Bangkok--29 Mar--Longchamp
Among the vibrant colours of Longchamp's Indian-themed Spring 2011 collection, the Imp้rial line stands out for its quiet beauty, inspired by India's ancestral tradition of crafting exquisite artefacts from natural materials. In a dialogue of two cultures, Longchamp brought its own six decades of savoir-faire to the creation of a line that celebrates purity and refinement.
At the origin of Imp้rial is an absolute simplicity of form, a single, resolute pencil stroke on the designer's sketch pad, Sophie Delafontaine. The line's three shapes — a hobo, a tote and a shoulder bag — somehow retain the immediacy of the inspiration, the idea of elegance reduced to its purest expression.
Such simplicity, however, belies a wealth of savoir-faire, starting with Longchamp's meticulous selection of the finest calfskins — fluid, finely grained, supple and sensual to the touch. Indeed, only such perfect materials could possibly convey the refinement of the design.
The Imp้rial line takes shape at Longchamp's historic workshops in western France. Here, many of the artisans have spent their entire working lives with Longchamp, patiently honing their skills, then passing them on to future generations. It is to these experienced craftsmen and women that the precious skins for Imp้rial are entrusted, each precisely cut piece of leather, each flawless stitch faithfully rendering the beautiful simplicity of the original sketch.
The colours are neutrals drawn from nature — the deep, rich hues of baked earth, pungent spices, exotic woods. Beige, natural, terracotta and mocha, each of the four subtle and sophisticated shades exalts the natural beauty of the leather.
The finishing touch is a pale gold or silver zipper running round each bag like an ornamental frieze. In an instant, it transforms the single handle into two, and reveals the bag's roomy interior. At once precious and practical, Imp้rial is a ritual of refinement for every day.
Meet us at Longchamp Siam Paragon, Emporium, Central Chidlom, Central Pinklao and Central Bangna