Longchamp & D’heygere Launch Collection Dedicated to Inclusivity

1 year ago

Another exciting collab from the French-Belgian power duo

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French luxury brand Longchamp has teamed up with jewellery and accessories designer Stéphanie D’heygere to launch a capsule collection that focuses on gender neutrality and recycled materials.

Longchamp & D’heygere Launch Collection Dedicated to Inclusivity

Longchamp has once again joined forces with Belgian designer Stéphanie D’heygere to create a new collection ‘dedicated to mobility and inclusivity’. Inspired by French luxury label’s cult Le Pliage® bag, the gender neutral capsule is packed with products that are built for transformation.

Longchamp has been collaborating with D’heygere since 2019, producing creations that combine utility with playfulness. ‘When I first met Stéphanie, I was completely bowled over by her work and the whole universe she created,’ says Longchamp Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine. ‘Her designs have a real identity, but also an extremely ingenious dimension that speaks to Longchamp. After our successful debut collaboration on a poncho in 2019, we wanted to take the next step by exploring a greater range of possibilities.’

The new collection, which is comprised of two bags, an umbrella, a poncho, a rain hat and pants in various colours and prints, is centred around mobility and multi-functionality. The pants can be rolled and unrolled, the rain hat folds up when needed, the umbrella can be slung over your shoulder and the belt bag unfurls into a backpack when you need more space. The two brands wanted to create pieces that could adapt easily on the move, making them wearable for all.

Another emphasis of the collection is recycled materials, with each item created using recycled polyester and nylon. The designs are also genderless, instead focusing on ‘a very Parisian brand of laid-back chic’ underscored by a versatile colour palette of black, navy and white (and fuchsia pink).

‘I regard the gender-free aspect of the collection as a particular success: the cuts and the details are neither feminine nor masculine, and the sizes go from S to XL,’ highlights designer Stéphanie D’heygere. ‘Inclusivity and universality are very important to me, and I always try to include these values in my work. I know that, with Longchamp, we can explore this dimension further.’

Q&A with Stéphanie D’heygere and Sophie Delafontaine

How did you meet and what made you want to work together?

Sophie: I first met Stéphanie four years ago in the context of the ANDAM competition. She had won the Accessories Award, and I was completely bowled over by her work and the whole universe she created. Her designs have a real identity, but also an extremely ingenious dimension that speaks to Longchamp. After our successful debut collaboration on a poncho in 2019, we wanted to take the next step by exploring a greater range of possibilities.

Stéphanie: I have very good memories of our first collaboration! It has been a pleasure for me to develop an entire capsule collection, which includes the poncho, as well as a series of other pieces, including leather goods, for example.

The whole history of Le Pliage® is about ingenuity. How did you work together to invent new uses and to bring a versatile dimension to every product?

Stéphanie: Every product has its own backstory, but the overarching direction of the collaboration was that every piece should be practical and gender-neutral. The original Le Pliage® is an absolutely amazing bag. The twist we have given it is to allow it to be carried as a backpack or a shoulder bag. There’s also a belt bag that transforms into a backpack – the perfect accessory which took me all through summer!

Sophie: It’s true that every object has more than one function, such as the umbrella that you can sling across your body. The idea was to invent new ways of wearing clothing and accessories in order to simplify daily life. Longchamp products have always been everyday companions, and this collection makes them even more ingenious.

The LONGCHAMP x D’HEYGERE collection is intended for both men and women. Inclusivity is ever-present in your work, so what makes an accessory gender-neutral, transgenerational and/or universal?

Stéphanie: That’s something I especially enjoyed about this experience. What makes this capsule inclusive and universal is that it can be worn by anybody and everybody! I regard the gender-free aspect of the collection as a particular success: the cuts and the details are neither feminine nor masculine, and the sizes go from S to XL. Sophie, the collection uses the same recycled nylon from which Le Pliage® bags are now made.

Can you tell us a bit more about Longchamp’s environmental commitment?

Sophie: Since the beginning, Longchamp’s environmental commitment has been reflected in the durability of its products, thanks to the materials we select and the expertise of our teams. Over the past two years, we have innovated by transitioning the entire Le Pliage® line to recycled canvas. Beyond the products themselves, our environmental commitment involves many other aspects of the business, such as packaging and logistics. This is a real priority for us, which of course extends to our collaboration with Stéphanie. Apart from the leather, which is always sourced from LWG-certified tanneries, all the materials used for this capsule are recycled. All the products in the collection are an invitation to get up and go.

What inspired you to design a collection around mobility?

Sophie: The starting point for this capsule was the poncho from 2019. Our aim was to go further by developing an entire collection around movement. Stéphanie took our chic, cool basics and gave them a twist, both through her use of colour and leopard print, and through the multi-functional aspect of her designs, which bring freedom and practicality to everyday, urban lifestyles.

Stéphanie: Longchamp clients are always on the go, and this inspired me to design a collection that would facilitate their dynamic lifestyles. I love the leopard print: it’s not only timeless, but it also brings a real zing, which is totally in line with the spirit of the collection.

How do you think we will move around in the future?

Stéphanie: Even now, in many cities, electric bikes and scooters are revolutionizing the way we move around. The collection responds to this new trend with practical, lightweight and water-repellent accessories, which work equally well in less urban environments.

Sophie: Our clients are defined by their fast-paced, urban lifestyles, and this collection offers them clothing and accessories designed for mobility and therefore for travel. The idea is to accompany our clients in all circumstances through useful, durable products. The large travel bag, for example, can be carried in four different ways: in the hand, across the body, on the shoulder, or on the back. It therefore adapts to every situation and to the pace of our clients’ lives.