Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir - your opinions

[REREsaurus]

SBD - How did I know to check tpf today? I haven't been on for ages and yet today, I felt like something was calling to me. It was you!

Lets talk Cuir. I love mine. My favorite is my Navy from the first season, a deep dark blue that look almost black. It has the thickest leather of them all and even a little distressing, if you can believe that.

I like your choices as to what color to get next. I love the Sapin as it reminds me of a darker and richer Balenciaga Sapin green. I already have a dark Khaki Givenchy Antigona so thats why I didn't get the Sapin.

Gun Metal - adore the gun metal! Its an interesting gray, even for a gray that doesn't have that many undertones. You and I are used to the likes of Anthracite. Gun metal is refreshing for me.

Canard - so nice! Soooo nice for a duck blue! I have to admit that I don't do brighter blue bags but this one has a perfect mixture of green and blue. Careful though. I have seen some with incredible leather and some with nasty skin. Canard should be chosen in person if at all possible.

Natural - can't go wrong with Natural. I like the first season's Natural more than this seasons Camel/Caramel since I think this seasons is a bit too "orangey." The first season's Natural is like 05 Caramel, maybe a little cooler in tone.

My point is...

That you can't go wrong.

Good to see you here, my darling!

"Oh where of where has our little Rere gone..." I was wondering.. and my question has been answered!

I was in Sydney last week, and saw Le Pliage Cuir... I'd been wondering if Longchamp would ever do that style in leather, as - like Rere, I'm a leather-freak.

So, umming and ahhing between the Sapin (amazing Forest Green), the Gunmetal and the Canard (like the Balenciaga Canard), I fell upon this thread, saw Rere's photos, heard her "Aria for Le Pliage", and immediately wandered into the Perth Hunt Leather store to feel them again.

I left with the store with the Gunmetal in the Medium, worrying about whether I should have bought the next size up.

On returning home, I cannot believe how much I could fit into this size up from the smallest size: the usual suspects of wallet, phone, key-pouch and sunglasses, followed by... three pouches - each the size of the Balanciaga Make-Up; a magazine; a book; another book (just because I wanted to see how much it would fit without exploding); a scarf; a water bottle; and - finally - my mid-weight leather biker jacket. And the bag still managed to zip up without any strain on the zip, with the little corners still sagging slightly with some leftover space.

Unbelievable.

Then, when emptied of everything but what I would take out at night - keys, wallet and book (because you never know when you are going to get caught out waiting... and I still haven't switched to e-books), the bag simply dro-o-o-o-ps to perfection.

It's so capacious as a travel bag or work bag, and looks gorgeous when there is next to nothing in it.

I am officially in love with this leather version of an old Longchamp favourite... and it's completely satisfied my three-year-long desire to own a Balenciaga Maxi Twiggy in Anthracite at a fraction of the cost.

Coming from the same place as Rere, I've had to forgo my passion for heavily distressed leather, but this hasn't been too hard with the incredible softness of the Longchamp Le Pliage leather .

I think I am going to go back for the Sapin or the Natural - I just adore the the Le Pliage Cuir. It's a great leather bag for a pretty good price with excellent workmanship... very happy indeed!

 

[elkington]

Hello Does anyone know if Longchamp has discontinued the navy cuir? Their web site does not show the Le Pliage Cuir available in navy. I've just recently been exposed to the Cuir line and I really like the pics of the navy posted on this thread. I haven't had a chance to go to a Longchamp store to find out. Also, how big is the large Cuir compared to the nylon Pliage. I've read the dimensions and it seems like the large Cuir is comparable to the nylon travel version. Could I be right with that assumption? Also, I am 5'3", 100 lbs. I own the nylon Le Pliage in large (both long and short handles) and am fine with the size, especially when it sags a bit. Any thoughts, advice or suggestion from all you experienced Longchamp ladies (and maybe even gents since Josh Duhamel has one ) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

if you look at the longchamp website they seem to bring the navy cuir back for spring! I don't know if it's the exact same shade of navy as the old one, but there will be a navy bag again

 

[seajewel]

ooh new spring colors including a navy! It looks lighter than the old navy though. The old navy was PERFECT, so beautiful, if only it had been available in the in-between size. I got a call from the boutique about navy coming in next week but I won't be able to go see it for another month or so.

 

[angelicjulie]

i would imagine the leather will have to be fairly thin to be able to fold up as easily as the nylon version - has anyone used one and folded it back up that can confirm what it's like in use?

 

[misstrine85]

Anyone know where this can be bought online in Europe?

 

[schmurse]

I'm guessing you got the "new" medium, right? Thank you so much for saying what all you could fit in there! I've been looking for a new leather bag and read this ENTIRE thread... the small seemed too small and the medium too big. But then the new medium came out and I wondered, "What all can fit in there?" Mod pics??

On returning home, I cannot believe how much I could fit into this size up from the smallest size: the usual suspects of wallet, phone, key-pouch and sunglasses, followed by... three pouches - each the size of the Balanciaga Make-Up; a magazine; a book; another book (just because I wanted to see how much it would fit without exploding); a scarf; a water bottle; and - finally - my mid-weight leather biker jacket. And the bag still managed to zip up without any strain on the zip, with the little corners still sagging slightly with some leftover space.

 

[schmurse]

And now I just have to decide what color!! I usually go with dark brown leather (looks more natural to me) but I've been thinking of black, gun metal, or navy as well... This will be my new every day bag... Suggestions? I usually don't like black bags but I've been warming up to them. I'm leaning most towards the gun metal color but can't find it anywhere, not even on the Longchamp website!

Nordstrom's and Saks are being very disappointing at the moment because they don't seem to have the "new" medium in stock on their website... should I try calling the store?

 

[scouts#1]

And now I just have to decide what color!! I usually go with dark brown leather (looks more natural to me) but I've been thinking of black, gun metal, or navy as well... This will be my new every day bag... Suggestions? I usually don't like black bags but I've been warming up to them. I'm leaning most towards the gun metal color but can't find it anywhere, not even on the Longchamp website!

Nordstrom's and Saks are being very disappointing at the moment because they don't seem to have the "new" medium in stock on their website... should I try calling the store?

The new medium was only being sold through the Longchamp website and boutiques for the fall colors. The retailers were to get this size in for the spring colors.

I have the black and natural handbags. Both are beautiful, but I worry less about getting a stain on the black. The gun metal is also very pretty, a friend has that color. Good luck with your decision.

 

[schmurse]

The new medium was only being sold through the Longchamp website and boutiques for the fall colors. The retailers were to get this size in for the spring colors.

I have the black and natural handbags. Both are beautiful, but I worry less about getting a stain on the black. The gun metal is also very pretty, a friend has that color. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks! I guess I'll just have to be patient and wait for Nordstroms and Saks to get the spring items in... Any idea on what colors will be available then?

 

[SkyBlueDay]

Hi Rere You're psychic!

Thanks so much for your colour details... so helpful, and - hahahaha, that's still so Bal!!! And your Navy sounds INCREDIBLE.

I came away with my second Le Pliage Cuir in the old Natural - like the 05 Caramel (I think Australia has been slow to get all the new colours because we have been slow to purchase all the old ones.

I still love the Sapin, but the sales lady was so wonderful; to my "I can't decide, I think I should buy both the Gunmetal and the Sapin", she replied, "no - no - don't - you'll love the Sapin for its colour, but that's its drawback as well, because it won't go with everything like the Gunmetal does... and if you travel a lot and will only take one bag with you, I promise it will be the Gunmetal over the Sapin".

She's been right - the Gunmetal is a no-brainer shade! And, I love the Natural when I wear really dark shades or lots of navy, black (rare for the last two - usually mad shades, tie-dye and patterns) or all burgundy.

Wonder if I'll start to fall for the brighter colours! And I know if its ever made in burgundy, I'll grab that in a shot.

So nice to catch up with you again - I still haven't figured out how to post pics... my mission for this year

SBD - How did I know to check tpf today? I haven't been on for ages and yet today, I felt like something was calling to me. It was you!

Lets talk Cuir. I love mine. My favorite is my Navy from the first season, a deep dark blue that look almost black. It has the thickest leather of them all and even a little distressing, if you can believe that.

I like your choices as to what color to get next. I love the Sapin as it reminds me of a darker and richer Balenciaga Sapin green. I already have a dark Khaki Givenchy Antigona so thats why I didn't get the Sapin.

Gun Metal - adore the gun metal! Its an interesting gray, even for a gray that doesn't have that many undertones. You and I are used to the likes of Anthracite. Gun metal is refreshing for me.

Canard - so nice! Soooo nice for a duck blue! I have to admit that I don't do brighter blue bags but this one has a perfect mixture of green and blue. Careful though. I have seen some with incredible leather and some with nasty skin. Canard should be chosen in person if at all possible.

Natural - can't go wrong with Natural. I like the first season's Natural more than this seasons Camel/Caramel since I think this seasons is a bit too "orangey." The first season's Natural is like 05 Caramel, maybe a little cooler in tone.

My point is...

That you can't go wrong.

Good to see you here, my darling!

 

[SkyBlueDay]

Hi schmurse! Yes, I did get the medium.... but I had not idea that it was new, as the first time I'd ever seen them was just two weeks ago. Like you, I read the entire thread, too - before I went out and purchased my first one just a week ago.

I'm so happy with the size, and think it's great for those of us who don't change bags for a long while, using the same bag for day-to-night.

I'm hopeless with the computer and have struggled to post pictures ever since I first landed on TPF... It's my mission to figure it out this year, but I suspect by the time I do, someone else will have posted much better photos than I'd be able to get you!

However, if you want shots, I'd be very happy to email you at your preferred email address ( I sometimes think I should just set up an email account for TPF things) - just message me and I'll take some shots for you.

For reference sake, the size I got is about the same size - possibly slightly bigger - than the Balenciaga Work style... but Le Pliage is much more compact in its structure and just doesn't look as large as it really is. And, that's one of the things I love about it!

The leather on both my Gunmetal and Natural started out quite soft... but they are now very supple after just a week of using them (so - three days of use each), and I think they would be very strong and withstand a fair bit of weight on a regular basis. The Gunmetal one and I were caught in heavy, prolonged rain last week - no staining on the leather whatsoever, and the leather remained as supple as ever; really happy with that. I suspect the Natural one will withstand staining and water just as well as its Gunmetal buddy.

Hope that helps!

I'm guessing you got the "new" medium, right? Thank you so much for saying what all you could fit in there! I've been looking for a new leather bag and read this ENTIRE thread... the small seemed too small and the medium too big. But then the new medium came out and I wondered, "What all can fit in there?" Mod pics??

 

[SkyBlueDay]

I found the leather supple and to be strong... time will tell - I suspect it will be hardy - fingers crossed!

i would imagine the leather will have to be fairly thin to be able to fold up as easily as the nylon version - has anyone used one and folded it back up that can confirm what it's like in use?

 

[schmurse]

Hi schmurse! Yes, I did get the medium.... but I had not idea that it was new, as the first time I'd ever seen them was just two weeks ago. Like you, I read the entire thread, too - before I went out and purchased my first one just a week ago.

I'm so happy with the size, and think it's great for those of us who don't change bags for a long while, using the same bag for day-to-night.

I'm hopeless with the computer and have struggled to post pictures ever since I first landed on TPF... It's my mission to figure it out this year, but I suspect by the time I do, someone else will have posted much better photos than I'd be able to get you!

However, if you want shots, I'd be very happy to email you at your preferred email address ( I sometimes think I should just set up an email account for TPF things) - just message me and I'll take some shots for you.

For reference sake, the size I got is about the same size - possibly slightly bigger - than the Balenciaga Work style... but Le Pliage is much more compact in its structure and just doesn't look as large as it really is. And, that's one of the things I love about it!

The leather on both my Gunmetal and Natural started out quite soft... but they are now very supple after just a week of using them (so - three days of use each), and I think they would be very strong and withstand a fair bit of weight on a regular basis. The Gunmetal one and I were caught in heavy, prolonged rain last week - no staining on the leather whatsoever, and the leather remained as supple as ever; really happy with that. I suspect the Natural one will withstand staining and water just as well as its Gunmetal buddy.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much for all the info! You're making me want this bag even more... Didn't know that was possible. Ill message you

 

[REREsaurus]

Ladies, I went out today on an impromptu trip to Longchamp in SF. My SA called me yesterday to say the bags I wanted to see were on hold. Had to see them.

PAPRIKA - I walked away with the new Paprika in "new" medium! It is my favorite one now, second to my "old" medium Navy Cuir. Oh goodness, you guys are in for a surprise when I get around to posting pics! Paprika is divine, just the right amount of orange and hints of red. Darker than tangerine and totally wearable, even for everyday. PAPRIKA - pics soon. I promise!

YELLOW - insanely gorgeous as well! I don't know that I could ever carry a yellow bag but if I were to, this would be it. It's bright but not shocking and still has some mute-ness to it.

SANDY BEIGE - Ewe. Just, ewe. Much better off with either first season's Caramel or second season's Camel. Sandy is dull and blah with absolutely zero depth.

NEW NAVY - I'm surprised but its actually very very close to first season's old and darker Navy! It's not as dark, and the old Navy has a little more depth, but its nice if you're wanting a Navy Cuir.

 

[Zombie Girl]

Ladies, I went out today on an impromptu trip to Longchamp in SF. My SA called me yesterday to say the bags I wanted to see were on hold. Had to see them.

PAPRIKA - I walked away with the new Paprika in "new" medium! It is my favorite one now, second to my "old" medium Navy Cuir. Oh goodness, you guys are in for a surprise when I get around to posting pics! Paprika is divine, just the right amount of orange and hints of red. Darker than tangerine and totally wearable, even for everyday. PAPRIKA - pics soon. I promise!

YELLOW - insanely gorgeous as well! I don't know that I could ever carry a yellow bag but if I were to, this would be it. It's bright but not shocking and still has some mute-ness to it.

SANDY BEIGE - Ewe. Just, ewe. Much better off with either first season's Caramel or second season's Camel. Sandy is dull and blah with absolutely zero depth.

NEW NAVY - I'm surprised but its actually very very close to first season's old and darker Navy! It's not as dark, and the old Navy has a little more depth, but its nice if you're wanting a Navy Cuir.

Thanks for the report ReRe! Can't wait to see your pics!!