Bet you didn’t know this about Longchamp!

As the French brand enters India, we caught up with the CEO Jean Cassegrain.

ELLE: What according to you are the three must-haves from Longchamp?
Jean Cassegrain: For me, it will always be a mix of classic meets new sexy. The star product of this season is definitely the Penelope bag, made with supple leather, fine craftsmanship details and contemporary design. We call it effortless elegance, a perfect mix of timeless and casual.The iconic Le Pliage is trusted go-to bag – a foldable nylon bag that everyone needs in their closet. The Roseau was a departure in terms of style – a tote – since it was not meant to have a shoulder strap and one without any zips or closures. It was an unusual design when it was launched 20 years ago. It was a lesson in smart and sophisticated styling with its clean lines and smooth leather finish. 

ELLE: What’s a lesser-known fact about Longchamp?
JC: My family owned the business of leather-clad tobacco pipes, started by my grandfather, long before we ventured into men’s accessories like wallets, bags etc and moved on to women’s accessories in the early 1980s. Collectors buy it via vintage stores or eBay. However, leather has been our forte.

ELLE: What celebrity-favourites can we expect to find in the new store? 
JC: Le Pliage (our signature bag) is definitely a winner. The Duchess has been spotted carrying it around, apart from many other celebrities.

ELLE: Which has been your favourite collaboration so far?
JC: Longchamp is known for its artistic partnerships and the latest one is with swiss artist Felice Varini, where Longchamp is sponsoring Felice Varini’s exhibition À Ciel Ouvert in Marseilles. To mark this occasion, Felice has collaborated on 200-piece limited edition À Ciel Ouvert for Longchamp which will only be retailed at Marseilles.

ELLE: Your thoughts on India as a market
JC: Indian women seem to lean towards vibrant colours and Longchamp has a variety of hues. In the near future we may add far more bolder selection of colours inspired by India.