An interview with JEAN CASSEGRAIN

In this exclusive interview, Longchamp's CEO, Jean Cassegrain speaks to Ai Lim about the brand's long-term corporate social responsibility mission and introduces a new line of eco-friendly bags, dubbed Le Pliage Re-Play, that exemplifies the brand's identity and ethos.

- Ai Lim

Since its founding in 1948, how has Longchamp evolved?

Well, Longchamp has been through many phases. I think we, the company, has been able to adapt to its time and remain contemporary at every moment of its life. The company started with accessories for men, such as pipes covered with leather. The leather has already been there from day one, but it was used in a very different way-it was used to embellish and make cigarette cases, pipes, tobacco pouches, and ashtrays more luxurious. Then slowly, we started making other products such as wallets, coin purses, and bags for men. It was only in the late '70s with the launch of ladies' bags that the brand started to have some female customers, and now ladies are our number one customer. Aside from leather goods, the brand has also expanded and evolved into fashion in a broader sense, with ready-to-wear and shoes. So from luxury leather pipes to shoes, dresses, and eyewear... it has been a journey.

Being a family business, how is Longchamp different to other players in the market?

I think, one important difference is that we are a family business, so it gives the brand a certain authenticity, integrity, and interest for things that are more long-term. We are not under pressure to deliver results in the next quarter like some other more finance-oriented companies. If you have private equity and are in the stock market, you need to deliver results every quarter you need to satisfy your stockholders, and so on. For us, it's more about looking at the next generation and having a long-term view.