CELEBRATING their 70th anniversary, Longchamp chose this year to made the trip across the Atlantic for their New York Fashion Week debut. Best known for the iconic Pliage bag, Longchamp has long been considered one of France’s leading leather goods makers.
However, this move to New York is representative of the continuing evolution of the house, with the brand now highlighting its ready-to-wear and footwear lines.
The SS19 collection was presented at New York’s World Trade Center and key figures in the front row included new brand ambassador Kendall Jenner as well as Kate Moss, who was the face of Longchamp for eight years. The choice of Jenner as Longchamp’s newest ambassador is further evidence of the brand’s desire to develop a new US-centric approach and emerge as a leader in luxury fashion.
“Longchamp has always acted on intuition – something we can allow ourselves to do because we are independent – and we chose New York as we are inspired by the energy and freedom of the city,” said Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine.
As one of the few independent, family-owned businesses in luxury fashion, Longchamp is undoubtedly enthusiastic about embracing their own heritage, but this year their collection is as much about looking forward as looking back.
“We felt that this was the right time to take things to the next level and to set out our vision of the dynamic, cosmopolitan Longchamp woman,” continued Delafontaine.
Despite their forward-thinking approach, the house’s roots in classic leather crafting is still evident in the ready-to-wear fashion of their SS19 collection, which has been summed up as a combination of 1970s glamour, California spirit and Parisian elegance.
Leather tassels and gladiator boots make the brand’s heritage clear, while mini dresses and short shorts call up images of California heat, as well as the festival-chic reminiscent of Kate Moss’ own days of famed Glastonbury glam.
Bold colours and patterns suggest 1970s style, and timeless animal prints help the brand to achieve an ageless amalgamation of past and future.
by Hannah Valentine
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