Longchamp is a French leather and luxury goods company founded by Jean Cassegrain in 1948. The company initially employed individual craftsmen dispersed throughout the Loire valley countryside to create leather coverings for pipes and other products geared toward smokers. The introduction of its "Le Pliage" line in 1993, a collection of foldable travel bags made of vinyl and leather trim, has allowed the Longchamp brand to penetrate new markets abroad including the United States due to its worldwide popularity. Today, in addition to its heritage as a leather goods firm, Longchamp has cultivated a devoted following and a brand that is now known for its designs.
