Rock ’n’ roll
Longchamp is inspired by travel and transatlantic cities in its latest collection, writes Meera Murugesan
A leopard print belt adds just the right touch to this edgy jumpsuit. Mixing of patters and prints gives each piece a sense of individuality.
AVOYAGE of self-discovery and independence is at the core of Longchamp’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection. For her second show at New York Fashion Week, creative director Sophie Delafontaine captures the freespirited energy of travellers, women who rove the globe with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude and a wardrobe to match.
Particular focus is placed on the distance between Paris and New York, which is visualised with a runway inspired by André Putman and the carpet she designed for the Concorde and a 40-look collection combines the distinct auras of these transatlantic cities.
The Parisian woman’s effortless femininity is realised in billowy silk dresses and pleated skirts in embroidered tulle or wool gauze. They are juxtaposed with crisp black leather tops and architectural coats that are made from graphic or Apaloosa prints indicative of New York’s urbanity.
STAND OUT
Even the details, like grosgrain ribbons with vivid silver studs, are a seamless blend of elegance and a rock edge.
This melding of contrasts and mixing and matching of textures, silhouettes and patterns gives each look a sense of individuality and dynamism.
These attributes culminate in pieces that feature LGP, the new logo for the over 70-yearold Longchamp. Inspired by Bauhaus artists and New York’s maze-like grid plan, LGP is dispersed throughout the line, giving an assortment of jackets and separates a greater sense of big-city cool.
It is especially prominent on the brand’s new handbag collection, La Voyageuse. Modelled after portable vanity cases, La Voyageuse compact silhouette imbues a ladylike charm and, as the name suggests, serves as a perfect companion for travelling.
It also comes in a large size for long distances and a foldable version ideal for those constantly on the go.
They stand harmoniously alongside the brand’s iconic Le Pliage, which is scaled to a miniature for the first time. All the bags come in a variety of colours and feature an array of fabrics- from crocodile printed leather and leopard-printed calf hair to smooth leather embossed with the LGP logo — pieced together in both elegant and exciting ways.
This energy is also evident in shoe that walk the line between graphic and feminine. Patchwork and vibrant python-printed leather are cast on platform boots in thigh-high and ankle lengths.
There are also black biker boots that add edge to flirty, psychedelic dresses and skirts. The qualities in the collection speak to wanderlust, to strong women with enthusiasm whot fearlessly combine styles to create a look all their own.
Go crazy by mixing prints and patterns with graphic boots; Pleated dresses with billowy skirts capture the effortless charm of the Parisian woman; A romantic yet edgy look for the woman who wants to stand out.