The Longchamp x Toiletpaper collaboration will put a smile on your face
Making mischief — in a good way.
Created by Philippe Cassegrain in 1993 after he returned from his trip to Japan, the Le Pliage (“to fold” in French) was inspired by the art of origami, and it instantly became a hit for its lightweight foldable design. Fast forward to today, the bag is the brand’s best-selling item, with many different iterations launched over the decades.
To celebrate its well-loved icon, Longchamp is collaborating with mischievous arts publication Toiletpaper — created and produced by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari — on a capsule of Le Pliage totes that will warrant a double take. “We try to invent, to make life not boring,” says Cattelan, artist and co-founder. Ferrari, photographer and co-founder, adds, “We try to use the codes of the contemporary moment, which helps us to surprise people. We want to help them see what is surrounding them from a different perspective. For this collaboration with Longchamp, we wanted to play with the codes of French icons and the Maison so that they become alive again. Each image can be seen from multiple different points of view — there isn’t just one message.”
Comprising five playful designs in a bright and vivid colour palette (that includes candy pink, sky blue and sunshine yellow), the line-up highlights the Gallic icons — the baguette, the French bulldog, the leather pipe and Longchamp’s signature sprinting horse logo — that is updated with the creative duo’s original images. The result? A fun and playful collection that combines art, fashion and pop-culture references with a dose of humour.
The original images can be found emblazoned on the recycled polyester canvas Le Pliage travel bag, handbag, tote bag and pouch, so regardless of the occasion, you’ll be able to tote along a fun piece with you. Accessories including cowhide leather keychains and a branded silk ribbon complete the capsule.
The Longchamp x Toiletpaper collection will be available in-stores and online from July 18.
