Kate Middleton famously carries the Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Bag. She has used various sizes and colors of this foldable, nylon, and leather-trimmed bag since 2005, including a black medium top handle bag and an espresso brown version.
But while she's regularly seen carrying pieces from high-end labels like Chanel and Hermes, there are still a handful of more affordable wardrobe staples, including her beloved Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote. It's timeless design has worked with Kate's wardrobe since 2005.
Le Pliage is one of the most worn bags in the world. This success would not be possible without Longchamp's excellent leather craftsmanship and the ingenuity that goes into every model in the origami-inspired line.
According to Jean Cassegrain, chief executive of Longchamp, the brand privately owned by his family since it was founded by his grandfather in 1948, its anti-fashion characteristics have not just made Le Pliage an enduring classic; he believes it is the most popular luxury handbag style in the world.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, announced in March 2024 that she was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January of that year; tests revealed the presence of cancer, leading her to begin preventative chemotherapy, which she completed in the summer of 2024, and she has since been focusing on recovery and gradually returning to public duties, though the specific type and stage of cancer remain private.
I'd place them in the 'accessible luxury' or 'affordable luxury' category. With 76 years of history, the brand carries the prestige of an established name, known for quality, craftsmanship, and timeless designs, yet remains more accessible than higher-end luxury labels.
Buckingham Palace has remained mum about how much Kate weighs or how tall she is, but rumors put her at 5-foot-10 and about 120 pounds. "At a weight of 120 for 5-foot-10, that puts her at 80 percent of ideal body weight, or definitely underweight," said Bonci.
Iconic and world-famous, Le Pliage draws its creative genius from origami. Instantly recognizable thanks to its flap and handles crafted from Russian leather, its ears, and press stud, Le Pliage is one of Longchamp's emblematic lines.
Yes, the Longchamp Le Pliage is very much in style, experiencing a major resurgence driven by Gen Z and millennials as a nostalgic yet fresh staple, bridging quiet luxury and Y2K trends with its classic, practical design, appearing everywhere from TikTok to fashion week runways. Its enduring appeal lies in its versatility, affordability, and ability to be personalized, making it a timeless "it" bag for all ages, says Vogue Australia and The Zoe Report.
For 2025, celebrity handbags focus on a mix of revamped classics and quiet luxury, with top picks including The Row Park Tote, Bottega Veneta's Andiamo & Ciao Ciao, Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7, Gucci Horsebit 1955, and the returning Chloé Paddington, alongside staple Hermès Birkin and Louis Vuitton Speedy bags, seen on stars like Hailey Bieber, Angelina Jolie, and Bella Hadid.
Classic neutral colours include shades like black, white, beige and brown. These timeless hues are incredibly versatile, transcending seasons and trends to complement a wide range of styles and looks, all while creating a balanced and sophisticated aesthetic.
In 1993, Philippe Cassegrain, Longchamp's CEO, personally designed what would become the company's most famous handbag: Le Pliage, which means 'folding' in French.
