Way before collaborations became de rigueur on Planet Fashion, Longchamp was already partnering with a diverse array of artists and designers, all of whom took the label out of its comfort zone, sparking the creative energy that sees it hailed as one of the industry’s movers and shakers.
Longchamp is unveiling its latest — and particularly audacious — collaboration: with Emotionally Unavailable (EU), the contemporary fashion brand founded by friends and kindred creative spirits Edison Chen and Kybum Lee. As with all the best partnerships, chance played a part. Longchamp Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine explains: “I first discovered Emotionally Unavailable when I bought a T-shirt for my brother in Shanghai.
It made me want to know more about the guys behind the label.”
Edison Chen takes up the story: “So chance actually had Sophie and me meet randomly in Japan, just to catch up with each other and get acquainted. I felt like we vibed pretty well, so we decided to find a project to work on together.”
Like many designers before them, EU were inspired by Longchamp’s iconic Le Pliage, not only for its unique cross-gender, cross- generational appeal, but also for its unlimited potential for artistic reinterpretations. They bring their signature offbeat humour to the collaboration in the form of a play on the Longchamp name: “Been a CHAMP a LONG time”.
The line hints at the design duo’s inspiration, which is the mind-set of the champion
boxer, who fights on even when he’s down. However, their wider message — that, with the same mind-set, we can all be champions in life — also echoes the optimistic, dynamic attitude of Longchamp.
Boldly emblazoned in white on the black Le Pliage bags, this slogan is accompanied by the tongue-in-cheek “Professional Heartbreaker”, a nod to EU’s cult bleeding heart logo.
The collaboration also extends to a capsule of ready-to-wear featuring— alongside the athleisure staples of a grey-marl hoodie, black sweatshirt and black and white tees printed with the “Been a
CHAMP” or boxing logo designs — two unisex pieces borrowed from the boxing ring: black satin shorts and a matching kimono with a white tie belt. Labels on the shorts spotlight the collaboration’s key signatures, while the kimono is decorated with Longchamp racehorse and EU heart pins. Last but by no means least, a short-sleeved crew and drawstring pants in butter-soft black lambskin combine Longchamp’s leather goods heritage with EU’s contemporary fashion vision.
