The Story of Longchamp in Five Pieces
Creative director Sophie Delafontaine talks Liberty through five iconic pieces that tell the story of the brand.
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The Story of Longchamp in Five Pieces
Creative director Sophie Delafontaine talks Liberty through five iconic pieces that tell the story of the brand.
Since 1948, Parisian maison Longchamp has slowly solidified its position as a definitive arbiter of classic French style. Renowned for their leather accessories and signature equestrian details, their iconic bags have adorned the arms of generations of stylish Parisians.
Today, the brand is helmed by the granddaughter of founder Jean Cassegrain: Sophie Delafontaine. As Longchamp’s creative director, she leads the brand’s continuing focus on craft, artisanal integrity and innovation.
Here, she talks Liberty through five pieces, past and present, that tell the story not just of Longchamp, but of their recent collaborator, British outerwear pioneer Gloverall. With a residency in Liberty’s East Atrium currently showcasing the two brands' savoir-faire, it’s a story of entwined heritage, artisan excellence and just a sprinkling of stardust.
DUFFLE-COAT, GLOVERALL
1.
"For the Autumn-Winter 2025 collection, I wanted to return to the story of the bamboo motif—an unmistakable button emblematic of British style, which has adorned the creations of our signature line Le Roseau for over 30 years.
Three decades later, the circle is complete. This time, the clasp—reimagined in maple wood—serves as a bridge between our two houses and makes its return on the Longchamp x Gloverall duffle coat. Working with this timeless wardrobe essential, equally embraced in both men’s and women’s fashion, was an obvious choice for me, as it has transcended eras and won over personalities as diverse as Stanley Kubrick, David Bowie, Brigitte Bardot—and even Paddington Bear!"
For this collaboration, I was committed to preserving the bamboo toggles in their original form: a detail both simple and distinctive, which gives the coat its unique character. At the same time, I added our own signature touches: a hood facing, a striped lining, and a label where the French Tricolore meets the Union Jack—all while honouring the authentic craftsmanship of Gloverall’s historic London workshops.
LE ROSEAU X GLOVERALL
"In parallel, Le Roseau tote has also been reinterpreted to embody the meeting of our two creative worlds. We kept its spacious shape—designed for both practicality and style—while crafting it in Gloverall’s soft wool material, which lends it a deep color and a warm, tactile appeal. And of course, as an unmistakable signature, the light-wood bamboo toggle (echoing the original design) makes its appearance here too, creating a striking contrast that highlights the piece.
I like to see this blend of materials as a way of bringing together French elegance and British flair. In short, a contemporary classic, equally relevant in London, Paris—or anywhere else."
2.
LA PIPE GAINEE
3.
"It all started with a leather-covered pipe in my grandparents’ tobacco shop at the end of the 1940s. That small detail turned an everyday object into something unique and desirable. Word of mouth made it a success, and that inventive spirit still guides us today, driven by the creativity of our teams and the craftsmanship of our workshops."
LE SAC PLIAGE
“In 1993, my father created a bag unlike any other, one that changed the way people thought about luggage. By combining soft, lightweight, foldable nylon with fine leather details, he managed to blend style and practicality. This bag became a true companion, standing the test of time. Seeing it today in so many variations, embraced by all generations, fills me with pride.”
4.
L’ETOLE « L'HIVER EN DOUCEUR »
5.
“The Le Roseau clasp, like a guiding thread, also appears across other pieces—whether in ready-to-wear creations, footwear such as our Le Roseau ballerina with its multiple straps, or here on a cashmere stole—shaping a complete wardrobe designed from head to toe. Its motif is so instantly recognizable that it has naturally established itself as an inseparable signature of our identity.
Here, it combines aesthetics and functionality: serving both as a fastening, delicately adjusting the scarf, and as a precious ornament, giving it the allure of a jewel at the heart of the look.”
Longchamp
Le Roseau Toile Duffle Coat Tote Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Longchamp
Extra-Small Le Pliage Xtra Shearling Pouch Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Longchamp
Large Le Roseau Top Handle Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Longchamp
Large Le Roseau Souple Tote Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Longchamp
Le Roseau Toile Fourrure Hobo Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Longchamp
Le Roseau Toile Duffle Coat Tote Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Longchamp
Extra-Small Le Roseau Sleek Bucket Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
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