On the occasion of 70th anniversary, Longchamp is set to stage its first full-scale runway show at New York Fashion Week in September.
The choice of New York epitomizes the free, daring spirit of Longchamp, which is one of the rare independent, family-owned houses in the luxury business. It also caps an American- themed year, during which Longchamp opened a flagship on Fifth Avenue, launched a collaboration with designer Shayne Oliver, and presented Kendall Jenner as its new face.
Longchamp has expanded its ready-to-wear offering over recent years as it has evolved from a leather goods specialist into a lifestyle brand. "We felt that this was the right time to take things to the next level and to set out our vision of the dynamic, cosmopolitan Longchamp woman," says Creative Director, Sophie Delafontaine.
"Longchamp has always acted on intuition – something we can allow ourselves to do because we are independent – and we chose New York as we are inspired by the energy and freedom of the city."
The New York fashion show will be one of two headline events for the brand in September, alongside its 70th anniversary celebrations at the Opéra Garnier in Paris.
According to Marie-Laure Dubuisson, Global Communications and Marketing Director, the events will express two different yet complementary facets of Longchamp. "In Paris, we will celebrate 70 years of luxury and savoir-faire, while in New York we will look ahead to the next 70 years," she adds.