Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Medium Top Handle Bag in Navy Blue
Tote/Satchel hybrid with adjustable crossbody functionality; Trapeze silhouette · Longchamp (Family-owned French company), Luxury/Premium tier known for high-quality functional leather and nylon goods.
Collection: Le Pliage Cuir Collection; a permanent line of leather versions of the brand's iconic foldable nylon bag, first introduced in 2012.
Style
Tote/Satchel hybrid with adjustable crossbody functionality; Trapeze silhouette
Brand
Longchamp (Family-owned French company), Luxury/Premium tier known for high-quality functional leather and nylon goods.
Material
Metis Leather (a hybrid of lambskin and goatskin for suppleness and durability); lightweight construction designed to be foldable; machine-stitched with reinforced handles.
Dimensions
32 cm Width (base) x 28 cm Height x 17 cm Depth; Handle drop approximately 10 cm; Strap drop approximately 50 cm.
Description
The Le Pliage Cuir is the luxury evolution of the world's most famous folding bag. Crafted from buttery-soft Metis leather, it retains the ingenious ability to fold up completely while offering the sophisticated look of a high-end leather satchel. This navy blue edition is a versatile workhorse for the modern professional or traveler.
Key Features
Foldable leather design; Metis leather durability; gunmetal hardware; debossed 'racehorse' logo on flap; oversized circular zipper pull.
Material & Construction
Metis Leather (a hybrid of lambskin and goatskin for suppleness and durability); lightweight construction designed to be foldable; machine-stitched with reinforced handles.
Color & Pattern
Navy Blue (branded as 'Marine'); solid color with a smooth, semi-matte finish and a subtle natural grain. No pattern, featuring a debossed logo.
Hardware Details
Gunmetal-tone/Nickel hardware; features a signature 'riding horse' debossed snap button and a large medallion zipper pull. Smooth metal sliders and D-rings for the strap.
Interior Description
Polyester and polyamide lining with a repeating jacquard Longchamp horse motif; typical interiors include one zip pocket and two flat cell-phone pockets.
Closure Type
Combination closure: a full-length top zipper for security with an overlapping leather flap secured by a single snap button.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual rolled leather top handles for hand carry; includes a detachable flat leather shoulder strap. Handles feature the characteristic 'pointy' leather tabs at the base.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-aligned machine stitching; clean, heat-sealed edge paint (glazing); the Metis leather grain is consistent throughout with no heavy scarring or synthetic plasticky feel.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the debossed horse logo; 'Longchamp' and 'Le Pliage Cuir' stamps inside; YKK or T-branded zippers; 'Original' snap button underside markings; high-quality edge painting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely made in France, Tunisia, or China (Longchamp utilizes multiple global ateliers with strict quality control standards for the Cuir line).
Era & Period
Contemporary Classic (2010s-Present); reflects the 'Quiet Luxury' trend for unbranded yet recognizable high-quality utility bags.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2022; based on the specific gunmetal hardware finish and the debossed logo style on the flap.
Cultural Significance
A staple of the 'French Girl' aesthetic; it represents a move toward practical luxury where utility is just as important as brand prestige.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent; minimal visible corner wear; leather shows slight natural softening/slouching; hardware remains bright without significant scratching.
Value Estimate
Original Retail: $535 - $640 USD; Current Resale Value: $200 - $350 USD depending on condition and accessories.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth; use a dedicated leather cream twice a year; store stuffed with tissue paper when not folded to maintain the base shape.
Similar Handbags
Longchamp Le Pliage Neo (satin nylon), Cuyana Tall Structured Tote, Coach Rogue Bag (more structured and heavier).
Interesting Facts
The 'Cuir' line was revolutionary because it was the first time a luxury house successfully created a leather handbag that could be folded flat without permanently creasing the material.