Picture this: a Sunday at the stables, where jockeys and grooms meticulously prepare the horses, with the vivid tapestry of colours, textures, noise and emotions arising from the crowd of spectators as the race starts.
Longchamp traces its origins all the way back to 1948, when founder Jean Cassegrain drew inspiration from his family name, which means mill grain in French, as well as the iconic Longchamp racecourse located at the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, France. So it makes sense that for FW 2023, the French brand once again revisits its roots and pays a heartfelt tribute to its beginnings in the world of horse racing.
Much like how enthusiasts and professionals unite at the racecourse, creative director Sophie Delafontaine chose to harmonise the worlds of fashion and racing by creating a collection that fuses equestrian aesthetics and feminine warmth, reflecting the laid-back sophistication inherent in the sport.
Classic silhouettes are updated with sporty-chic elements (think: luxe lambskin gilets and cool colour-blocked parkas). Delafontaine’s affinity for layering takes centre stage, as she mixes style and cosiness with ease; these outfits aren’t just for the races, they are also versatile enough for the modern woman on the go.
The one accessory that effortlessly complements every look of the collection? It’s got to be the Box Trot bag. Launched a few seasons ago, the crossbody style has a boxy shape that fans of the brand would already be familiar with.
This season, the structured bag gets a fresh update in hues like cobalt blue and grass green, as well as variations in different finishes and materials. Longchamp has also introduced a new shoulder-carry Baguette style that’s right on trend with all the Y2K accessories we’ve been seeing on the runways.
This new shape (joining the XS, S and M sizes) brings the total number of sizes available in the Box Trot bag family to four. We’ve always been partial to the M size, thanks to its roomy interior and hands-free option making it a great travel companion, but we love that the new Baguette has a younger, more carefree vibe to it.
No matter the size, the classic shape and easy elegance of the Box Trot bag would make a great finishing accessory, and maybe even infuse an outfit with a hint of that elusive French girl chic.
