Every fashion House has got that one leather bag that defines their brand and for Longchamp’s nearly 80 years long history, the piece that reaffirms their savoir-faire is Le Smart.
Five of Longchamp’s French workshops are established in the Loire region and Normandy, which are historically the cradle of leather working in France. Of these, the Segré workshop, first opened in 1959, remains the heart and soul of the House, and holds a special status with its 2007 awarded label as a Living Heritage Company.
It is here at Segré, among other workshops, where Le Smart takes shape, representing the new embodiment of Made by Longchamp, a guarantee of meticulously selected leathers and exceptional savoir-faire.
The starting point of Longchamp’s creative process is the leather, which goes through a rigorous selection process that distinguishes by its natural suppleness, fine grain, and the feel. The selection of leathers also conform to high quality standards, and through the audits by the Leather Working Group, 98% of the leathers used by Longchamp have been awarded the highest Gold level of certification.
Chrome tanning, combined with a semi-aniline finish crafted in Italy, helps to preserve the natural beauty of the leather while ensuring resilience and durability. This is applied in depth for the Mocha, Slate and Natural shades of the Le Smart to give it a slight satin finish, a discreet luster and a subtle patina that will develop over time.
Crafted by experienced leatherworkers, Le Smart is the result of more than 30 operations performed entirely by hand with the greatest precision. It starts by cutting the leather with pinpoint accuracy to paring and dyeing the edges of the leather, before the assembly and stitching, and finally, integrating the adjustable belt that is accessorised with an instantly recognisable bamboo jewel-clasp.
Every stage is fundamental in perfecting a piece quite unlike any other, made from start to finish by the finest artisans.
