MANY people know Longchamp as the brand behind the wildly popular Le Pliage tote bags. This model continues to be one of the brand’s best-selling designs today. As if it’s not enough that there are new Le Pliage designs or prints just about every season, on top of the multitude of colors and prints the nylon version is available in, the Le Pliage has been reinvented several times over. It also comes in the more contemporary Neo, in leather, and in the more exotic Heritage line where you’ll see it in luxe materials and a boxier shape. Years ago, I felt like I needed a Le Pliage in every color; my preferred size is the medium long-handle, while the large long-handle is great for traveling. It turned out to be a good buy each time, as nearly every bag has seen hard use, yet somehow still looks brand new after washing. You know you’re getting a sturdy, good-looking bag of great quality when you buy a Longchamp.
Although the Le Pliage is the brand’s most definitive style, Longchamp has actually been in the leather-crafting business since post-World War II. Its product range is mostly men’s and women’s bags and accessories in leather chosen from the best tanneries in Europe and other regions and fashioned into contemporary styles.
In Cebu, Rustan’s Department Store has carried Longchamp in its shelves for ages, but it was only a couple of months ago that the brand got its own boutique within the store, the first outside of Luzon. Now, Cebuanos can appreciate a wider range of products from Longchamp, and comfortably spend more time shopping for the perfect handbag.
“Longchamp and Rustan’s share the same commitment—to deliver the highest quality goods to our customers. We are truly glad to have Longchamp open its first boutique at Rustan’s Cebu,” said Rustan Commercial Corp. president Donnie V. Tantoco, who personally welcomed guests at the boutique opening. Longchamp area retail manager for Asia Pacific Romain Chappotteau and Rustan Commercial Corp. division manager for shoes, bags and accessories Paolo Lobregat were also there to meet about 150 of Cebu’s well-dressed set. Everyone had the chance to have a little photo shoot with their Longchamp bag of choice. During the event, new styles were unveiled including the Honoré 404 Panthère and the Roseau Croco in a new shape and new colors. While shopping and admiring the bags, guests enjoyed free-flowing champagne and canapes while listening to music by DJs Jen Weigel and Divine Maitland-Smith.