchamp bags are practical and durable so you know that whatever material you go for will stand the test of time.
The clothing range is smaller so the materials used are limited. The ready-to-wear clothing is made from lambskin leather, polyester, elastane, cotton, silk, and cotton.
3. Craftsmanship
In terms of craftsmanship, Longchamp prides itself on the heritage of artisan manufacturing and its French heritage so pretty much all Longchamp bags and small leather goods are made in France, while the shoes and clothing are made in France or Italy.
Longchamp has several workshops in Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Vendee, and Orne, and all personalized bags are made in the workshop in Segre, in the Maine-et-Loire region to ensure top-quality production and artisanal craftsmanship.
Best-selling Longchamp items
There are so many Longchamp bags to choose from so we have narrowed down the selection to a few best sellers and the most popular styles – so you can find the best bag to add to your own wardrobe!
1. Tote bags
Longchamp is perhaps best known for its tote bags, with the Le Pliage tote as a best seller for the brand – but there is now an extra small version available, the stunning Le Pliage Xtra Leather Top Handle Bag. This sleek and sophisticated mini tote bag is crafted from high quality black leather and fitted with leather top handles and a detachable, adjustable crossbody strap meaning you can wear this bag in a range of different ways.
The front flap and zipper allow easy access to the compact, lined interior, the perfect size for your everyday essentials, plus the bag is fitted with a zipper pocket to help you stay organized. This super cute extra small top handle bag is the perfect everyday handbag that will suit any outfit, and it’s available for just $445.
We love the polished and refined look of this Longchamp Large Le Pliage City Shoulder Tote which would make the perfect handbag for work, with a smart look and practical interior. The tote is crafted from a leather-look coated canvas material, for a durable finish, and then finished with looping leather handles to slip over your shoulder.
The zip top opens to reveal a roomy interior, which features a slip pocket for your phone, keys, and card case, so the important items are always easy to find. This chic tote is available in taupe and black, to suit any personal style.
2. backpacks
We love the practicality and gorgeous design of this Le Pliage backpack. This backpack has a similar look to the tote and uses similar materials, however, this backpack is part of the Le Pliage green range which has a focus on environmentally friendly design and fabrics. Longchamp has crafted this bag from recycled polyamide canvas, with matching tonal leather trim for that classic Longchamp look.
The front of the bag has been embroidered with the Longchamp logo, while the front flap and zipper open up to reveal a spacious interior fitted with a flat pocket to hold your most important items.
3. Crossbody bags
If you are looking for a classic, timeless everyday bag, then this Longchamp Le Foulonné Small Crossbody Bag is perfect for you. This chic design and practical style ensure it will stand the test of time and become a go-to handbag in your wardrobe.
The Le Foulonné first became a part of the Longchamp collection in 1978 and has been a key part of the collection ever since, due to the clean lines and stunning richly grained leather. The bag is simply embossed with the Longchamp brand name on the front and fitted with an adjustable crossbody strap and zipper and wall pockets inside the bag.
4. Shoulder bags
The Longchamp Box-Trot Medium Flap Leather Bag is a new addition to the French brand’s collection that has become an instant hit. This classic bag has a structured silhouette and a practical design, making it a must-have in your handbag collection.
This tan leather bag is decorated with a gold Longchamp logo on the front flap, for a glam touch, and finished with an adjustable leather strap so you can style this bag on the shoulder or across the body. The interior of the bag is lined and fitted with a zipper pocket and a slip pocket so you can keep everything perfectly organized. Pick up this stunning shoulder bag for just $720.
5. Small leather goods
Longchamp also offers a wide range of small leather goods and accessories which are just beautiful – just like this Roseau Leather Continental Wallet. This minimalist wallet is made from cowhide leather in bright cobalt blue and then embellished with a sparkling silver bamboo clasp.
The exterior features a pocket, while the snap closure opens to reveal a zip divider pocket, several slip pockets, and lots of card slots to ensure your wallet stays perfectly organized. The streamlined design, functional interior, and practical yet stunning leather exterior make this a must-have wallet. There are 5 more colors available so there is something for everyone!
Phone cases are so fashionable at the moment and we love this chic, black option from Longchamp. The Épure Phone case with leather lace is crafted from textured cowhide leather with a lined interior and embellished with gleaming gold hardware.
The front snap closure flap opens to a compact interior, the perfect size for any smartphone, and then the case is finished with a fine leather crossbody strap. This stylish phone case is also available in blue – the perfect pop of color to suit any look. Pick up this handy and practical phone case for just $160.
conclusion
Longchamp has a beautiful range of bags, leather goods, accessories, and clothing that are made to a high standard with top-quality materials, but the prices are still quite low. For this reason, we would class Longchamp as an affordable luxury brand, or entry-level luxury brand, similar to Kate Spade or Tory Burch.
If you are looking for an everyday handbag that you won’t have to baby and be extra careful with, then a Longchamp bag is the perfect option for you. Or if you are just getting started in the world of luxury fashion and have a limited budget, Longchamp is a great brand to go for.
This affordable luxury brand still produces chic and sophisticated designs, with practical interiors, all crafted from durable fabrics, just with a price tag that doesn’t break the bank.
We hope you found this article answering the question, is Longchamp a luxury brand, helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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