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Vogue Singapore
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
The Longchamp X Constantin collab presents a new house emblem
For decades, the family-owned house of Longchamp has been the epitome of quiet luxury—a brand that has not just embraced the term but defined it long before it became a fashion buzzword. What began as a humble family business crafting leather-covered pipes has now evolved into a powerhouse of French craftsmanship. Since its inception in 1948, the maison has consistently championed artisanal excellence, with the hand—both of the artisan and the designer remaining central to its one-of-a-kind story and heritage. This commitment to true craftsmanship carries through to each new range, including the house's latest fall 2025 collection, curated in a poetic collaboration with Parisian artist and ceramist Constantin Riant. Courtesy of Longchamp Known for his work rooted in graphic simplicity and manual gestures across illustrations, paintings, and ceramics, Riant draws inspiration from the 'Paris' of local artisans—the upholsterer shops and booksellers that line neighbourhood streets to the luthier and the picture framers. This collection is an ode to the ones that keep the city's creative heart beating. One that feels like a quiet walk through the very soul of Paris—unlike the polished, postcard-perfect version, but the layered, lived-in city one, where art is tucked into every nook and cranny, and there is a certain beauty in the ordinary. The collection comprises of six exclusive pieces, each rendered in a classic palette of cobalt blue and white—a nod to Riant's ceramic roots and the utilitarian charm of traditional workwear. A standout is the 'Les Artisans de Paris' silk scarf, adorned with Riant's hand-drawn illustrations of local shopfronts—from booksellers to florists—each a love letter to the hidden artistic corners of the city. The collection features an array of sturdy cotton jackets and painter-style overalls, graphic T-shirts, and an updated version of the iconic Le Pliage tote bag. And if you look closer, you'll spot the maison's new emblem designed by Riant—a visual story blending symbols of Longchamp's legacy and dedication to craft, from leatherworking tools and the first leather-covered pipes to ships and planes. This emblem appears throughout the collection as a modern seal of craftsmanship and creativity. In an interview with Vogue Singapore , Riant and Longchamp's general manager and creative director Sophie Delafontaine open up about their creative process, shared appreciation for craftsmanship and the making of the fall 2025 collection. Courtesy of Longchamp How did you encounter Constantin's work? What is it about his vision that made him the perfect collaborator for this collection? Sophie Delafontaine: I've known Constantin for several years and have followed his work since the beginning. Our shared passion for craftsmanship and artistry field made this collaboration a natural fit, as our two worlds align perfectly. I wanted to illustrate the beauty of artisans through the eye of a native artist who could capture the city atmosphere and its artisanal heritage. Constantin imagined a poetic universe while celebrating those who bring the capital to life. How does this collaboration reflect Maison's commitment to supporting emerging artists, while also honoring the dynamism of cultural creativity beyond fashion? SD: Maison Longchamp always had a close relationship with art. Supporting emerging artists is a continuation of that bond, allowing us to maintain a kind of freshness in creativity. Our aim is to act as a springboard for these up-and-coming artists—a catalyst for their visibility—helping their talent and work reach the broadest possible audience. Each new collaboration is both a discovery and a challenge—entering the artist's world, understanding their aspirations, and transforming it all into a Longchamp product that is both aspirational and respectful of our heritage and DNA. For this collection, Constantin Riant—as Parisian, young artist and a highly creative spirit—embodied many values reflecting Longchamp's spirit. Courtesy of Longchamp Let's talk about the emblem—given that it's such a crucial part of the house. What were the guidelines given to Riant with the new design? SD: Constantin did a great work translating Longchamp's codes into a single emblem—from the first leather-covered pipes to the iconic 'Le Pliage' bag, leatherworker's tools as well as a plane and a boat symbolising the brand's international expansion. The idea was to use these symbols to express the connection between past and present in a very visual way—with placed on pieces inspired by artisans' workwear wardrobe such as a painter vest. This emblem truly finds its meaning and brings a more authentic twist to the collection. The scarf is described as the 'star piece' of the collection. Why did you decide to spotlight such a classic accessory, and what does it symbolise? SD: The collaboration is meant as a complete set of six exclusive pieces (bags and ready-to-wear) all reflecting Constantin's universe with his very distinctive blue and white colour palette. The scarf 'Les Artisans de Paris' holds great meaning as it embodies the quintessential Parisian 'flâneur' spirit. It pays tribute to the artisans and their charming shopfronts found throughout the city—an upholsterer, a bookseller, a florist, among others. I love the idea of taking time to explore the city and neighbourhood, and rediscovering the details that make Paris such a unique and inspiring destination. Courtesy of Longchamp Constantin, you've have described this project as exploring Paris like a tourist. What parts of the city inspired you the most during this creative journey? Constantin Riant : I'm often most inspired by the hidden or secluded corners of the city, though I also love the historical centre of Paris like all Parisians. What makes Paris truly remarkable is that each neighbourhood has its own distinct identity, aesthetic, and community. It's this diversity that gives the city its unique charm and richness. Walking along the river Seine banks, whatever the weather is one of my favourites. Courtesy of Longchamp The colours cobalt and white have become your signature as an artist. What do they symbolise to you? CR: Cobalt blue and white are closely tied to my ceramic practice. When I first began working with ceramics, I wanted to use a recognisable colour palette that echoed the tradition of ceramic arts, from Chinese and Japanese vases to Portuguese azulejos and classic French tableware. I found inspiration from traditional slip glazes such as Delft blue and the Bleu de Sèvres, as well as the bright white of porcelain and faience. These tones have since become an integral part of my artistic identity. Longchamp is known for heritage and craftsmanship. How did reimagining the Le Pliage bag for this collection allow you to merge tradition with innovation? CR: I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to create a new version of the Le Pliage bag by preserving its iconic shape and silhouette, while infusing it with my colour codes, illustrations, and aesthetic. This fusion allowed us a balance between tradition and creative innovation, that resonates with my work. Courtesy of Longchamp You've designed a new logo for the maison. Can you share the story and inspiration behind its design? CR: I loved looking into Longchamp's archives, savoir-faire and craftsmanship to identify key visual elements that would reflect the brand's rich heritage. From there, I created a design that pays tribute to that legacy, reinterpreted with my visual language. Fashion and art have a symbiotic relationship. What kind of dialogue did you and Longchamp aim to create between these two overarching disciplines? CR: I believe that artists offer fashion a fresh perspective, a unique vision and universe to explore. Fashion allows artists to work within new formats and constraints, pushing their creativity in different directions. I think these two disciplines constantly inspire one another and often serve as powerful indicators of future trends and creative movements. It was an incredible opportunity to work on fashion pieces that reflect my own vision, pieces that not only embody my artistic language but also exist within a wearable, living format. Longchamp X Constantin fall 2025 capsule collection is now available in stores.
Elle
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Longchamp Renaissance Is in Full Swing
Everyone remembers their first Longchamp bag—that is, if you were lucky enough to cop one. The French leather goods brand, particularly its iconic Le Pliage line, became ubiquitous in the 2000s thanks to a mix of factors: a relatively accessible price point (especially pre-euro), classic design, and unmatched versatility. Beloved by students, celebrities, and fashion lovers alike, the accessories earned cult status for their durability, practicality, and undeniable cool—a certain je ne sais quoi , if you will . Here, artistic director Sophie Delafontaine, events lead Juliette Poupard, and CEO Jean Cassegrain discuss the family legacy that has made Longchamp more relevant than ever. On reimagining the brand for a new era Mathieu Richer Mamousse Sophie Delafontaine: Every collab affords us the opportunity to mix the DNA of the brand and part of history with the know-how of the people we are partnering with. From Parisian architecture, to artisanal craftsmanship, to the story of our grandparents opening a tobacco shop and hand-covering pipes in leather, our heritage offers a ton of inspiration to draw from. On the ideal day in Paris Mathieu Richer Mamousse Juliette Poupard: The day starts at the bakery—maybe something quick on the go, like a pain au chocolat, before heading to the office. Then it's straight into meetings with the various markets. We always try to have lunch together at Café Longchamp, right at our headquarters. It's special, because the whole team comes together—my uncle, my mom, my cousins. Everyone's there, and it really brings the office to life. Then I hop on my bike and race home just in time for a goodnight kiss with my baby. Mathieu Richer Mamousse Jean Cassegrain: We hardly go out anymore because we have the café right here. We even have a gym—we live like a cult. [ Laughs ] On the biggest challenges Longchamp has overcome Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: Our everyday challenge is to continually reinvent the brand—keeping it current, while staying true to our core values. We constantly ask ourselves: What is a contemporary interpretation of our values? The history is so rich that it can be reinterpreted over and over again with a slightly different angle and a different touch. On the enduring popularity of the Le Pliage bag Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: It's impossible to explain, but it's a bag that truly transcends generations—it's super universal and loved all around the world. It's very iconic, very... Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: Recognizable. Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: It has a strong character, but in a very effortless way. That's what makes it truly unique and timeless. Creating something like that isn't easy. Marc Piasecki // Getty Images Alexa Chung carries a Longchamp Le Pliage bag in 2011. Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: We didn't do anything special—it's not a phenomenon that we manufactured. In fact, I think if you wanted to manufacture it, that would be difficult. A lot of people have adopted it because of its uniqueness and its simplicity. Mathieu Richer Mamousse JP: It's very functional. Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: So efficient, but with a strong identity. Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: Which is the most difficult thing to design. On where they find creative inspiration Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: From the very beginning, our grandmother was really involved. She loved discovering new artists—art has always been a big source of inspiration for us. We attend fairs, meet artists, and seek out new talent. We love blending art with our own universe. Art is everywhere: in our office, in our boutique, and in everything we do. I meet with Jean nearly every two weeks to discuss the collection. We ping-pong ideas off each other and really collaborate, refining our vision. Courtesy of Longchamp A model holds a Le Roseau M Hobo bag. On joining the family business Mathieu Richer Mamousse JP: We've been in the office since we were born. I spent most of my afternoons after school at my grandmother's office, playing in the storage rooms, always involved in everything happening around us. I also spent many hours in my grandfather's office, where he'd show me his new designs and explain them to me. Now, when Sophie is working on her creations, she doesn't always ask for my opinion, but I always offer it. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. [ Laughs ] When it came time to join [Longchamp], I wanted to feel prepared and ready to contribute. It was a huge decision—perhaps the biggest I've ever made—but when the right opportunity came along, I knew it was the right time to step in. And it was the best decision I ever made. Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: With the new generation—Juliette and her cousin—it's invaluable to have their point of view on where Longchamp should go. Their input is crucial for the brand's future. On their favorite collaborations Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: Tracy Emin in 2004 was a turning point for us. It was the first time we were so deeply involved in the creation of a product imagined by an artist. It felt like a revolution in our workshop, because we had to understand and refine every detail of her vision. Then, with Thomas Heatherwick, our first collaboration was to design a bag that could zip and extend—a highly technical project, more about engineering than fashion, almost leaning into architecture. It was such a success that we later asked him to design our Soho store. Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: It's probably the most spectacular [store] in the city. He also designed the Vessel and Little Island. Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: When you enter Longchamp, you're in for a unique experience, where every corner reveals a new artist. It's a way of integrating art not just into our products, but into every detail of the brand. Mathieu Richer Mamousse JP: We have artwork on every floor of the office, which sparks our curiosity. ADRIAN WILSON The rooftop of Longchamp's newly renovated flagship store in New York City. On the impact of social media Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: The phone has significantly changed customer needs. Ten years ago, people wanted wallets that could hold 20 different credit cards. Now, everything is stored in your phone. As a result, the size of bags has shrunk. Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: When I started, every active woman needed a large bag to fit things like a big calendar. Today, that's no longer the case—functionality has evolved. Now, larger bags are making a comeback. We adapt! On what they find most fulfilling in their work Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: It's incredibly rewarding to build the brand together and see new people around the world discover it. We're especially proud when we introduce it to a new market and help it gain recognition. Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: What's really special about being a family business is the creative freedom it gives us. We can follow our instincts and do things with heart, exactly the way we believe in. For me, having had the opportunity to work with our parents over many years was a real gift. Now, working alongside my brother—and seeing Juliette and my nephew already involved—I truly feel that sense of transmission. It means a lot to me and gives me strength every day, knowing the next generation is here and ready to carry things even further. Mathieu Richer Mamousse JP: There are many little things every day that make me happy. When I first joined, I was really proud to see how the relationships we have at work are exactly the same as outside—genuine, warm, and grounded in shared values. That gave me a real sense of safety and well-being. I still remember my first event—seeing people walk in with smiles, and even a queue outside—it was such a special moment. It made everything feel real. Mathieu Richer Mamousse SD: What's truly important is preserving the quality and spirit of the brand. The product should speak for itself—elegant, well-made, and authentic, with that subtle something that sets it apart. That's what I constantly strive to maintain. Mathieu Richer Mamousse JC: We want to be known as a brand that creates products made to last—pieces you'll cherish for years and eventually pass down to your child. These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
