Why I Must Have ... The Longchamp Madeleine?

Through the centuries, the role of a handbag in a woman’s life has evolved along with the transition of time. 

From a mere beginning as a device to keep her personal belongings as she moves about town or around the world, to a greater extent, handbags have become the vital belonging that reflects who she is – her distinct personality, prestige and her style.

When acquiring a handbag, one must not look at the price and practicality factors alone. Yes, these days, it is undeniable that our financial security has the final say on what we’re taking home. Especially when it comes to a designer bag with at least a four-figure price tag. 

Unless you are living in a city where one can literally sleep on the road (read: traffic jam-free) and has all the time to rush home and switch bags for another function, a bag that can be worn from day to night is an absolute must. 

Yet, on a second thought, do look at handbag buying from an investor’s outlook such as why you should have it, how it is made and what is the profit you’ll gain from this investment piece: An overnight style status upgrade from a follower to a trendsetter? Perhaps, but with the right styling, achieving it is not impossible.

Now, if you were an avid traveller and Paris has always been your second home, rest assured the district of La Madeleine is not foreign to you. 

Located within the reach of the infamous 8^th arrondisement, La Madeleine is dotted with numerous theatres and bistros where the Parisians would hang out with their loved ones while sporting the seasonal must haves or classic wardrobe essentials.

Furthermore, the district too is also within the reach of the world-class shopping district, Rue Saint Honoré, where nearly 30 years ago, luxury leather goods purveyor Longchamp opened its first retail store in Paris. 

Perhaps drawn by the enigmatic energy of the district that she holds dear, Longchamp’s Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine has envisioned a carrier that exudes the inevitable charm of La Madeleine, and christened it after the charming district.   

Why I should have it?

The Longchamp Madeleine has certain qualities that every modern and style discerning woman tend to look into. It is exquisite and charming with retro hints. 

First, if you were that someone who requires adequate space within a bag to throw your belongings, the Madeleine is certainly made for it. Why? It is because the well-designed interior allows you to do so. And second, the graphic contours on its silhouette exudes contemporary femininity and asserts the authentic je ne sais quoi that lies within you.

What it is made of?

Supple taurillon skin is the main material for the Longchamp Madeleine. As Longchamp is known for its legendary leatherwork craftsmanship, rest assured you are not owning just another handbag – rather, you will be carrying with you an artisanal heritage that can be traced back to 1948.

I like my bags to make me stand out from the crowd. Can Longchamp Madeleine assures that?

Without a doubt, you are looking at the right bag, Madame! You see, when it comes to style, the French women are known for their ability to carry out anything they have in the closet with full insouciance. Yes, the streets are their runway!

Therefore, the Longchamp Madeleine is conceived as a perfect accomplice for the discerning Parisian women who embrace diverse styles. Even if you were not Parisian, the Madeleine will bring out the Parisian chic in you with exquisite design features such as raw edging and saddle stitching.

Someone told me, “The intricacy of its making process determines its value.” Well, how intricate it is to craft the Longchamp Madeleine?

Good question and that someone is certainly on point. Crafting Longchamp Madeleine is not a feat that can be done within an hour or a day. As an artisanally made product, it requires a great number of man hours to craft a single bag.  

The process starts with cutting the leather into several pieces with utmost precision, followed by the assembling and stitching of the pieces by hand and finally, signing the wide flap with time-honoured, gleaming Rousseau clasp. 

All that toil, plus the high quality material, are the main factors that make this bag a valuable wearable art worth appreciating.

How many colours does it comes in?

The Longchamp Madeleine comes in a variety of classic colours such as striking black, charming khaki, seductive amethyst and soft terracotta.

Oh boy, I must have it! Where can I find it?

The Longchamp Madeleine bag is available now at all Longchamp stores, Longchamp corners within leading departmental stores and authorised Longchamp retailers across the globe.

*Photos courtesy of Longchamp

Longchamp - Lot 3. 58-60, Level 3, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Lot No. G03C-E Level Ground, Suria KLCC, 241 Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur