In the Long Run

Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes

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The Cassegrain family has been at the helm of the House of Longchamp since its establishment in 1948. For four generations, it has operated the business with a great sense of responsibility to protect the environment and provide equal opportunities. All this while nurturing the French artistry and craftsmanship the international brand is known for.

In an interview with Tatler, Jean Cassegrain, grandson of Longchamp founder Philippe Cassegrain and the House's current chairman and CEO, reports the company's record-breaking 44 per cent growth in 2023, a remarkable development in the House's history. "The year 2023 was an excellent year for us... a solid year," the third-generation scion says. While Longchamp's broad presence worldwide contributed to this growth, the expansion in China has dramatically impacted this number. Last year, Longchamp opened seven new boutiques in China, seeing solid potential in the Asian market. What's also good is that the company's overall growth translates into job opportunities, creating 500 new jobs last year.

Besides providing livelihood, the House also takes pride in giving women an equal chance in the workforce. "The majority of our customers are women. The company has grown and developed around women. In our workshops in France, there are almost only women," Jean explains.