Symbolic of all things elegant and youthful, YSL bags are a culmination of the Maison’s core design aesthetics: revolutionary, liberal, and androgynous. While the newer designs represent a fusion of contemporary trends and understated sensibilities—from Loulou to Kaia and Solferino—the styles that have gained the status of a classic like the Sac de Jour embody the essence of the house in its most refined form.
The Legacy
Launched in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, the brand holds the distinction of being one of the most iconic luxury fashion houses in the world and a pioneer of prêt-à-porter. The brand, since its founding, has stood at the center of the changing cultural phenomenon and evolving fashion. It is known for many celebrated and era-defining designs, for instance, the Mondrian shift dress. The most controversial piece made by Yves Saint Laurent was the Le Smoking tuxedo that boldly challenged the established norms of womenswear. Another piece that inspired a sense of euphoria in the entire industry was the see-through dress designed in 1968. In 2002, Yves Saint Laurent passed down the reins of the house to Tom Ford, who was already the head of ready-to-wear for the brand since 1999. After 13 years and three creative directors, Anthony Vaccarello was handed the torch of leadership in 2015. Vaccarello remains at the helm to date.
The Handbag Landscape
While handbags as a category could never garner a keen fancy of the founder, Yves Saint Laurent, who was more interested in jewelry, the narrative has astoundingly changed over the last decade. With mavericks like Hedi Slimane and Anthony Vaccarello, YSL bags have gained a cult status in the fashion world. Iconic, luxurious, and designed with modern sophistication, YSL bags are worthy investments and a mainstay of any fashionista’s wardrobe.
We have handpicked the best women’s handbags by Saint Laurent from crossbody to shoulder bags and totes that you can buy now and cherish forever.
Sac de Jour Tote
Sac de Jour, with its streamlined silhouette, is one of the most popular YSL bags. Introduced in 2013, it was designed by the then creative director Hedi Slimane. More likely to be used as a work bag, Sac de Jour, with its elegant appeal and restrained glamor, is fashionably flaunted by women on all kinds of occasions. Available in a rainbow of colors and a plethora of materials, including exotic skins, this tote bag is impressive. With a compartmentalized interior and multiple size ranges—nano, baby, small, large—Sac de Jour is the bag you can count on for a quick sartorial update.
Loulou Bag
A homage to Loulou de La Falaise, Yves Saint Laurent’s muse and a talented jewelry designer, the Loulou bag is comparatively a newer style by the house. Designed by Anthony Vaccarello in 2017, it is a contemporary day-to-night bag emblazoned with recognizable YSL hardware on the front flap. Furnished with chain handles and characterized by a chevron-quilted exterior, Loulou is as versatile as it is stylish. This chic shoulder bag is made with leather as well as a combination of the finest materials and comes in sizes ranging from small to large.
Kate Bag
Seductively simple, Kate is typically an evening bag worked into a fabulous shape. Rendered in an all-time favorite silhouette—the flap-bag—it has a transitional design with an interchangeable chain strap that can be removed for the bag to be carried as a clutch. Much like the other popular YSL bags, Kate too flaunts the brand logo on the front and is predominantly accompanied by a metal tassel. Practical in construction, the bag has a compact but well-designed interior capacious enough to hold your phone, wallet, cards, and keys.
Envelope Bag
After the Sac de Jour, we believe Envelope is the most spotted YSL bag. It is a refined interpretation of a classic wallet-on-chain design. Elevated with interesting quilts and the YSL logo, the Envelope bag is luxury at its finest. With a long chain-link strap and a leather shoulder rest, the bag can be worn in multiple ways: a crossbody bag, a shoulder bag, and even a clutch. It comes in a range of materials and sizes with polished hardware. For outings where you don’t have to carry a lot of things, the YSL Envelope bag is the one you should wear for a chic, sophisticated look.
Sunset Bag
The Sunset bag embodies effortless French style and beautifully represents the brand’s urbane aesthetic and exquisite craftsmanship. It made its debut in 2016 and has quickly become a popular YSL bag. This structured shoulder bag comes with a squared front flap and is instantly recognizable with its logo. Its considered interior gives room to one main compartment, a slip pocket, and an open pocket at the front. A top handle and a chain strap in metal hardware add to the bag’s versatility.
More styles such as the Niki, Cassandra, Manhattan, and Lou only reaffirm Saint Laurent’s stance as the go-to brand for fashionable women’s handbags. Each YSL bag is a foolproof investment, so if you’re set on buying one, explore The Luxury Closet for all the classic bags from Saint Laurent available at great prices.
