3 vintage Longchamp bags that aren't the classic Le Pliage

still nylon, still timeless, and all over secondhand resale sites

The year is 1993: Longchamp’s iconic bag, Le Pliage, is born.

It’s a turning point for the 77-year-old company.

A bit of history 🎠

Founded in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain, Longchamp was famous for their leather-covered pipes and other small leather accessories.

source: Longchamp

It was only in 1971 that they sold their first ever handbag: “the LM”.

source: Longchamp

Le Pliage revolution

In the 90s, they set out to solve a design problem: how to make a lightweight, durable bag? Nylon + leather was the answer.

Enter Le Pliage.

It’s now one of the most popular bags in the world, and a timeless staple. I almost can’t believe it’s “only” been around for 32 years.

Le Pliage y2k models that should be on your radar

Confession time: while I appreciate its history, the classic Le Pliage isn’t for me. I don’t find it practical to carry around (and it gives me slight high school PTSD).

Instead, I love their lesser-known Le Pliage models from the early 2000s. Still nylon, still timeless, and…you’ve guessed it: all over secondhand resale sites!

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1. Le Pliage Hobo

This crescent model came out in 2002. I love the late 90s vibe. Think Coach Ergo vibes but nylon and at a much friendlier price point.

source

Love this red/pink number for just 40€:

Or keep it classic with either a white one or black—both listed at 30€:

Here’s a pricier baby blue version on Etsy with a unique green detailing (162€):

2. Le Pliage Convertible Hobo

This model is also officially the “Hobo”, but with an adjustable strap. It’s the ideal work bag: fits your laptop, you can wear it cross-body, and it has the perfect side-pocket for your phone.

I recently swapped out my work backpack for a brown version I found on Vinted.

I’m loving this soft blue version (30€):

This one is in impeccable shape (40€):

And I also found this bright pink option (also 40€):

3. Le Pliage Baguette

The ultimate y2k accessory: the baguette bag. When Fendi’s model took the fashion world by storm, Longchamp got in on the trend with their nylon take on the baguette bag.

Here’s a striped number (40€):

I like the two pockets detail on this one (28€):

Blue blue blue 🩵🩵🩵 (50€)

Not Le Pliage, but still Longchamp & worth sharing

While putting this post together, I came across some bags that aren’t part of the Le Pliage line but prove that secondhand Longchamp is gold.

This red beauty (115€) and this brown leather cutie with crocodile effect (100€):

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The Pliage universe is full of possibilities beyond the beloved icon we all know!

Just head to your favorite secondhand website, search for Longchamp and filter on nylon and the color of your choice to find the Pliage of your dreams.

As always, thanks for reading! 🫶

— Laure