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Rightfully So, East-West Bags Are Here for the Long Haul

Even heritage handbag houses are embracing the east-west shape—and for good reason.

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If handbags have been looking a little longer lately, you’re not imagining it. The East-West silhouette has become one of fashion’s most recognizable profiles, defined by a wider frame that creates an elongated look. Its close-to-the-body proportion exudes effortless style, explaining its growing presence on runways and in everyday wardrobes.

Now, for Summer 2026, Longchamp embraces this design through two releases: the debut of the Looong handbag and a refreshed take on the Le Pliage Xtra. And believe it or not, they’re bigger on the inside.

Saddling Up: The Longchamp Looong Leather Bag

The Longchamp Looong Leather Bag

The Looong introduces a new leather silhouette for Longchamp, drawing inspiration from the maison’s equestrian heritage through its soft, saddle-like shape. Rounded corners, pinched gussets, and adjustable straps give the piece a refined structure while maintaining its relaxed character.

Made from supple cowhide leather, its color palette ranges from timeless neutrals to vibrant seasonal shades, with options including Deep Black, Mocha Brown, Tonka Red, Sky Blue, and Pistachio Green.

Stretching It Out: The Le Pliage Xtra East-West

The Le Pliage Xtra East-West

RELATED: Manish Malhotra Embroiders His Mother’s Memory Into Haute Couture F/W26

Longchamp also revisits the Le Pliage Xtra with an East-West interpretation. The elongated body features longer handles designed for comfortable shoulder wear. Its streamlined structure leaves plenty of room for personal styling through charms and accessories—all of which pair beautifully with the line’s generous range of colors.

Clearly, the East-West bag has earned its place this season. Longchamp’s latest additions simply make the case a little easier to carry.


Photos: LONGCHAMP

Frequently Asked Questions

The East-West handbag trend is defined by a distinct, horizontally elongated silhouette with a wider frame. This structural design sits close to the body under the shoulder, offering a streamlined profile that balances traditional heritage aesthetics with contemporary styling.

The Longchamp Looong leather bag draws inspiration from the brand’s historic equestrian roots. Constructed from supple cowhide leather, the bag features a curved, saddle-like shape, rounded corners, pinched gussets, and adjustable straps that create an elegant yet relaxed structure.

The Longchamp Looong bag is available in a versatile color palette that spans classic neutrals and vibrant seasonal tones, including Deep Black, Mocha Brown, Tonka Red, Sky Blue, and Pistachio Green, matching different wardrobe preferences.

Longchamp’s Le Pliage Xtra is updated with an elongated East-West shape featuring longer handles designed specifically for comfortable shoulder wear. The streamlined leather structure keeps the brand’s minimalist appeal while leaving room for personal styling with charms.

Yes, despite their streamlined and narrow external appearances, both the Looong and the Le Pliage Xtra East-West are designed with expanded interior roominess. Their practical dimensions easily accommodate daily essentials while maintaining a structured, close-to-body fit.

Anya Oxyn

Anya Oxyn

Senior Fashion Writer

Formerly a stylist who immersed herself intimately within the Philippine fashion circuit for over three years, Anya has refined her transformative, hands-on experience into an insightful voice for MEGA Asia as a Senior Fashion Writer.

Her editorial pursuit possesses three facets: her time as an essayist during her education at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, her extensive experience in digital media and strategic storytelling, and her belief that fashion has a beating heart deeply intertwined with art, culture, society, and humanity itself that is worth uncovering.

Anya’s versatile pen spans a dynamic range of subjects, including emerging local designers, global luxury houses, beauty trends, film and television fashion analysis, cultural op-eds, major events, and beyond.

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