France and fashion have gone together since the days of yore. Paris streets are the most sensible fashion thermometer when you want to know how to be glamorous in everyday life. I am Italian, but I have been living in France longer than in my homeland, and since my twenties, I have been addressing the bond between French lifestyle and fashion. From afar it is evident that Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent are the quintessence of French style, but, of course, there is more to it, like the fact that Longchamp is to French lifestyle what Ralph Lauren is to the American one. There is something to the quiet French luxury—French old money, one could say—that immediately leads to Longchamp.
There are at least three pieces you must have in your wardrobe if you belong to the old-style traditional French lifestyle. First of all, the Pliage bag, which comes in leather or tissue with the widest range of colours. In the streets, in the Parisian métro, in train stations and airports, you literally encounter armies of bold Longchamp ladies. Le Pliage is the utmost French version of effortless elegance in carrying objects for weekenders, students, and working women. Second, the Roseau bag: you definitely go to the French Sunday family traditional lunch with a Roseau bag (my favourite is the medium size, even if I always end up buying the small ones because there are editions of it that are literally irresistible). My third suggestion is the jockey silks. If you are lucky enough to find one—Longchamp outerwear is rare to find even when you are a longtime client of the brand—with time, you can become a collector. In my opinion, there are two jockey silks in Longchamp’s story that really made me realize that the Longchamp détour is worthy every season—just in case a new jacket comes up and you risk losing the chance to get it—the gazon one (Longchamp’s lawn-green hue) and the polka-dot one. The polka-dot is my happy choice forever.
More generally, Longchamp is always a happy choice when you appreciate—as I authentically do—being part of a beauty lovers community. Longchamp’s team is a community shaper. In Aix-en-Provence, where I live, we are a sensational bunch of ladies truly connected. We come from the most varied parts of the horizon. I am always amazed by all of them and by the way they can be astonishing and absolutely unique in Longchamp when we gather. This is the part I love most: Longchamp organizes stupendous events for us, and we are delighted to attend. Here are some pictures of a Saturday lunch cooked by the chef Marie Vial that we attended on 15 March 2025 under the “Live green!” theme at the Mas d’Entremont. Having lunch under artichokes hanging from the ceiling and between peppers and turnips was joyful and radical chic. Thank you, Longchamp!