The Princess of Wales has many style signatures, but one item that has stuck around since her pre-royal days is her beloved Longchamp Le Pliage bag. At her graduation from St. Andrews in 2005 she wore her gown with a with tan handles – an accessory that epitomised the that appeared in and the final series of This was a distinctive strain of “scruffed-up prep” that swept through collegiate universities – think popped Hollister collars, concealer as lipstick, well-worn ankle boots, yellow Livestrong bands and the smell of Johnson’s Holiday Skin.
The Princess of Wales might have ditched her Ugg boots and skinny scarves, but you’ll often see her (or members of her entourage) carrying this practical folding tote when on the move on a royal tour. It wasn’t just a King’s Road favourite, regularly spotted at Bunga Bunga in Battersea – Alexa Chung also carried one in her Indie Sleaze era, leading to her fronting the spring/summer 20214 campaign for the brand. The Le Pliage might have had a moment in the Noughties, however it remains one of the best-selling and most popular bags in the world – you’ll spot one at every airport terminal, every office and every gym.
Despite its association with senior royals and the Waitrose crowd, in recent years the nylon tote has become a Gen Z favourite, with TikTok influencers declaring it the ultimate “book bag” for students and a “beginner designer bag,” thanks to its accessible price point. “Longchamp Pliage” curr.