Longchamp's SS15 RTW and SHOES collection

READY-TO-WEAR / SPRING 2015
THE NEW SPIRIT OF SPORT

“Freshness and light”, those are the keywords which define Longchamp’s Spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection, according to Artistic Director Sophie Delafontaine.

The fresh mood is summed up by the collection’s striking reinterpretation of sportswear codes. “We translated the idea in two ways,” explains Sophie Delafontaine, “either by subverting a sophisticated cut with a sporty fabric, or by elevating a sporty shape with a sophisticated fabric.” She cites an elegant sleeveless dress with a softly gathered skirt which is given a relaxed twist in cotton piqué, and a sweatshirt-style top which, conversely, is dressed up in polyester satin with sheer organza inserts.

Light infuses the collection’s two contrasting themes: the heavenly glow of the Northern Lights inspires a palette of cool, at times almost fluorescent pastels – pale pink, aquamarine, neon yellow – which are combined with black and white; the more intense light of the South is translated in bold, saturated shades of red, coral and deep blue.

“No Longchamp collection would be complete without a standout piece in leather, which is,” says Sophie Delafontaine, “in our DNA.” This season, the Artistic Director picks out two: a sporty short-sleeved blouson in the butter-soft métis leather used for Le Pliage Cuir (the design also echoes key details of the iconic bag and comes in the same paintbox brights), and a sophisticated leopard-print blouson in baby calfskin.

Alongside the neo-leopard pattern, subtly revisited in pastel shades, the season’s other key print is knotted rope, which appears on a series of pieces in polyester and silk. Inspired by the technical rope of water sports equipment, the knotted rope motif is placed to mimic a necklace on a top and blouson, or a belt slung around a shift dress – another way in which this Longchamp collection offers a fresh and elegant vision of sport.

An easy, breezy energy, the very essence of casual chic. Welcome to Spring 2015 at Longchamp.

SHOE COLLECTION
ESPRIT ESPADRILLE!
SPRING 2015

Fashion’s love affair with flats is still going strong, and Longchamp takes the trend to new heights for Spring 2015 with a collection focused on an enduring staple of summer style: the espadrille.

Though they capture its easy, breezy spirit, Longchamp’s sophisticated versions are a far cry from the simple rope-soled shoe that has always been popular for many years in France. The rope soles are there, for sure, but the uppers are revisited in an array of luxurious materials, including baby calf with a leopard print in delicate pastel shades on a feminine sandal with a slender ankle strap.

The same style catches the eye in the butter-soft métis leather and neon brights of Le Pliage Cuir, and segues effortlessly from day to evening in silver or gold metallic lambskin with an ankle strap in fluorescent rope. Alternatively, a canvas version printed with the emblematic knotted rope motif of the Spring 2015 collection comes closest to the classic espadrille.

For cutting-edge style and comfort too, look no further than Longchamp’s “flatform” espadrilles. These easy slip-ons on a chunky rope sole are interpreted in casual rope-print canvas for day and luxe iridescent or lizard-styled calfskin for evening. Who said you needed heels to party?

Aside from the espadrille, Longchamp’s Spring 2015 shoe collection is full of desirable options, from relaxed (the tennis shoes in printed canvas or black and white tweed are a real standout) to city-smart, with elegant high-heeled pumps and feminine ballet flats that never go out of style.

Before you step into summer, step into Longchamp!