The Artitude line embraces two roomy hand-held totes, a generous hobo bag that nestles snugly under the arm, and a cute clutch that's spacious enough to go effortlessly from day to evening. Its signatures are beautiful naturally tanned calfskin handles, quirky slanting zippers and apparently randomly set labels in glossy patent leather and translucent neon Plexiglas, all creating an impression of spontaneity that reflects the insouciant mood of the season.

Last but not least, because the paint motifs never occur in quite the same place from one bag to the next, each and every Artitude – like a mini work of art – is totally individual and unique.

Following this rich vein of inspiration, the Artitude print runs throughout Longchamp's Spring 2010 collection, cropping up, for example, on pretty canvas ballet flats, easy coat dresses and a breezy silk twill scarf. It also features on the nylon canvas of Longchamp's go-anywhere XLight line, where – trimmed with glossy blue calfskin – it combines flair with functionality.