Guest Stylist Series: Episode 1 Finding Your Perfect Longchamp with Zoë Rodrigues

Over the next four months, Multrees Walk is partnering with renowned personal stylist Zoë Rodrigues for an exclusive guest editorial series. Each month, Zoë will share her expert insights on building a timeless wardrobe, exploring the pieces, styling techniques and thoughtful details that elevate everyday dressing at Multrees Walk.

The Handbag Edit: Finding Your Perfect Longchamp by Zoe Rodrigues

When it comes to handbags, I always think it’s worth looking beyond the obvious. Of course, your bag needs to work for your lifestyle, but it can also be one of the most considered elements of an outfit, another layer alongside your shoes, jewellery and outerwear.

There is something rather special about choosing a piece with a story behind it. As a family-run Maison with a heritage spanning four generations, Longchamp combines longstanding expertise in leather with a distinctly modern sensibility. The result is a collection that feels timeless, yet never static.

Here are a few of my favourite ways to approach choosing and styling your Longchamp.

The Art of Everyday Elegance

For days when you need your handbag to work a little harder, Le Smart strikes a beautiful balance between relaxed ease and considered structure. Its distinctive bamboo clasp adds an elegant signature, while its generous silhouette makes it wonderfully versatile.

My styling tip? Consider the relationship between the scale of your bag and your overall silhouette. A larger shape can look beautifully balanced with relaxed tailoring or longer layers, while a more compact bag can complement a sharper, streamlined look. Ultimately, though, proportion is a guide rather than a rule. If you love the presence of a larger bag, wear it with confidence.

The Ease of Everyday Luxury

的 Le Foulonné is the epitome of understated elegance. Its soft curves, supple shape and distinctive grain give it enduring appeal, while its timeless neutral colourways make it an effortless addition to an existing wardrobe.

I often think of a beautiful neutral handbag as the anchor of an outfit, bringing cohesion to everything from relaxed denim and knitwear to polished tailoring. That said, colour can be just as sophisticated. Pick up a tone already present in your outfit for harmony, or choose a contrasting hue and let the bag become the focal point.

The Power of the Petite

Smaller and mini bags offer a different kind of styling opportunity. With less emphasis on practicality, they become an integral part of the overall silhouette and can introduce a more directional element to your look.

的 Épure collection is a beautiful example, with clean, structured lines and a considered palette spanning timeless neutrals to more expressive shades. I think a smaller bag is the perfect place to experiment with colour. Try a vibrant hue against pared-back denim and a crisp shirt, or echo a shade already present in your look for a more harmonious finish.

The Unexpected Contrast

Some of the most interesting outfits are created through contrast. Balance something fluid or softly lustrous, such as satin, with the understated finish of smooth, matt leather. Conversely, a tactile handbag can bring depth to a minimalist look.
The same principle applies to shape. A softly curved handbag can temper the precision of sharp tailoring, while a structured tote can provide an elegant counterpoint to a more fluid silhouette. For me, it’s often these unexpected combinations that make an outfit feel personal.

The Finishing Detail

The most considered looks often come down to the details. A silk scarf tied around a handle, a carefully chosen charm or a handbag accessory can subtly change the character of a bag, adding personality while retaining refinement. For help finding the right silhouette, colour and proportion for your wardrobe, visit the Longchamp boutique at Multrees Walk. The team can guide you through the collections and personalisation options, from scarves and charms to accessories and matching leather goods.

Ultimately, the most beautiful handbag is the one that feels as though it was always meant to be yours: effortlessly at home in your wardrobe, perfectly suited to your life and unmistakably reflective of your style.