My post about the opening of the Longchamp stand-alone store in Greenbelt is one of my most popular stories on the blog to date, so I know there are a lot of fellow Longchamp fans among my readers. Because of this, I feel it’s my duty to tell you that there’s a new Longchamp boutique that opened in the Philippines—it’s fourth—located at the ground floor of Rustan’s Makati.
The new, gleaming 65-sqm boutique brings to the fore the brand’s iconic luxury lifestyle and celebrates the French spirit of creativity, innovation, and artistry. Within the luxurious interiors, discover both new collections and our favorite pieces—from Longchamp’s wide portfolio of leather goods that include handbags, luggage, and accessories for both women and men (of course there’s an entire display dedicated to our favorite folding bag, Le Pliage!). The opening of this new boutique also happens to coincide with Longchamp’s celebration of nearly 70 years of fine leather craftsmanship.
The new Longchamp boutique takes inspiration from the brand’s iconic Paris flagship store along Rue Saint-Honore. Attending the opening and hearing this was bittersweet for me: Hoarding Longchamp bags was one of the things I planned to do on our European honeymoon that has been postponed indefinitely because of an unfortunate incident (more details in this post). I exchanged sad, knowing glances with some friends who are aware of this when this detail about the store was mentioned at the event, but I’m glad I got a glimpse of the Paris store in the Rustan’s Makati branch. Keeping the theme of contrasting wood, leather, and fabric, while playing with rich textured patterns to showcase the collections, the new Philippine boutique remains loyal to the vision by reinterpreting emblematic signatures in the store design.
Longchamp invites customers to discover this new boutique and experience the art of living à la française. The brand also introduced its Spring/Summer 2018 collection at the new store, which you can preview below.
Longchamp has designed a sophisticated, exotic summer collection for the modern, independent, and cosmopolitan woman who appreciates French luxury by Longchamp. The Summer 2018 collection extends an invitation to travel, offering women an opportunity to embrace different ethnic designs, crafts, and traditions.
The Madeleine bag has had a chic update inspired by indigenous art and cultures and now comes in an edgier version, incorporating different colors—nude and orange and honey and lilac—and materials—bullcalf leather, suede, and vachetta—with detailing being given more emphasis for stylish effect.
For Summer 2018, Mademoiselle Longchamp introduces its XS version and three brand new colors: natural, orange, and khaki. The details on this new mini calfskin hobo bag feature the line’s signature clasp, enameled wax stamp, and wide strap. Match your changing moods with its removable strap and wear it as a crossbody or over the shoulder.
Cruise Collection Spring 2018
Longchamp also revealed its first Cruise collection this season, which is all about casual chic. Patterns inspired by the Maasai tribe breathe life into the magnificent prints and exquisite embroidery that adorn totes, hobo, and bucket bags, some of which come with a decorative removable strap. Fringing, tassels, handcrafted fabrics, beaded decorations, and vibrant colors inspired by sub-Saharan African jewelry all feature as precious neo-ethnic details on the Pénélope, Longchamp 3D, Mademoiselle Longchamp, and Roseau bags.
The graphic style Le Pliage Cuir model in leather is embellished with wide colored stripes reminiscent of African wall paintings.
Men’s Collection Summer 2018
Longchamp also equips your “urban man” with bags and accessories—briefcases, backpacks, and cross-body bags—whether business or casual. A few key pieces from the Longchamp 3D, Ruban, and Zanzibar collections are now available at the store.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Heart Evangelista-Escudero, Rustan’s President Donnie Tantoco, Ambassador of France to the Philippines his Excellency Nicolas Galey, General Manager of Longchamp Asia Pacific Francois-Xavier Severin, President of Stores Specialists, Inc. Anton Huang, Rustan Commercial Corporation Member of the Board Maritess Tantoco Enriquez, Tootsy Angara, and Carmina Villarroel-Legaspi
Carmina Villaroel and her kids Cassy and Mavy
Local fashion icons attended the opening party in Longchamp, like Heart Evangelista-Escudero, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, host Mari Jasmine, and Carmina Villarroel-Legaspi with her kids. Ambassador of France to the Philippines his Excellency Nicolas Galey also attended the event (I badly wanted to approach him to ask if he could extend the Schengen Visa the French embassy granted me but which I’m now unable to us, but shyness got the better of me, haha).
Heart Evangelista-Escudero wearing Longchamp RTW and Longchamp Madeleine bullskin leather bag
Mari Jasmine wearing Longchamp RTW and Longchamp Mademoiselle Crossbody Bag in Natural
Longchamp is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, and Greenbelt 5. For more information, visit Rustans.com.ph.