During Paris Fashion Week last October, we visited Longchamp’s headquarters at 12 Rue Saint-Florentin, just steps from the Trocadéro. It was a chilly and gloomy week but the spring/summer 2026 collection `we previewed provided an instant uplift. Sophie Delafontaine, Creative Director—and a third-generation member of the Longchamp family to be leading the brand—sat down with us to share the inspirations and influences shaping the Maison’s latest chapter, and what it means to design for women constantly on the move.
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What was the creative spark behind the spring/summer 2026 collection?
The spirit of this collection centres around movement—the idea of energy, freedom, and momentum. I wanted to reflect the Longchamp woman as someone who is always active, always in motion, and whose wardrobe supports that rhythm. The collection unfolds in two parts. The first, for spring, is inspired by the atmosphere of an ice skating rink. It captures moments of joy, togetherness, and optimism, those simple yet beautiful times spent with friends and family. The second, for summer, draws from surf culture. It represents another side of the Longchamp woman—free-spirited, curious, open to discovery. Surfing evokes freedom, wind, and waves, something raw yet refreshing. That contrast brings a very dynamic energy to the collection.
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Longchamp is rooted in Parisian heritage, yet speaks to a global audience. How do you balance both?
For me, the spring/summer 2026 collection brings together elegance and energy. There is always a Parisian sensibility, sophistication, and savoir-faire, but also youth, positivity, and dynamism. Longchamp is built on French heritage and craftsmanship, but it is also a creative, joyful, and colourful Maison. Today’s generation is drawn to both. They want meaning and emotion, but also spontaneity and freedom.
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What do you think makes the brand resonate so strongly with Gen Z?
They care deeply about how products are made and who makes them. At the same time, they look for pieces that feel unique and fit seamlessly into their lifestyle. The challenge—and the beauty—is bringing these values together. That balance defines Longchamp today.
How do social media, digital culture, and the global fashion week system influence your design process?
For almost 80 years, Longchamp has evolved continuously—not through radical change, but through constant refinement. Each year brings something new, shaped by our environment and community. We were among the first to offer online customisation with Le Pliage back in 2006. Today, social media is essential, but physical experiences remain just as important. Even though younger generations live in a digital world, they still seek authenticity and connection in real life. We give equal importance to both. That balance is what keeps the Maison strong.
As the grandchild of the brand’s founder, what lessons have you learnt from your family that have shaped you as a leader?
Passion comes first. It was passed down to me by my father and grandfather. Respect is equally important respect for people, for craftsmanship, and for the product itself. My father also taught me to give the product a chance. Try again and again. Sometimes it doesn’t work, but innovation requires persistence. That advice applies to life as much as it does to work.
What is the greatest joy or challenge of working in a family business?
It’s truly an opportunity. We are a close and supportive family. I worked alongside my parents for many years, then my brothers, and now the next generation—my daughter, nieces, and nephews. Working across generations is incredibly meaningful. I see myself as a bridge—passing on values, skills and passion, while learning new perspectives from the younger generation. That exchange keeps us evolving.