I own far too many of the original nylon versions of the Longchamp Le Pliage bag. Like, I think at least six of them. The style is one of my most worn in my wardrobe simply because it’s so darn durable and functional. When I saw the new Longchamp Le Pliage Filet bag hit the market I knew I had to have it.
It was just so different from any other Le Pliage I own.
The backstory of this new Longchamp Le Pliage bag.
Maison Longchamp joined forces with FILT (France’s oldest manufacturer of net shopping bags) to create the Le Pliage Filet.
While the Le Pliage original shoulder bag has the classic Le Pliage leather handles paired with a nylon body, the Filet version swaps in a classic FILT netting. We’re essentially looking at the marriage of two iconic French fashion houses in one perfect everyday bag.
It’s no wonder it sold out almost immediately.
What makes the original Le Pliage so loved.
I personally think it’s unfair to deep dive into this new version of the Le Pliage without talking about the one that started it all: the original Longchamp Le Pliage with the nylon body.
Durability.
Most leather goods lack durability, but thanks to the majority of the original Le Pliage featuring a nylon body and leather being the accent, the original Longchamp Le Pliage is a champion when it comes to durability. The nylon Le Pliage is stain resistant, scratch resistant, water resistant, and all around damage-proof. Even if you do manage to get some dirt or dust on your bag, the Le Pliage is easily wiped clean with a cloth.
It’s not just the exterior of the bag that’s durable – the interior holds up to dirt and spills as well. Ever had a lipstick manage to lose its cap inside your bag? I have. In a standard handbag, this is cause for panic. In a Longchamp Le Pliage, any mess is easily wiped clean. My coin purses might have some stains – but my handbag is spotless.
Accessible price point.
Another aspect of the original nylon Longchamp Le Pliage that is much loved is the accessible price point. Where many popular and designer bags are accompanied by impossibly high price points, the Le Pliage rings in under $150 for most styles and sizes. The Longchamp Le Pliage Large size today costs $145 USD. I personally own this style in black and love it. Few styles are as classic as a black Longchamp bag.
I definitely have an affection for some unfortunately high price accessories (looking at you, Louis Vuitton). But it’s the affordability of the Le Pliage that makes it so lovable – because it’s actually attainable. Longchamp as a fashion house is luxury, so the Le Pliage almost makes you feel like you’re able to buy into a luxury brand at a non-luxury price point.
Classic, timeless look.
The Longchamp Le Pliage has a classic, timeless silhouette that I dare to say will never go out of style. There’s just something so simple yet chic about the Le Pliage tote original nylon style. Even classic fashion icons like Kate Middleton are obsessed with this tote bag.
Le Pliages make amazing travel bags, an amazing everyday tote or top handle bag, and a favorite you’ll reach for from work to dinner and drinks. If you’re in the Le Pliage club – you know exactly what I mean. This bag, thanks to the timeless design, is incredibly versatile. I even take the super small size out and about for “nice” dinners…because it’s just too cute.
Where can I find a Longchamp Le Pliage sale?
I’ll be honest, it’s very hard to find a Le Pliage on any kind of sale. Even during big annual sales like the Nordstrom sale, the Le Pliage is most often excluded. Not that this option saves you any money overall, but if you happen to be traveling to Europe, you can definitely buy Le Pliages for lower pricing than the USD prices. Not only do you get any tax back at the end of your trip, but typically the conversion from USD to local pricing results in paying less for a Le Pliage when shopping abroad then in the USA.
What I love about the Longchamp Le Pliage Filet bag.
A new twist on a best loved style.
The Longchamp Le Pliage Filet bag is a really unique and fun twist on a fan favorite. While the original Le Pliage features a nylon body, the Filet bag features classic netting by the French brand FILT. Yes, all those farmers market netted shopping bags you see out and about are a design birthed from the house of FILT.
The Le Pliage Filet bag features the leather top handle strap and flap that is signature to the original Le Pliage, but replaces the classic nylon body with FILT netting. The bag is roomy, it’s unique, and it’s definitely a fun twist on an old favorite.
I also love that the Filet is almost like a seasonal version of the Le Pliage. The Le Pliage is classically seasonless – it’s timeless. This is definitely one of the pros, as you really get your money’s worth by being able to wear it year round. But I do really love having a version of the Le Pliage that does feel like it’s a little more seasonal – this makes it feel special and fun to wear during warmer weather months.
I’ve already worn my new Filet to the farmers market and felt, dare I say it…kind of French girl cool?
Exclusivity.
While the Longchamp website does have the Filet on display and claims shipping to the US, Canada, and international alike – the issue is that this bag is sold out everywhere online (as of the time this blog post is published). The exclusivity is a big con for those that are dying to get their hands on this bag – but it’s also a bit of a pro for those that do own it.
The original nylon Le Pliage is everywhere. It’s undeniable. It’s pretty hard to galavant through any public place without seeing a Le Pliage in action. They’re popular! The Filet, on the other hand, is so new and fresh that few people own it. If you break your Filet out for a day on the town, you’re likely to be the only one people view that day. Or maybe even that week or month.
Price.
The Longchamp Le Pliage Filet rings in at just $95. I really respect that Longchamp has kept the pricing of all Le Pliage styles reasonably fair. Given this bag is essentially a bit of a small leather goods situation (the top handle and flap) mixed with netting – $95 for a “luxury” shopping tote feels somewhat fair to me. A main pro of all Le Pliage styles, to me, has always been fair pricing.
The fair pricing also makes all Le Pliage bags ideal as a gift. Just saying – in case anyone (cough cough, my husband) wants to add to my collection.
Cons of the Longchamp Le Pliage Filet bag.
Lack of structure.
Truly the only con I have for the Longchamp Le Pliage Filet is the complete lack of structure. Yes, I know – it’s a classic netting shopping bag. Those inherently lack structure.
But it just sometimes looks so…lumpy. Bleh.
My solve for this lack of shape in this large Longchamp bag was to actually lay a lightweight scarf down at the bottom. The scarf creates a smoother, rounder shape when carrying the bag and also hides any personal items from sight. I also kind of like the look of the ends of the scarf peeking out of the sides of the bag.
I’ll admit – this solution is creative, but not all that functional. The scarf creates more structure and a cleaner look on the outside, but essentially this means you’re digging through a bit of fabric to find your items in your purse. If you’re after pure ease of function, I’d choose the Longchamp Le Pliage medium or large size in the classic nylon. There is absolutely no fuss involved with those styles.
Where to buy the Longchamp Le Pliage Filet.
London Harness.
I made an open announcement on my Instagram stories that I was on the hunt for the Filet. About a week later, a lovely follower DMed me with a picture from a store window: London Harness in Massachusetts had my dream bag on display in the window. And it was the last one they had left.
I immediately gave the store a call and the staff so kindly placed my order over the phone and promptly shipped home my new bag all the way across the country to California. My search for the Filet was finally over.
I swear I’m not name dropping the shop I purchased from to brag I snagged the last one – but actually to give ya’ll hope. The London Harness staff told me they anticipate getting more in stock! This post is not sponsored and I get no kick back for mentioning London Harness. I paid for the Filet with my own money. The customer service was just amazing and I know these bags are hard to find, so I’d recommend giving the store a call to check in on the latest restock.
You can also create an account with London Harness which does get you some fun deals. Again – not sponsored. I did it and am just really seeing the value.
London Harness also sells an insane amount of travel items if you’ve got any trips planned. From a whole host of wheeled duffle bags to bags for both business and leisure travel – I’m adding them as one of my new go to for travel items. I don’t know about you, but after a stationary 2020 I’m ready to get my travel travel self back in action.
Is the Longchamp Le Pliage on your current wishlist? Let’s chat in the comments below!