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Brand Scorecard:
★★★★☆
Leather: 4.5
Hardware: 4
Design: 4
Engineering: 4
Craftmanship: 4.5
TOTAL: 4.21
Brand Website: longchamp.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Longchamp, founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain, began as a luxury leather goods company specializing in leather-covered pipes. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include small leather goods, luggage, and eventually women's handbags. The introduction of women's handbags in 1971 marked a significant milestone, establishing Longchamp as one of France's leading leather goods makers. The brand is now renowned for its leather and canvas handbags, including the iconic Le Pliage line, as well as luggage, shoes, fashion accessories, and women's ready-to-wear. Longchamp remains a family-owned business, managed by the Cassegrain family, and operates in 80 countries with around 1,500 retail outlets worldwide.
Under the leadership of the Cassegrain family, Longchamp has maintained its reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation. The company's breakthrough came with the use of nylon in the 1970s, leading to the creation of lightweight luggage and the popular Le Pliage handbag, which combines practicality with style. The brand has collaborated with various artists and designers, such as Jeremy Scott and Mary Katrantzou, to create unique and limited-edition pieces. Longchamp continues to produce most of its products in France, with a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards in its manufacturing processes. The company recently expanded its production capacity with the opening of a new site in Pouzauges, further solidifying its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT
CRITERIA | 5 (Very Strong) | 4 (Strong) | 3 (Mixed) | 2 (Limited) | 1 (Not Present) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leather | A perfect balance of art and fashion of leather tanning. Rare and artisanal hides from exceptional tanneries | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries | Average corrected leathers that do NOT require high-quality raw hides. Less info on the source of the leather | Low-quality leather choice with significantly less information about the sourcing practice. | Inferior sketchy leather derivates or non-leather materials. |
Hardware | Top of the line Stainless Steel or Brass Hardware with Highest Caliber Coatings | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. | Alloy hardware with acceptable coating. Lifetime may be impacted due to the coating of the hardware. | Serious flaws in the making and coating of the low-grade alloy hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. | Non-metal, plastic, and non-durable hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. |
Design | A professional design language that is unique and consistent with the brand | A creative take on a classical design concept | Minimal changes to common styles | Almost copy of common/famous designs. Dysfunctional elements. | Problematic design elements affect the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of the product. |
Engineering | Highly organized, sophisticated shape and form engineering with high-quality materials inside the craft. | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure | Acceptable cleanliness of inner work with medium-quality support materials | Messy inside with low-grade support elements | Complete lack of inner structure and craftsmanship. |
Craftsmanship | Expert craftsmanship with flawless, hand or machine stitching, demonstrating advanced skills. No visible errors; edge paint is avoided using superior techniques. | Perfect machine stitching with excellent edge finishing. Immaculate inside and out, with no visible flaws, showing a commitment to quality. | Good overall stitching and alignment with minor flaws. Acceptable edge finishing, with fairly clean interior and exterior. | Noticeable misalignment and sloppy workmanship. Multiple errors affect visual appeal, with untidy interior work. | Poor craftsmanship with missed stitches, visible errors, and uncleaned residues. Major issues that may affect durability. |
Overall Score | An incredible value for money that I have no problem recommending to anyone | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try | A considerable offer with a relatively high price. Make your choice at your own discretion | Consider it well within your own criterion as the quality/price is not a decision point I can recommend here | Stay away! |
READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES
SCORE | NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
5 | Strong Yes | ⭐ This grade is given to brands that present great value for the price they charge you for their product. I have no problem confidently recommending you check their products. These are the brands I reach out to ask if they can give me an affiliate link so your purchases using my link can support my content efforts. |
4 | Yes | 👍 This indicates that the brand meets all my expectations from the perspective of price and information they have about their products. I would happily buy their products at this level of quality/value score. This is the only other category of brands I request an affiliate link to support this channel to improve my Leathertainment content. |
3 | Mixed | ➖ There are areas that I found less than desirable for the quality/price performance I appreciate personally. Some high-end luxury brands may fall under this category given I am looking for tangible value in the products, ignoring the intangible brand prestige they may offer as a value to their customers. I am not a customer of these brands and I wouldn’t recommend them to my audience if they do NOT value brand logos. |
2 | No | 👎 This indicates that the product and the brand failed my expectations in significant ways and I won’t recommend them to anyone. |
1 | Strong No | ❌ This is the lowest assessment and indicates fundamental issues in the product and/or the brand. I would say look somewhere else. |
LEATHERVERSE MATRIX
The Leatherverse Brand Matrix visually compares leather brands based on sophistication and pricing, helping consumers understand their market positioning.
Legend
Vertical Axis: Ranges from simple artisan crafts to exclusive, master-crafted items.
Horizontal Axis: Covers pricing from low (no brand premium) to high (perceived luxury), with 2x multipliers for basic products and up to 15x for heavily marketed luxury items.
Diagonal Line: Represents the balance between price and performance. Brands on the line offer good value, those below suggest poor value, and those above offer exceptional value.
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
Based on these criteria, how would you rate Longchamp as a brand?
How would you rate Longchamp as a brand?
5
4
3
2
PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Longchamp: A Luxury Brand in Leather Bags?
Longchamp's Roseau Essential S Hobo Bag
Watch the videos here:
In the realm of fashion, Longchamp stands as a prominent figure, recognized for its distinctive leather bags that have captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Among its array of offerings, the Pliage bag holds a significant position, often evoking thoughts of Longchamp's signature style. However, delving deeper into the essence of this French fashion house raises the question: What is its classification within the luxury sphere?
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
A Glimpse into the Past
Longchamp's journey began in 1948, under the visionary leadership of Jean Cassegrain, who inherited his father's humble tobacco shop in Paris. However, it was in 1950 that the brand truly made waves with the introduction of its first luxury leather-wrapped pipes. This innovative creation quickly captured the attention of aficionados worldwide, including notable figures like Elvis Presley. Building on this early success, Longchamp diversified its offerings, venturing into the realm of small leather goods such as wallets and travel accessories. By the late 1970s, the brand had taken a significant stride forward, unveiling its inaugural women's handbag collection.
Since then, Longchamp has continued to soar to new heights, carving out a formidable presence on the global stage. Their iconic La Pliage design, featuring a foldable nylon bag, has become a household name, synonymous with practicality and style. Despite their renowned status for the signature nylon bag, Longchamp has also garnered acclaim for their exceptional leather offerings—a pleasant surprise for discerning fashion enthusiasts. Notably, the brand remains a family-owned enterprise, with the third generation now at the helm. Impressively, Longchamp still upholds its heritage of craftsmanship by producing the majority of its products in its own workshops in France.
Unraveling Longchamp
Embarking on a journey to comprehend the intricacies of Longchamp's identity, I immersed myself in extensive research, visiting their stores, scrutinizing their products, and delving into the brand's rich history. Despite my efforts, I find myself grappling with the classification of Longchamp as a luxury brand. While its price points align with those of Coach and Kate Spade, the quality of its leathers and craftsmanship present a compelling argument in favor of its luxury status. The supple feel of their leathers and the attention to detail in their designs evoke a sense of refinement and sophistication that is synonymous with luxury. The intricate stitching and flawless finishing of their products further reinforce this notion, suggesting a commitment to excellence that is characteristic of high-end brands. However, the ambience of Longchamp's stores and the overall shopping experience leave something to be desired in terms of capturing the grandeur and exclusivity often associated with traditional luxury brands.
Despite the allure of its products, Longchamp's retail spaces lack the opulent atmosphere that one might expect from a luxury boutique. Furthermore, the shopping experience itself, while efficient and accommodating, may not offer the elevated service that discerning luxury consumers crave.
Redefining Luxury
In today's world, the concept of luxury has evolved significantly, with many associating it primarily with exclusivity and high price tags, rather than focusing on the intrinsic quality of the products. However, I believe that true luxury goes beyond mere monetary value, encompassing elements such as superior materials, flawless design, and exceptional craftsmanship. While some may define luxury solely based on the notion of exclusivity and expense, this overlooks the fundamental importance of quality. Despite this prevalent trend, where brands prioritize price and exclusivity over substance, many consumers still regard these expensive brands as symbols of luxury.
Nevertheless, I hold the conviction that genuine luxury is rooted in the materials used, the design process, and the level of craftsmanship exhibited in a product, rather than solely relying on its price tag. With this in mind, does Longchamp excel across all dimensions when evaluating its offerings, thereby earning it a commendable reputation within the luxury sector?
A Personal Encounter
Longchamp held a particular allure for me, prompting a visit to their store on Champs-Élysées in Paris. While the shopping experience leaned towards a sales-driven approach, the allure of their leather bags remained undeniable. Some designs exuded timeless elegance, while others fell short, hinting at rushed production. My curiosity peaked as I acquired a Roseau Essential S Hobo Bag in Suede, intending to dissect its quality and construction.
Deciphering the Leather
Upon closer inspection, the main body of the bag, crafted from suede leather, exuded a sense of refinement, albeit with inherent vulnerabilities. At first glance, it showcased above-average craftsmanship, with only minor imperfections such as cleaning mishaps on the thread ends detracting from its overall appeal. As we delved deeper into the bag, we discovered that the materials used inside exhibited a medium to above-medium level of quality. While not on par with high-end luxury products, they were more budget-friendly choices that didn't pose any significant issues from a construction or cleaning perspective.
Suede leather, known for its velvety texture and luxurious appearance, adds a touch of sophistication to the bag. However, its porous nature makes it prone to stains, requiring careful maintenance to preserve its pristine condition. The sheepskin lining, on the other hand, revealed a minimal finish pigment, indicative of a medium to above-medium level of quality. Despite these minor drawbacks, the varying grain of the leather showcased an above-average selection, contributing to the bag's overall appeal. Overall, considering the price point, the quality of materials and craftsmanship presented a satisfactory offering that met expectations.
A Close Look at Longchamp's Hardware Selection
As I meticulously examined the construction of the Hobo bag, I observed the materials used, while of above-average quality, fell short of the pinnacle of luxury. However, the attention to detail in hardware selection, including the use of YKK zippers, reflected a commitment to quality.
Moreover, the hardware on the back exhibited a reassuring level of durability, crafted from a typical Zamac alloy with a fine coating. This hardware quality surpassed expectations for its price point, adding to the overall value of the bag. Additionally, the smooth functionality of the YKK zippers further underscored the brand's dedication to delivering a seamless user experience. Overall, the attention to detail in hardware selection demonstrated Longchamp's commitment to providing customers with a reliable and well-crafted product.
Evaluating Value
Analyzing the production costs and retail prices unveiled a symbiotic relationship between quality and affordability. My estimate for the cost of materials, including leather and hardware, amounts to approximately $45, with labor expenses factored in China. Considering this, the original price of $385 for the Hobo bag may initially seem steep. However, when considering the brand's French production and heritage, this price remains justifiable. Moreover, Longchamp's commitment to producing a significant portion of its bags in France underscores its dedication to quality.
In my examination, I couldn't find the same suede option on their website, with only full-grain leather available, which may be slightly more costly to produce. Nevertheless, I purchased the suede version at a discounted price of $225 in-store, which I find to be a very good value considering the estimated production cost.
My theory suggests that Longchamp's pricing strategy may be influenced by their French production, with a full-grain version of the bag likely costing between $70 and $75 to produce in France. This pricing approach aligns with the brand's ethos of offering value to customers while maintaining a reasonable price point.
It's worth noting that Longchamp's strategy involves a balance between producing bags in France and outsourcing production to China, aiming to optimize costs without compromising on quality. This approach ensures that the brand continues to offer a good value proposition to leather enthusiasts worldwide. Moreover, Longchamp's extensive network of physical stores enables customers to inspect the bags firsthand before making a purchase, further enhancing the overall shopping experience. As a result, I appreciate Longchamp's dedication to serving the leather community and offering accessible luxury without succumbing to the conventions of traditional Parisian luxury labels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Longchamp excels across all dimensions when evaluating its offerings, thereby earning it a commendable reputation within the luxury sector. Longchamp epitomizes a nuanced blend of luxury and accessibility, catering to discerning consumers seeking quality without compromising on affordability. While its journey may deviate from the conventional trajectory of luxury brands, its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and heritage merits recognition. As I reflect on my exploration of Longchamp, I am reminded that true luxury transcends price tags, resonating with those who value quality above all else.
Scorecard
TANNER APPROVED!
★★★★☆ - 4.21
Criteria | Score | Results |
|---|---|---|
Leather | 4.5 | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries |
Hardware | 4 | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. |
Design | 4 | A creative take on a classical design concept |
Engineering | 4 | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure |
Craftsmanship | 4.5 | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium: 5 to 6 x multiplier pricing. |
OVERALL SCORE | 4.21 | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try |
PRICE / COST MULTIPLIER | 5x | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium. |
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