We all know the iconic Longchamp folding bag. But do you know his story? Why and above all how did this practical and original idea of a canvas bag that goes from an XS size to an XL size by folding and unfolding come about? Today, the folding bag is a timeless brand that appeals to all generations, without exception. Find out more about the great history of the Longchamp folding bag as you continue reading.
@Report/Shutterstock
Before being a bag sold and recognized worldwide, the folding bag was a concept. It was in 1993 that the son of the founder and current president of Longchamp had a rather original idea. He asked the workers specializing in small leather goods to assemble a foldable and practical nylon canvas handbag, with two leather handles and a flap. He simply wanted to test whether this concept would appeal to women of the time.
And for good reason, in 1993 the fashion was not for mini-bags, on the contrary! Whether in luggage or leather goods, the models offered were heavy and rigid. Nothing to do with this innovation which is light and practical .
Its unique design based on leather and nylon is inspired by Japanese origami. Indeed, once folded, the handbag is quite small, but thanks to its ingenious cutout and its sewing system, the folding bag takes on volume once opened.
And so the first foldable bag was born. It is possible to take it everywhere, to use it as a sports bag, to slip it into the suitcase, etc. In summary, it is the most practical handbag of its generation.
In order to release this new model with great fanfare, the creator of the folding bag has declined it in 8 colors to appeal to all women . Just like its trapeze-shaped cut and leather handles that immediately won over the public.
@Sorbis / Shutterstock.com
Since 1993, the Longchamp folding bag has sold no less than 30 million copies worldwide ! To give you an idea, this model represents nearly 50% of the brand's turnover. It is very popular in France (obviously), but also in Asia, and particularly in Japan and China.
In order to satisfy its new customers, the brand has chosen to offer the folding bag in six different versions and every semester, in order to satisfy everyone's tastes:acid colors, whimsical patterns, etc. It is also possible to purchase a 100% leather model.
Today, the Longchamp bag in its folding version is a true collector's item . Moreover, the designer Jeremy Scott presents a personal version of the bag every year since 2006. However, he is not the only one to create a unique bag, because recently, it is possible to customize his folding bag directly on the Internet. Enough to create a custom model in just a few clicks.
@Serato/Shutterstock
Longchamp leather goods are widely recognized around the world. However, do you really know his story? Since its inception in the 1950s? No ? In this case, read the following lines carefully to find out all about your favorite leather goods maker.
In 1948, Jean Cassegrain (founder of Longchamp) ran a tobacco shop in Paris. There were high-end tobacco pipes decorated with leather, which were very popular with Japanese and American soldiers. In a short time, these pipes of a new kind literally seduced the public and business was booming. So well, that he opened a boutique in Orly, following a boutique in Japan, in Tokyo, in the 1970s.
In addition to manufacturing pipes, the entrepreneur doubled his activity by offering his customers small leather goods:cigarette cases, pouches, toilet bags, wallets, etc. Then gradually, the company left smoking accessories aside to focus on full-time leather goods.
Today, the Longchamp adventure continues and rubs shoulders with the big names in French leather goods. From the 2000s, the brand departed slightly from its classic side, to taste a more rock style by making Kate Moss the face of the brand , followed by Alexa Chung and Kendall Jenner.
