Longchamp
Cassegrain family (independent) · France
Longchamp is a Paris leather goods house founded in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain and still owned and run by the Cassegrain family. It is best known for Le Pliage, the folding nylon and leather bag introduced in 1993. The house is one of the largest independent French accessories brands, with a global network of boutiques and partner points of sale.
| Founded | 1948 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jean Cassegrain |
| Owner | Cassegrain family |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Signature product | Le Pliage (1993) |
| Segment | Bags and accessories |
| Website | longchamp.com |
What is Longchamp?
Longchamp is a French maker of handbags, small leather goods, luggage, shoes and women's ready-to-wear. It is privately owned by its founding family, which describes the business as a four-generation company passing on French leatherworking know-how. Its signature product is Le Pliage, a lightweight bag that folds flat, now offered in many sizes, materials and personalised versions.
History
Jean Cassegrain founded the company in Paris in 1948, initially covering smoking pipes in leather before moving into small leather goods and luggage. His son Philippe Cassegrain led the business from 1983 and designed Le Pliage in 1993; it went on to become the house's most successful product. Philippe Cassegrain died in 2020. Wikipedia lists his son Jean Cassegrain as chief executive and Sophie Delafontaine as creative director, both members of the family.
Products and positioning
Longchamp occupies the premium segment, below the heritage luxury houses on price but with a strong craft narrative. Its main lines include:
- Le Pliage in Original, Xtra, Energy and other versions
- Leather bags such as Le Roseau and Le Smart
- Travel bags and luggage
- Shoes and a women's ready-to-wear collection
The company has offered lines made with recycled materials since 2019, including the Green District range in recycled nylon, and says it is a certified B Corp.
Business model and distribution
Longchamp operates in around 80 countries through company-owned boutiques, franchises, department store concessions, multi-brand retailers, airport stores and online sales. In 2018 Wikipedia reports about 1,500 points of sale, including roughly 300 proprietary stores. Manufacturing remains partly in France, where the company opened a production site in Pouzauges in 2018.
Why it matters
Longchamp shows how a family-owned house can scale globally on the back of one accessible icon while keeping control of production and distribution. Its mix of owned retail, franchise and wholesale makes it a reference point for independent accessories brands balancing reach and brand control.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Longchamp?
Longchamp is privately owned and managed by the Cassegrain family, which founded the company in Paris in 1948. It is not part of a luxury conglomerate.
Is Longchamp a luxury brand?
Longchamp is usually positioned as a premium or accessible luxury brand. Its prices sit below those of the major heritage luxury houses, but it emphasises French leather craftsmanship and its own workshops.