These Are Summer 2019's It Bags

It may come as something of a surprise to a number of Filipinas that the French luxury leather goods brand Longchamp is more than just a one-trick pony. After all, whether as a victim of their own success, or because of the practically iconic status of their Le Pliage foldable tote bag, the moment one mentions the brand Longchamp, one immediately visualizes the countless permutations, colors, and collaborations that revolve around the Le Pliage. 

Founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain, Longchamp remains a family-owned business, with direct descendant Philippe Cassegrain now running the show. And it was back in 1993 that Le Pliage, the trapezoidal tote that’s foldable and evokes an envelope, was created. With leather handles and a nylon body, the handbag was an immediate hit, as it was light yet practical and functional, and was truly easy to fold and store away. It was a perfect traveling companion; the daytime bag one could store away when not in use, and fall back on when needed. 

Sophie Delafontaine is the current Artistic Director at Longchamp and in keeping with the family tradition, she is a granddaughter of Jean Cassegrain. I’ve chosen some six images of their 2019 Spring/Summer collection, and I’m hoping she’ll be happy, as they demonstrate the vivacity, color, and freshness of design that permeates through this collection. Sure, the Le Pliage is still available and it’s one of their perennial sellers; but it’s nice to know how new shapes, models, and textures are utilized to give diversity to the brand. 

There’s a white bag with a colorful, dominant lime green, beaded strap, and it’s such an eye-catching model. There are body bags and pillbox bags that play with color and material. Animal prints, and vibrantly colored suede; being just some the ways that this traditional pillbox shape comes to new life. There’s a black mock-Croc model called Amazone Rock, with smart fringes and a woven, multi-colored cloth strap. This is in fact a recurring theme with the Spring Summer Collection - how it’s playful, infused with color and downright whimsical. 

While the Amazone is brought back via subtle variations, the new shape this year is the L’Instinct - it looks business-like in shape, and yet slyly evokes fun with the fixed round corner handle. Whether as a pouch or in its variants, the L’Instinct should prove to be a big hit this season.

READ: We're Channeling These '70s Style Icons For Summer 2019