Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Medium Top Handle Bag in Black Metis Leather
Tote / Top Handle Satchel with a trapezoidal silhouette · Longchamp (Family-owned); Tier: Contemporary Luxury; Renowned for utilitarian chic and French craftsmanship.
Collection: Le Pliage Cuir Line; Permanent collection (introduced in 2012 as a leather version of the nylon icon).
Style
Tote / Top Handle Satchel with a trapezoidal silhouette
Brand
Longchamp (Family-owned); Tier: Contemporary Luxury; Renowned for utilitarian chic and French craftsmanship.
Material
Metis Leather (a hybrid of lambskin and goatskin for softness and durability); machine-stitched with reinforced leather tabs; features a foldable design despite being leather.
Dimensions
32cm (W) x 28cm (H) x 17cm (D); Medium (M) size variant; Strap drop approx 10cm for handles.
Description
The Le Pliage Cuir is the elevated, sophisticated sister to the world-famous nylon tote. It maintains the ingenious foldable design while utilizing incredibly soft Metis leather that develops a beautiful patina. This black medium version is the quintessential everyday workhorse for the modern woman.
Key Features
Foldable leather construction; branded magnetic snap; racehorse embossed on the leather flap; signature rounded handles.
Material & Construction
Metis Leather (a hybrid of lambskin and goatskin for softness and durability); machine-stitched with reinforced leather tabs; features a foldable design despite being leather.
Color & Pattern
Classic Black (Noir); monochrome palette with a subtle natural grain pattern; permanent colorway.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone hardware; features a signature 'OKPT' or 'Original' branded magnetic snap button with patent numbers and the Longchamp racehorse logo.
Interior Description
Monogrammed polyester/polyamide jacquard lining; internal slip pockets; leather tab for the magnetic snap closure.
Closure Type
Combination: Top zipper with a leather flap secured by a magnetic snap button.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual rolled leather top handles with a detachable flat leather shoulder strap attached via D-rings.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine stitching; burnished edges on the leather tabs; balanced symmetry in the handle attachments.
Authentication Indicators
The magnetic snap features correct patent engravings (OKPT); stitching on the leather tab is neat and perfectly aligned; leather has the distinct pebbled texture of Metis hide.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely France, Tunisia, or China (Longchamp utilizes global workshops with strict quality control).
Era & Period
Contemporary (2010s-2020s); part of the brand's evolution toward 'accessible luxury' leather goods.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2021 based on the magnetic snap design and lining texture.
Cultural Significance
A staple of 'Parisian Chic' and a global symbol of practical luxury; transcends age groups and social classes.
Condition Notes
Very Good; light softening of the leather structure; minimal scratches on hardware; interior lining appears clean.
Value Estimate
Retail: $550 - $625; Resale: $200 - $350 depending on condition and secondary market demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth; use a leather conditioner every 6 months; store stuffed in a dust bag to maintain shape.
Similar Handbags
Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon (lighter, less expensive); Louis Vuitton Speedy (more structured, non-foldable).
Interesting Facts
The original nylon Le Pliage was inspired by Japanese origami; the Cuir version was designed specifically to allow the bag to be folded just like its canvas predecessor.