AT THE RACES !
In 1948, Jean Cassegrain, founder of the leather goods company whose family name recalls that of a miller (casser le grain (breaking grain)), decided to associate his name with that of the Longchamp racecourse, home to the oldest mill in Paris.
In 2023, Longchamp revisits its origins and honours the exciting world of horse racing. An eclectic, lively, colourful and joyful world where amateurs and professionals are driven by the same passion. Longchamp and horse racing share strong values such as savoir-faire, authenticity, excellence, precision, allure and energy. A combination of warm, feminine materials and a sporty, chic and casual spirit defines this collection where the equestrian world embraces the everyday silhouette of an urban Amazone bag.
It's a typical Sunday at the races. In the stables, the staff are busy with the horses and jockeys. No detail is overlooked: perfection and high standards are the hallmarks of this elite sport. The riders walk down the aisles in rain boots bearing an XXL version of the Maison's logo. Inspired by riding boots, they are customisable thanks to the leather straps that evoke the colour codes of the stables and straps.
Rich colours such as plum, wheat beige, and mahogany and camouflage prints are used to create strong pieces with a sporty chic allure: shearling jackets and coats, sleeveless lambskin waistcoats, block-coloured structured parkas or pea jackets with funnel neck collars reinterpreted in leather or quilted flannel, cargo trousers and more. Slightly more technical, the high boots in tobacco-brown or black highlight the contrasting laces for a look that is both outdoorsy and warm, and which can be paired with a corduroy cap.
Not far from the stables, the racecourse welcomes the usual punters, who can be easily spotted by the racing newspaper under their arm. Families also gather here to join in with the excitement in the stands and on the lawns. It’s a time for smiles and relaxation. In this eclectic universe, some spectators are sporting pea coats, jumpers and sailor jackets. Timeless pieces reinterpreted by the Maison. Boasting a more feminine allure, other spectators pair a trouser suit with a ruffled blouse or layer a sleeveless shearling waistcoat over a taffeta dress.
I like the idea of layering clothes. It fits in with the idea of cocooning yourself, which is ideal in winter, but also maintains a chic and casual look.
Sophie Delafontaine, Artistic Director at Longchamp
The line of Box-Trot bags, with its new bright shades of cobalt blue and grassy green, as well as its new baguette design, complement the confident silhouettes of the long flowing crepe dresses. As for the horse owners, they stride down the paddock aisles in dramatic and sharp ensembles, creating a resolutely stylish allure: straight-cut trousers in lined flannel and blazers with a shawl collar. The collection showcases pieces with tennis stripes for a sporty and chic appeal.
Although the racecourse is buzzing and bouncing with excitement, it’s the jockeys and horses who really get heartbeats racing. At the Races is inspired by the famous casaques, the satin, colourful and graphic jackets that are specific to each stable. Sophie Delafontaine tells the story of the horse that has inspired her since childhood: “It's interesting to work with all these people who embody the life of a racetrack. And of course, the jockey/cavalier duo has a special place in my heart. It represents our Maison's history and I enjoyed reinterpreting it in this collection.
Longchamp unveils patterned pieces such as dresses and blouses in silk and cotton punctuated with black and white squares, cashmere jumpers and undershirts bearing prints of horses and riders. Crossbands illuminate bombers jackets which stylishly recall the design of famous jockey silks. The binocular bag, a new addition to the Epure line, is a must-have for watching horses in the middle of a race. The Le Pliage line is the perfect embodiment of this sporty and captivating universe thanks to its designs inspired by jockey jackets on which an abundance of bright colours, from grenadine pink, sky blue, orange and red, to grass green, yellow and pink, are playfully revealed.
As though returning to its roots, Longchamp celebrates the world of horse racing with energy and authenticity. Welcome to the racecourse!
