Kim Se-Jeong Channels '90s Chic With This Iconic Longchamp Bag
Longchamp’s iconic Le Roseau bag – a 1990s front-row favourite – continues to rock three decades on. In collaboration with the brand, FEMALE takes a closer look at the bag's enduring appeal.
Everyone knows the '90s as a golden era for handbags. It was when the concept of It bags was birthed – many of which continue to reign for their distinctive, trend-setting design. Among them? The idiosyncratic Le Roseau by Longchamp, French purveyor of well-made, timelessly chic leather goods since 1948.
The new mini-sized Le Roseau on Kim Se-Jeong is the smallest version of the bag.
Meant to carry and offer effortless access to one's daily essentials, the Le Roseau debuted as a roomy yet compact open tote with clean and elegant lines. Securing its contents is its most unexpected feature: a metal toggle-style clasp in the shape of a piece of bamboo. This minimalist-with-a-quirk aesthetic was a refreshing departure from the bold statement bags of the time and the Le Roseau quickly became a critic's choice literally – it was often spotted on the arms of journalists at Paris Fashion Week. (Needless to say, it was a hit among the city's famously chic women too.)
Chestnut (pictured above) is one of the six new shades in the Le Roseau lineup this season.
Today, the Le Roseau has grown into a full-fledged line that remains a cornerstone of Longchamp. Beyond the classic tote design, the expansive range includes bucket bags, East-West shoulder bags and even phone cases, reflecting the evolving needs of modern women. For Fall Winter 2024, Longchamp creative director Sophie Delafontaine has further reimagined it into a hyper-cute handbag measuring a petite-yet-practical 15 cm X 15 cm X 9 cm, and an every day-friendly, softly structured hobo (it measures 26 cm X 30 cm X 13 cm). Both styles are crafted in the hardy yet sophisticated grained leather that's signature to the Le Roseau collection.
Also new to the line are upbeat colours including a bold orange and a striking chartreuse reminiscent of the "Brat" green Charli XCX has popularised this past summer, injecting a playful touch that underscores how the '90s-born Le Roseau never gets old.
Looking to dress up your Le Roseau? Personalise it with playful, whimsical key rings and bag charms.
To highlight the youthful appeal of the Le Roseau this season, Longchamp has enlisted the ever-girlish South Korean actress-slash-singer Kim Se-Jeong to front its campaign. Shot in a gym locker-like setting to complement its Team Spirit theme for Fall Winter 2024 that's meant to celebrate movement, Kim sports the Le Roseau in both its new XS size and popular S size, the latter accessorised with the new Le Pliage Energy canvas shoulder strap that ups the fun and dynamism.
Scroll down to see more offerings from Longchamp's Le Roseau collection this season, all now available at the Maison's boutiques and e-store.
Le Roseau XS leather handbag, $965
Le Roseau XS leather handbag, $965
Le Roseau S leather handbag, $1,160
Le Roseau M leather hobo bag, $1,160
Le Roseau XS leather bucket bag, $1,040
Le Roseau Essential S leather hobo bag, $725
Le Roseau S leather handbag, $1,020
Le Roseau large canvas tote, $1,020
Le Roseau leather phone case, $410