Le Pliage is the Longchamp handbag launched in 1993 and known for its foldable nylon body and leather flap.
Philippe Cassegrain designed the bag for the French company Longchamp. The name comes from the French word “pliage,” meaning folding. Its lightweight construction allows the bag to collapse into a compact shape, while the leather flap and handles provide structure and a recognizable finish.
Le Pliage was inspired in part by the practicality of Japanese paper-folding techniques. It became one of Longchamp’s best-known products and has been produced in numerous colors, sizes and special editions. The bag is sometimes described simply as a nylon tote, but its defining combination is the foldable body, snap-fastened leather flap and two handles.