Hidden Treasures in New York: Longchamp and Jeremy Scott’s 20-Year Shh

In the mid of New York City, where the energy of Manhattan’s streets pulses with the same vibrant rhythm that has defined American creativity for centuries, Longchamp, the iconic French maison, has once again bridged the Atlantic. Through its participation in the Comité Colbert’s landmark exhibition “Hidden Treasures: 250 Years of Franco-American Luxury Stories” at The Shed, Longchamp, in partnership with visionary American designer Jeremy Scott, showcases not only exquisite craftsmanship but also the enduring culture and artistic dialogue between France and the United States.

This event, held in late May 2026, marks a significant milestone: nearly two decades of fruitful collab between Longchamp and Jeremy Scott, a partnership that began in 2006 and has continuously redefined the boundaries of accessible luxury, play design, and cultural exchange. As guests gathered at Longchamp’s La Maison Unique flagship in SoHo for celebratory events, complete with drone flyovers carrying limited-edition bags and star-studded appearances, the occasion felt like a love letter exchanged across oceans—elegant, irreverent, and profoundly meaningful.

 

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To absorb the depth of this transatlantic celebration, one must first delve into Longchamp’s storied history. Founded in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain in Paris, the maison initially gained recognition for its innovative leather-covered pipes before expanding into high-quality leather goods, luggage, and handbags. The brand’s name draws inspiration from the famous Longchamp racecourse in the Bois de Boulogne, evoking movement, elegance, and the thrill of the journey—themes that remain central to its identity today.

Longchamp’s presence in the United States dates back to the 1950s, with distribution through major retailers, followed by the opening of its first U.S. store on Madison Avenue in 1984. By 2006, the brand had established its flagship “La Maison Unique” in SoHo, a bold statement of commitment to the American market. This expansion was not merely commercial; it embodied a deeper culture dialogue. France and the United States have long shared a mutual fascination—think of Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic charm in Parisian salons or the influence of French Impressionism on American artists. In the realm of haute, this exchange has produced some of the most enduring icons, from Chanel’s timeless elegance to the bold experimentation of American designers interpreting European heritage.

Central to Longchamp’s global appeal is its iconic Le Pliage bag, introduced in 1993 by Philippe Cassegrain. Inspired by the Japanese art of origami, Le Pliage—French for “the fold”—is a masterpiece of practicality and style. Lightweight, foldable into a compact form, and durable enough for everyday adventures, it democratized luxury. What began as a functional travel companion evolved into a canvas for artistic expression, perfectly positioned for connections that infuse high fashion with wit and accessibility.

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Jeremy Scott, the Missouri-born designer known for his larger-than-life personality and unapologetically coltish aesthetic, first connected with Longchamp in 2006. Invited to create a limited-edition collection for the opening of the SoHo flagship, Scott debuted “This is not your Bag,” a series that play subverted expectations and injected pop culture energy into the Le Pliage silhouette.

Over the subsequent two decades, Scott has produced more than 25 limited-edition designs for Longchamp. His contributions range from tire-print motifs that nod to urban grit, neon fur accents, space-themed explorations, and postcard-inspired graphics. Each collaboration transforms the humble Le Pliage into a statement piece—humorous, ironic, and deeply tied to themes of travel, identity, and cultural hybridity.

Scott’s approach perfectly complements Longchamp’s ethos. Where the maison excels in meticulous craftsmanship—using premium materials, precise folding techniques, and equestrian-inspired details like the galloping horse motif—Scott brings irreverence, celebrity appeal, and a distinctly American sense of showmanship. His work at Moschino, where he served as creative director, and his runway spectacles have made him a global icon of maximalist fashion. Yet in his Longchamp partnerships, he maintains a balance: respecting the brand’s heritage while pushing it into new, exciting territories.

This synergy has not only boosted Longchamp’s view among younger, fashion-forward consumers but also reinforced the brand’s position as a bridge between classic French luxury and contemporary global culture. As Scott himself noted during recent celebrations, New York has profoundly shaped him over the past 20 years, making the latest tributes particularly personal.

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The Comité Colbert, a prestigious association of French haute brands founded in 1954, organized “Hidden Treasures” to commemorate 250 years of cultural and economic ties between France and the United States. Running at The Shed in Hudson Yards from May 26 to 31, 2026, the exhibition features 68 renowned maisons and highlights hidden stories, artisanal secrets, and cross-cultural influences.

Longchamp’s contribution is a standout: a special edition Le Pliage titled “Greetings from Paris,” created in collaboration with Jeremy Scott. This bag serves as both a play fashion object and a symbolic emblem of the Franco-American dialogue. Featuring postcard-style graphics that evoke classic travel mementos, it pays homage to the iconic “Greetings from Paradise” (2012) and “Greetings from Paris” editions while tying into the exhibition’s themes. The piece underscores how luxury items can act as cultural ambassadors, carrying narratives of friendship, creativity, and shared values across borders.

Simultaneously, Longchamp launched the “Greetings from New York” Le Pliage travel bag, available exclusively at the SoHo boutique and online. A drone spectacle during the launch party in Soho dramatically delivered the new design, capturing the imagination of attendees and social media audiences alike. This edition continues the beloved postcard series, offering a heartfelt tribute to the city that has been Scott’s home and creative playground.

Inside Longchamp’s SoHo store, a retrospective exhibition traces the 20-year collaboration, displaying iconic models that illustrate the evolution of the partnership. From early tire prints to fantastical motifs, the display reveals how each bag tells a story of innovation, friendship, and the joy of creation. Running through mid-July 2026, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in this creative journey.

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The celebratory event at La Maison Unique was nothing short of spectacular. Attendees included celebrities like Emma Roberts, Zoey Deutch, Kate Mara, Coco Rocha, and Alexandra Richards, who mingled against the backdrop of music by The Misshapes. Jeremy Scott hosted from the second floor, reflecting on two decades of bags that chronicle his life and artistic evolution.

This gathering was more than a product launch; it was a testament to the power of collaboration in an era where fashion increasingly serves as a platform for cultural exchange. In a world often divided by politics and economics, events like “Hidden Treasures” remind us of the unifying force of beauty, craftsmanship, and shared history.

The Franco-American dialogue celebrated here echoes historical milestones: the American Revolution’s reliance on French support, the Statue of Liberty gifted from France to the U.S., and countless artistic exchanges from Hemingway’s Paris years to modern fashion weeks. Haute house brands like Longchamp play a vital role in sustaining this dialogue, creating objects that transcend utility and become vessels for emotion and memory.

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The Longchamp-Jeremy Scott partnership has achieved remarkable commercial and cultural success. Le Pliage collisions have become collector’s items, appearing in vintage markets and fashion archives. They have helped position Longchamp as a dynamic, forward-thinking brand while allowing Scott to experiment within a beloved canvas.

Critically, these bags challenge traditional notions of luxury. By making high-quality, artistically rich accessories accessible, they align with contemporary values of inclusivity and sustainability—Le Pliage’s durability encourages long-term use rather than disposability.

Looking ahead, the future of such collaborations seems bright. As Longchamp continues under the leadership of the Cassegrain family, with Sophie Delafontaine as a key creative force, the maison remains committed to innovation rooted in heritage. Scott’s ongoing involvement suggests more exciting chapters, potentially exploring new materials, technologies, or global themes.

For consumers, these pieces offer more than style—they provide a tangible connection to a larger narrative. Carrying a “Greetings from New York” or “Greetings from Paris” bag means participating in a conversation that spans continents and generations.

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As the curtains close on the “Hidden Treasures” exhibition and the SoHo retrospective continues, Longchamp and Jeremy Scott’s celebration stands as a powerful affirmation of creativity’s borderless nature. In presenting these works in New York, the maison honors its French roots while embracing American vitality. The nearly 20-year collaboration exemplifies how mutual respect, shared curiosity, and artistic daring can produce enduring beauty.

In an increasingly interconnected yet sometimes fragmented world, initiatives like this remind us of luxury’s higher purpose: to foster understanding, spark joy, and preserve the stories that connect us. Whether folded neatly in a suitcase or proudly displayed on the shoulder, these Le Pliage bags carry more than belongings—they transport the spirit of Franco-American friendship into the future.