The world-renowned French leather-goods and clothing house Longchamp, hosted fashion’s elite at the upscale African dining concept, Kiza for the launch of its new Spring/Summer 18′ collection- a location that perfectly encapsulated the vibrancy and culture of the new season.

Longchamp has designed a sophisticated, exotic summer collection for the modern, independent and cosmopolitan woman who appreciates luxury. The event was a true reflection of Longchamp’s tradition of excellence with each piece of the collection a symbol of French craftsmanship and savoir-faire.

Longchamp, hosted fashion’s elite at the upscale African dining concept, Kiza for the launch of its new Spring/Summer 18 collection.

The inspiration is a Rive Gauche resident’s journey to the heart of Africa. From Rue des Beaux-Arts to Boulevard Saint-Germain, this gentle and bohemian woman- an artist or a gallery owner with bold elegance and natural charm- is exploring the world of tribal art, specifically indigenous art and cultures. The materials used, and the graphic effects inspired by the grids and highlights, typical of African painting and sculpture, also serve as sources of inspiration.

Laid-back sophistication is what it’s all about. The Longchamp woman teams a printed silk blouse with leather shorts. A safari jacket- with or without sleeves- in suede or cotton gabardine, complements a smooth leather patchwork skirt. Beautiful flowy dresses in dotted Swiss tulle or embroidered lace look even better when worn with a cropped suede jacket.  The cropped jacket in woven fabric and lambskin boasts a resolutely contemporary look. The printed silk stole with leather fringing provides the perfect finishing touch to looks from the Summer 2018 collection.

Two bag designs epitomize Summer 2018′ at Longchamp. The Madeleine bag, has had a chic update inspired by indigenous art and cultures and now comes in an edgier version, incorporating different colours, such as nude and orange and honey and lilac, and with bullcalf leather, suede and vachetta, with the detailing being more emphasis for stylish effect. The Effrontée, breaks with convention, playing up its sophisticated, rebellious feel. The chain strap and leather give this grainy-feel leather bag its rock and roll appeal.

For shoes, Longchamp has created a beautiful wooden-soled suede calfskin clog complete with an embossed weave or python print. Its expertise has also been used on some triple-strap flat sandals. There are espadrilles with ankle straps and woven rope soles that positively glow with their pink gold metallic leather. Suede lace-up boots with open toes complete this unique look.

Ayat Sfeir

Founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain, and still owned and run by the Cassegrain family today, Longchamp’s handbags, luggage and accessories have a world-renowned reputation for leather craftsmanship and quality. The Summer 2018′ collection from Longchamp extends an invitation to travel, offering women an opportunity to embrace different ethnic designs, crafts and traditions.

Longchamp’s SS18′ collection extends an invitation to travel, offering women an opportunity to embrace different ethnic designs, crafts and traditions.