The Classic Bag You Loved In 2007 Is Making A Comeback, And It’s A French-Girl Favourite

As the fashion world enters its quiet luxury era, it probably won't come as a surprise that one of the brands making a return is Longchamp. Ever since Sofia Richie got married in a lavish ceremony in the South of France last year, all we've spoken about since is the old money aesthetic, and the French handbag brand is synonymous with just that.

Unlike some designer bags that come emblazoned with motifs and logos, the appeal of the Longchamp has always been its minimalism. The Le Pliage line which launched back in 1993 emerged as a global icon, with a long list of celeb fans including Alexa Chung and Kate Middleton, who was spotted wearing the classic bag during her graduation from St Andrews in 2005, and in countless royal visits since.

Longchamp's infamous foldable nylon Le Pliage has recently made its return, particularly amongst Gen Z who have hailed it the 'it' bag on TikTok, but there are countless other styles that have proved popular, too. One of the most successful collaborations was between Longchamp and American artist Robert Indiana which saw the classic Longchamp styles, such as the Le Pliage Pouch and Original bag, decorated with evocative LOVE artwork in green, red and blue (or all three) which - as you would expect - was a total hit with influencers.

Although the collab is now sold out, there are plenty of other Longchamp styles to get your hands on. Whether you prefer a practical Le Pliage that will take you from the office to after-work drinks or you're a sucker for a Filet L Mesh moment for Euro summer, there's a Longchamp style for everyone.

Shop: The most in-demand Longchamp bags

Longchamp Le Pliage

The Le Pliage which first took form back in 1993 is effortlessly chic, endlessly versatile and loved by everyone, from bustling city commuters to glamorous jet-setters alike. Inspired by the art of origami, this foldable bag can transform from a compact clutch into a spacious tote. With its classic silhouette and a whole host of colours, the Le Pliage is a stylish paradox: simultaneously simple yet sophisticated, durable but unusually lightweight.

Longchamp Épure XS

The Épure XS is a relatively new addition to the Longchamp family, and this bag is most definitely the fashion pack's answer to 'small but mighty.' This pint-sized powerhouse, with its sleek design and minimalist charm, is the ultimate accessory for the modern sophisticate who needs to carry all the essentials - where else are we going to put our Rhode lip balm?

Longchamp Le Panier Pliage Basket

With a dash of countryside allure, the Le Panier Pliage bag is crafted from canvas with rich leather accents. The tiny accessory is adorned with playful equestrian motifs that gallop across its surface, making it the perfect accessory for a summer picnic in Hyde Park, or a chic weekend getaway in the Cotswolds. Compact (yet surprisingly spacious) this bag is asking to be styled with a floaty dress and a pair of matching tan sandals - maybe the cult-classic Hermès Oran's or a designer-inspired M&S alternative.

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet L Mesh

This bag is an amalgamation of a classic Longchamp tote, and a breezy, laissez-faire aesthetic of a French market tote - et voilà, the result is the Filet L Mesh bag. This airy, netted sack is super light, and suitable for showing your latest farmer's market finds, or for lugging your beach essentials down to the sea. Plus, the tan leather trim adds a touch of sophistication, ensuring this bag is suitable for casual errands, and dinner dates too.

Longchamp Le Pliage Original Pouch

The Le Pliage Original Pouch is a tiny accessory with a large personality. Think of it as the (much) more couture version of that Mary Poppins bag, except it's smaller, sleeker and way more on-trend. Crafted from Longchamp's signature nylon, it's the perfect blend of practicality and panache. Plus, it can be slipped inside a larger tote, or worn by itself. To style the Le Pliage Pouch, you're going to need some statement gold accessories and either a linen dress or a funky waistcoat.

Longchamp Le Roseau

The Longchamp Le Roseau has a more structured silhouette compared to other collections, and features a bamboo clasp. With a long shoulder strap or a shorter handle, this bag is quintessentially Longchamp, in a more elevated fashion. Pair the ecru bucket bag with other neutral or earthy tones for a more sophisticated look, add some cat eye sunglasses and black ballet pumps, and you're good to go.

Longchamp Le Pliage M Backpack

Yet another variation of the Le Pliage style, is the backpack. The backpack's vibrant hues brings a pop of colour to your outfit, and means you'll stand out amongst a sea of commuters and their black work bags. Plus, with its comfortable straps and spacious interior you can scrap the minimalism and pack everything into this bag you want (albeit the kitchen sink might struggle).

Longchamp Daylong

With sleek lines and a more polished finish, the Daylong bag plays on the usual style of a bowling bag, except it comes with a nifty long shoulder strap too. You'll notice the bag is without any large branding or logos, so you can ace the 'quiet luxury' with ease.

Do Longchamp bags last?

Longchamp bags are renowned for their durability and timeless appeal, which is why they've never truly gone out of style the same way other handbags have - take the Prada Nylon Mini Bag as an example. From the resilient nylon of the Le Pliage collection, to the sumptuous leather of the Le Roseau line, each and every Longchamp bag is built to last, year after year and trend after trend, even if you're guilty (much like us) of overfilling your tote.

Main image credits: Instagram/@steph.hua, @ds.muse, @hannahlovey

Gemma Lavers is a Fashion Writer at Bauer Media, writing for brands like Grazia, heat and Closer. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).