As far as we're concerned, no designer handbag collection is complete without the addition of a Saint Laurent bag. We believe them to be just as classic as those from Chanel, Hermès, Celine and Dior, and we think they deserve just as much consideration if you're fortunate enough to be contemplating a new designer-handbag purchase.
Founded in 1961, the French fashion house designed pieces that tapped into the utilitarianism that many designers at the time embraced by way of tailoring and heavier fabrications. Although bags were never brand founder Yves Saint Laurent's primary focus, he approached the category with the same utilitarian goal to create items of quality, practicality and longevity.
Today, under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent bags remain some of the most versatile you can find on the designer-arm-candy circuit. Signatures include simple, structured silhouettes; materials such as suede and shearling; and techniques such as quilting to add softness. It's this refined aesthetic that bestows Saint Laurent bags their everlasting appeal—the demand for which is now at its peak.
Many of our favourite style stars have been sporting Saint Laurent bags of late, particularly those with the brand's iconic and inimitable YSL logo, and waiting lists are growing for some of the brand's most popular silhouettes. This should come as no surprise considering searches for them are up 30% since September 2021.
But which Saint Laurent bags are really worth investing in? We've rounded up the need-to-know Saint Laurent bags, from the icons to the contemporaries, for you.
THE BEST SAINT LAURENT BAGS TO INVEST IN:
1. COLLEGE
Saint Laurent's College top-handle tote feels particularly classic thanks to the timeless envelope shape, a closing favoured by the brand. Made in Italy from supple leather that's quilted in a chevron pattern and topped with a YSL plaque, this imitable bag is a must for designer devotees.
Shop the College Tote:
The quilted black College with gold chain and hardware is iconic. Plus, it is the perfect size for both day and night.
I love this suede iteration in this seriously chic hue.
2. LOULOU
Named after Loulou de la Falaise, Yves Saint Laurent's close friend and muse, the Loulou is one of the most beloved and recognisable bags in Saint Laurent's line-up. Its hallmarks are its soft but boxy structure, front-flap closure and quilted-chevron finish. In leather or suede, it gets our vote.
Shop the LouLou:
This is one of the brand's most-loved and well-known bags, and for good reason.
For those who like a roomier bag, the medium size is perfect.
3. SOLFERINO
The 2020-launched Solferino crossbody continues to crop up on the Instagram feeds of those in the know. Of course, you can always opt for the timeless black colourway, which offsets the YSL hardware, but these on-trend hues might also tempt you.
Shop the Solferino Crossbody:
The Solferino is timeless, and white leather looks extra luxurious.
The burgundy iteration is so chic.
4. LE 5 À 7
Shoulder bags are trending in a big way right now, and Saint Laurent isn't missing a beat. Its Le 5 à 7 bags keep selling out on Net-a-Porter, Matches and Harvey Nichols, but there has just been a restock. The pale-pink version is particularly eye-catching.
Shop the Le 5 à 7 Bag:
Nod to the '90s trend with these shoulder bags.
How beautiful is this soft black leather number?
5. MANHATTAN
Saint Laurent’s Manhattan shoulder bag is named after the city that never sleeps, which is why it's well-suited to styling both night and day. Its clean, straight lines, minimal detailing and sparing use of metal hardware make it one of the most-reserved bags in the YSL line-up but also one of the chicest.
Shop the Manhattan Shoulder Bag:
If you're not a fan of logos, you needn't fear. This subtle, understated style is so chic.
The most elegant professional bag you can own.
6. LOU
Modelled on a camera bag, the Lou is an everyday essential for many fashion enthusiasts. As a nod to the Loulou, this bag most commonly features a chevron-quilted upper, and it comes in just about every colourway you can think of. At just over £1000, it has a lower price point than other designer handbags out there, but make no mistake—this is still one serious purchase.
Shop the Lou Bag:
Channel French-girl chic with a handbag in ubiquitous black. I'll be wearing the Lou with everything from jeans and sweatshirts to minidresses and heels.
I love the nude version of this best seller.
7. NIKI
The relaxed shape and roomy interior of Saint Laurent's Niki bag make it the ideal everyday bag for people on the go, who perhaps find it difficult to shrink down their belongings to fit into the Lou. The preferred finish is supple, ever so slightly distressed leather, which gives it a bit of a vintage feel. It also features the brand's trademark chain-link strap, a fold-over flap and, of course, a YSL logo to the front.
Shop the Niki Bag:
The Niki is so roomy, with enough space for all your everyday essentials and more.
This has a lovely vintage feel.
8. KATE
Owing to its smaller size and delicate treatment, the Kate is perhaps the most "evening" of all Saint Laurent handbags. One of the most striking features of the Kate bag is its delicate chain tassel, which hangs below the YSL emblem and swishes gently with every movement, making it the perfect partner for the dance floor.
Shop the Kate Bag:
Carry the Kate as a clutch or use the chain so you're hands-free on your next evening out.
To really impress, opt for the glossy beige style.
9. SUNSET
Saint Laurent's Sunset bag has accordion sides, so it holds more than you'd first expect. Even the crossbody iteration proves roomier than some of the other bags in the YSL family. We, however, always find ourselves drawn to the top-handle options, which offer more styling versatility.
Shop the Sunset Bag:
The type of bag you pass down, the black Sunset will never go out of style.
The croc version is so chic.
10. LE MAILLON
Le Maillon is perhaps one of the brand's most luxurious-looking silhouettes. The gold-chain hardware makes the collection feel especially stylish and is inspired by the bag's moniker, Le Maillon, which is the French word for "link." It might not have the YSL branding, but Le Maillon is no less special.
Shop the Le Maillon Shoulder Bag:
Another gorgeous choice for those who'd prefer little branding.
This smooth bag is just so sleek.
11. SAC DE JOUR
Launched in 2013 during Hedi Slimane's tenure as creative director, the Sac de Jour has become a cult hit among accessory aficionados. The Sac de Jour, or "day bag," has a classic, structured silhouette with accordion side panels that extend to fit all your belongings. Special details include a concealed padlock on a detachable lanyard and a handy keychain attached to the interior.
Shop the Sac de Jour Bag:
Sophisticated yet functional, the Sac de Jour will look just as good at the weekend as it will at the office.
How amazing is this croc-effect leather?
12. LE CARRÉ
Although many of Saint Laurent's bags boast bold YSL branding, if you're looking for something more refined—and along the lines of Le Maillon—look no further than Le Carré. This satchel-inspired bag is a contemporary classic with practicality at its heart. It has a roomy interior with zipped-off compartments and a strap that allows you to take it from a shoulder-length bag to a crossbody.
Shop the Le Carré Bag:
Satchel-style bags are always popular, and it doesn't get much more classic than a black iteration.
Obsessed with this textured iteration.
13. CASSANDRA
Confidently elegant and undeniably French-looking, Saint Laurent's Cassandra bag is structured to a boxy silhouette that, with its top handle and envelope closure, feels reminiscent of vintage handbag designs. Choose from everything from plain black leather to tweed with contrast piping. When it comes to Cassandra, you really can't go wrong.
Shop the Cassandra Bag:
With its vintage, Parisian feel, the Cassandra will look so stylish paired with relaxed tailoring.
This style also has a strap you can adjust should you wish to carry it across the body.
14. ICARE
The Icare Maxi tote bag, which you have most likely spotted all over Instagram being toted by celebs, editors and influencers. Released in 2023, it features the iconic quilted outer as well as a toggle closured, removable interior pouch and oversized YSL signature logo.
Shop the Icare Maxi Tote:
If you really want to wow, this is the bag for you.
This buttery yellow iteration will work across all seasons.
16. LE 37
Sleek and versatile, the Le 37 Hobo Bag features a bucket shape and smooth leather finish. Perfect for any occasion. its minimalist design and hardly any branding, bar the YSL logo, blend sophistication with everyday practicality.
Shop the Le 37 Hobo Bag:
This olive green colour! I am in love. Won't it look so chic worn with an all white ensemble.
I love that it comes in this chocolate brown, too.
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