Longchamp is a French leather goods company and was founded in Paris in 1948 by Jean Cassegrain. Initially known for luxury leather-covered pipes, Longchamp expanded into small leather goods and debuted women's handbags in 1971, becoming a leading French leather goods maker. Today, Longchamp designs and manufactures leather and canvas handbags, luggage, shoes, travel items, fashion accessories, and women's ready-to-wear. The company is privately owned and managed by the founding Cassegrain family and operates in 80 countries with around 1,500 retail outlets.