We immediately recognize it on a shoulder in the subway or in a high school hallway, and yet it seems straight out of a memory: this foldable canvas and leather bag that accompanied so many days of classes comes to the fore. At the start of the 2026 school year, it can be found everywhere, from school desks to open spaces, without having aged a bit.
This comeback is not insignificant: created in 1993 by Philippe Cassegrain, the Le Pliage bag by Longchamp was long considered “seen and seen again” before today regaining the status of back-to-school it-bag. A fashion journalist even says that her 15-year-old cousin chose a Longchamp for her entry into high school, a sign that the new generation is really rediscovering it.
Why Le Pliage Longchamp sticks to the nostalgia of the 90s-2000s
The movement is broader than itself: pieces from our adolescence are regaining space, from wedge sneakers to printed t-shirts. On the leather goods side, soft bags from the 90s, like the suede tote bag, are also making a comeback. Their velvety material, their beige, brown or camel shades and their relaxed look fit perfectly with fall.
Le Pliage is part of this wave of soft bags designed to live, fill and wear nicely. Its durable canvas, its lightness and its minimal design are reassuring at the time of the start of the school year, a period when we are looking for a reliable companion to face journeys, classes and meetings without asking questions.
Le Pliage Longchamp, from 1993 to Kate Middleton: a reassuring classic
Launched in 1993, Le Pliage quickly won over teenage girls and students of the 2000s. Its tote format, its zipped closure, its leather handle and its ultra-practical folding made it an everyday basic. Timeless, easy to wear and match, it remained in many closets, even when other more rigid bags took over.
The Princess of Wales also had a lot to do with it. In the 2000s, Kate Middleton made the Pliage one of her favorite bags. During Prince William’s graduation in 2005, she appeared with this model on her arm, a simple but studied look, and the bag immediately sparked desire. When a royal figure adopts an accessible accessory, it immediately gains reassuring classic status.
How to wear the Longchamp Le Pliage bag back to school
At the office, the Pliage works very well with linen culottes and a blouse in the same material. Neutral tones emphasize its discreet chic side, while remaining professional. In the weekend version, the travel, clutch or size L formats allow you to carry the essentials with loose harem pants, a linen tank top and open mules.
In high school or university, it easily replaces a classic school bag: a large format worn on the shoulder with wide jeans, a sweatshirt and white sneakers is enough to give it an updated 2000s look. Because ultimately, this bag pleases because it follows all the rhythms without going out of fashion.
Why is the Longchamp Le Pliage bag coming back into fashion?
It’s making a comeback thanks to the mix of 90s-2000s nostalgia, the trend for soft bags and the fact that it remains practical, light and discreet. Its adoption by Kate Middleton also established it as a safe bet.
What size Longchamp Le Pliage bag should you choose for high school or college?
For classes, large formats are the most practical, because they accommodate notebooks, pencil cases and water bottles. Smaller models are better suited to lighter days or outings.
How to wear Le Pliage Longchamp to the office without looking too adolescent?
Simply pair it with more structured pieces: blazer, wide-leg pants or linen culottes, sober blouse and elegant shoes. Neutral colors reinforce its adult chic side.
Sources
- Grazia
“This chic bag that has rocked an entire generation hasn’t aged a bit, it’s back in style at the start of the school year and Kate Middleton loves it”
- Grazia
“It hasn’t aged a bit, this 90s bag is back more desirable than ever this fall”
