For Spring-Summer 2013, Longchamp’s collection is inspired by architecture. Evident in this season’s lookbook, in keeping with the architectural theme, the advertising images were shot in the architectural masterpiece and historical landmark known as Terminal 5 at JFK International Airport in New York. Terminal 5 used to be called The TWA Flight Center and it was designed by Eero Saarinen. Naturally this terminal holds a special place in my heart as a New Yorker and as a design creative. Both the exterior and interior design has been retained since it was first built in the 60’s. If you remember the movie “Catch Me If You Can” (2002) starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Tom Hanks, many scenes were shot on location in this terminal.
While perusing the Longchamp SS2013 collection at the store, here are some of the items which caught my eye.
1. Longchamp 3D
Emblematic of the architectural inspiration of Longchamp’s Spring 2013 collection, the Longchamp 3D line gives the season’s geometric spirit a whole new dimension of fun and fashion appeal with its playful “pop-up” details.Embellishing the line’s casual chic totes and duffle bag, two vertical bands of leather are joined together by a horizontal label discreetly embossed with the Longchamp signature. This graphic motif stands out from the bag, creating a striking 3D effect, which is accentuated by outsize black nickel eyelets.
2. Longchamp Patch Exotic
Inspired by the Japanese art of Origami, the simple yet absolutely ingenious Le Pliage bag has become a must-have accessory all over the world.Manufactured in ultra-light nylon fabric and elegantly trimmed in Russian leather, this line is produced in an extraordinary variety of shapes and sizes available in a dozen colors each season.
3. Longchamp Finca Luisa
Exclusively created for Longchamp, this graphic motif was inspired by the houses characteristic of South American estates (finca in Spanish) and is a playful tribute to the Mexican architect Luis Barragán, celebrated for his use of bold block colour. As an ultimate detail, the Finca Luisa print is precisely placed on the handbags so each side reveals a different design and colour palette: one side shows the house’s roof and windows in indigo and ecru accented with vibrant vermilion.
In the two photos above, I was carrying the same bag. But each side has a different color and design… how cool is that!? It’s like having two bags for the price of one. :P
4. Longchamp Gatsby
In memory of the glamorous world evoked by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his famous novel The Great Gatsby, Gatsby is the expression of timeless style. Subtly destructured, in supple natural calfskin, the Gatsby becomes the Gatsby Sport for Spring 2013, a spacious hobo bag with the authentic old-school charm of satchel-type cases. The Gatsby Sport retains the Gatsby’s instantly identifiable square lock, discreetly engraved with the Longchamp signature, to which it adds a wide front flap with two buckle-down straps – simple yet striking details which score full marks for preppy style.
My mother ended up snagging the last piece of the Gatsby Sport (in Sunshine yellow) and I couldn’t stop oggling at her brand new bag. The design is cool, the leather is crazy butter soft and that color is so darn cheery! I love it and am already planning to usurp this bag from her. Muwahahaha! As you can see above, Jessica Alba has been spotted carrying the same bag too. Seriously, I can’t get over this gorgeous Sunshine color. I shall patiently wait for this bag to be handed down to me, hur hur.
5. Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!
The LM Cuir flat sandal is an elegant and eye-catching style in supple calfskin and métis leather contrasts slender straps with a distinctive triangular flap accessorized with a tiny buckle in reference to Longchamp’s leather goods know-how. I love the bright blue color!
Le Pliage Patch Exotic combines plain calfskin with python and shagreen-styled calfskin on a sophisticated high-heeled sandal. I was eyeing this warily at first, but as soon as I put one foot into the sandal, I exclaimed, “Whoa, so silky soft!”.
I gotta say, even though I’m hardly a luxury bag kinda gal (because I’m way too rough and careless with my bags; I leave them on floors etc.), I can definitely appreciate the various design executions stemming from the architecture inspiration for this season. I am no bag expert, but I enjoyed browsing the Longchamp SS 2013 collection and looking at the details in the bags and shoes. Do you spot anything that you like from the group of items I’ve shortlisted above?
In case you’ve missed it, I also personalized my own Le Pliage bag during the same store visit. Read about my Longchamp Le Pliage Sur Mesure experience.
-MB.
◈ Photographs in this post were taken with Samsung Galaxy Camera from Samsung Mobile Singapore.
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