Longchamp LM Cuir @ An Icon in The Making

Longchamp’s Autumn 2012 collection goes one step further by elevating the LM to iconic status with the launch of a luxurious new line: LM Cuir. For the first time, the LM pattern is embossed on smooth, supple cowhide, the visible imprint of Longchamp’s leather goods know-how. This fine-quality leather naturally lends itself to three spacious, body-friendly styles: a vertical tote and two shoppers. All feature adjustable straps that enable them to be carried over the shoulder, on the arm or in the hand – a versatility that will be valued by the Longchamp woman, who is constantly on the move. Each is available in five colours, from classic Black and Oak Brown to the season’s bold Fire, vibrant Duck Blue and rich Raspberry.

 

 The seasonal LM Patch line, meanwhile, reflects the extravagant spirit of Longchamp’s Autumn 2012 collection with eccentric combinations of colours and textures that allow the Longchamp woman to express her whimsical side. A hand-held duffle bag in embossed cowhide is trimmed with stripes of metallic and python-styled leather, while a spectacular limited-edition clutch for evening comes in long-haired Greenland lamb with cowhide and metallic métis leather trim. Both bags are available in the season’s two stand-out colour palettes: Raspberry and Duck Blue. Created in the 1970s, the LM pattern of galloping racehorses and crisscrossing bridle straps is one of Longchamp’s most emblematic signatures. Standing for Longchamp Maroquinerie, LM naturally represents Longchamp’s savoir-faire – an unbroken tradition spanning more than six decades, from the leather-covered pipes of yesteryear to the trend-setting looks of today. Appropriately, the original LM bag was reissued to celebrate Longchamp’s 60^th anniversary in 2008. 

 Longchamp’s legendary attention to detail is evident in the impeccable finishing of the LM Cuir line. Gold or silver metallic leather edging adds a sophisticated, feminine touch, while a removable identity tag is engraved with Longchamp heritage symbols, including a horseshoe and a pipe. Inside each bag, meanwhile, attached to the key hook, is a zippered leather pouch for valuables. It, too, is embossed with the LM motif in a scaled-down version, which is also to be found on the LM Cuir small leather goods. Conversely, the motif is scaled up for two limited-edition travel bags and a trolley case.