L’OfficieL style
22
Paper Trail
Inspired by the ancient
Japanese art of origami,
this new collaboration sees
the iconic Le Pliage bag
reinterpreted by Tokyo-
based design studio, Nendo
Words Olivia Hayden Ong
The original Longchamp Le Pliage was
first created in 1993, with the foldable
bag being inspired by the Japanese art
of origami. This new collaboration
with Tokyo-based design studio,
Nendo, sees the icon being revamped
as imaginative, minimalist pieces.About NeNdo
Nendo was founded in 2002 by Oki
Sato, and aims to create designs that
represent what it calls “!” moments.
Its design philosophy is based on
tweaking ordinary objects to give us a
fresh perspective. This ethos is clearly
demonstrated by the brand’s intriguing
reinterpretations of Le Pliage, which
sheds new light on the iconic bag.the SpeciAl VerSioNS
There are three variations of bags, all minimal in shape and sophisticated
in execution. The first is a bag that transforms into a cube, which
can be used for storage or transport, and also into a spacious wide-
bottomed hold-all. The second is a cone-shaped bag with a single
handle, which can be either carried or hung from a hook or rail. The
leather top opens easily to allow objects to be put in or taken out.
The third is a circular bag inspired by traditional furoshiki folding
cloths, which were widely used in Japan to carry objects before the
popularization of Western-style bags. The cone and circle bags come
in two sizes, and the cube bag in three. The bags are available in six
shades of neutrals including dark blue, mustard and burgundy.WhAt loNgchAmp SAyS
“What I appreciate about Nendo is their respect for the codes of Le Pliage,
they wanted to retain the DNA of the original product – the nylon, the
Russian leather, the flap and the foldability, but with an entirely new
twist,” says Sophie Delafontaine, Longchamp’s creative director.