Saint Laurent bags are some of the most coveted luxury handbags in the world and have continuously produced ‘it-bags’ that have become staples in the luxury fashion world.
We’ve brought together the top ten most popular styles to help you decide which one is best suited to match your style and add to your bag collection. Saint Laurent’s handbags are all made in Italy.
Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and American film actress Shirley MacLaine in 1965 (Credit: WENN)
Saint Laurent is one of France’s premium luxury fashion houses and began in 1951 under the tenure of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. The brand started as an haute couture label before expanding into accessories, leather goods, and shoes.
From its early days, the fashion house has had a celebrity clientele, including Maria Callas, Grace of Monaco, and Elizabeth Taylor. Saint Laurent experienced its height in popularity during the 1980s before it was sold off to pharmaceutical company Sanofi in 1993.
Saint Laurent is currently owned by Kering, an international group based in Paris that also owns Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, as well as Kering Eyewear.
The haute couture division of the brand closed in 2002. Since Yves Saint Laurent’s retirement in 2002 at age 65, some of the world’s most iconic designers have worked at the luxury label, including Tom Ford.
Why has YSL changed to Saint Laurent?
Saint Laurent was previously branded as ‘Yves Saint Laurent,’ and while many of the bags still carry the ‘YSL’ logo, the name was changed in 2012.
Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent at the Dior factory showroom in 1958 (Credit: WENN)
The name change occurred under the leadership of Hedi Slimane when he became the brand’s Creative Director. It reverted to the original name of the brand, which was ‘Saint Laurent Rive Gauche,’ and kept the signature font.
While the ‘YSL’ logo remains, the change of name to ‘Saint Laurent’ was deliberately done to bring the brand back to its roots to respect its legacy while entering a new era for the fashion house.
Hedi Slimane was the creative director for Yves Saint Laurent from 2012 to 2016 (Credit: WENN)
Hedi Slimane has since designed some of Saint Laurent’s most-wanted designer handbags, which feature in our top ten must-haves.
In 2016, he was replaced by Anthony Vaccarello as Creative Director, who has continued to grow the brand from strength to strength.
In June 2020, Saint Laurent announced their first global brand ambassador in almost 60 years, choosing Rosé from the South Korean girl band BLACKPINK to represent them. She was also the global face of their Fall 2020 campaign.
Since the name change and a renewed focus on creating products that both respect the heritage of the brand while meeting the needs of modern women, Saint Laurent has returned to the forefront of the luxury fashion world.
Rosé from Blackpink is Saint Laurent’s global ambassador
Saint Laurent bags are now some of the most sought-after in the world and are regularly seen in the arms of celebrities and fashion bloggers.
The fashion bible Vogue has hailed recent designs as cult favorites, while Harper’s Bazaar has regularly named Saint Laurent bags as their choice of ‘must-have’ bag in recent seasons.
With their iconic interlocked ‘YSL’ logo, these bags can carry you whenever life might take you and are the ideal investment for any Parisian-loving fashion follower.
The price of Saint Laurent bags, like all luxury items, is subject to regular price increases. The prices listed below are accurate as of today on the official Saint Laurent website. We recommend checking the links below for the most up-to-date pricing information.
1. Uptown Monogram Leather Envelope Pouch, $475 – $545
One of the most affordable entry-level Saint Laurent bags is the ‘Uptown’ monogram clutch, which makes a great first purchase from this iconic fashion house.
This signature piece is available in five different colors at Mytheresa and is an ideal accessory to add to your wardrobe that can be worn every day or saved for special occasions.
Whether you’re heading to an appointment or a soirée, the Uptown leather clutch will lend any look a touch of Parisian glamour
Originally designed as a pouch, this is a versatile piece that can be used as an organizer inside bigger bags or as a clutch. This bag is big enough to hold your phone, a small wallet, and beauty essentials.
For a hands-free option, invest in a gold chain to add to this pouch to let you throw it over your shoulder or wear it as a crossbody.
2. Loulou Small Bag in Y-Quilted Leather, $1,900
This bag has a front flap and features the interlaced metal YSL logo.
Made with calfskin leather, the Loulou is one of the best-selling Saint Laurent handbags at Net-a-Porter with a leather and metal chin strap that can be doubled up to wear on your shoulder or as a crossbody.
Saint Laurent’s ‘Loulou’ bag is defined by its signature quilting and archival ‘YSL’ motif
If you need an on-the-go bag for every day, then the Loulou is perfect as it features two large compartments and a zipped interior pouch. You can purchase this bag in five earth-tone colors, and it is available in both silver and gold hardware.
3. Kate Small Monogram Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,750 – $2,150
The Kate bag is one of the most recognizable in the Saint Laurent lineup and is available with a tassel option.
With a variety of colors, metals, and leathers available at Selfridges, the Kate design is a go-to bag for evening time or to take shopping.
Saint Laurent small leather shoulder bag
This bag is a favorite among fashion bloggers and celebrities, including Miranda Kerr, Hailey Baldwin, Kendall Jenner, and Kim Kardashian.
It is a great investment piece to add to your wardrobe, with a classic design and featuring the signature YSL monogram meaning that it will never go out of style. Price varies depending on the leather and finish.
4. College Medium Quilted Leather Tote, $2,450
For fans of the Loulou style who want a slightly larger bag with both a crossbody and top handle, the College tote is the best of all worlds.
Available in five colors at Nordstrom, this tote features the ‘YSL’ interlocked logo with a chevron-quilted overstitching. The leather and chain shoulder strap can be taken off for a more formal and lady-like look.
Exquisite matelassé stitching, an oversized curb chain strap, and iconic monogram hardware define a rich calfskin-leather shoulder bag that offers fresh style while standing the test of time
This bag is available in lambskin, which is a more delicate leather and something to keep in mind when looking at the College tote. The back of the bag features a flat pocket that can be used for holding your phone or anything you to grab quickly.
The college tote is one of the most popular in the current Saint Laurent collection and has developed a cult following amongst celebrities, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, and Olivia Culpo.
5. Cassandra Monogram Clasp Bag, $2,350 – $4,500
This bag is ideal for clutch fans who want a functioning strap to make the style more wearable. Available in a rainbow of colors at Farfetch, as well as different leathers, the Cassandra bag has something to offer everyone.
The ‘Cassandra’ incorporates all the signature designs of Saint Laurent, along with the oversized interlocked ‘YSL’ clasp on the front of the bag.
This Cassandra monogram clasp bag is crafted from calf leather and features an envelope style, a foldover top with snap closure, antique effect gold-tone hardware, a chain strap, an internal zipped pocket, two interior compartments, and a front slip pocket
The adjustable chains can be doubled up for an over-the-shoulder look or adjusted so that the bag can be worn as a crossbody.
Under the flap, there is a front pocket that can hold grab-and-go essentials like cards and cash, while there are two central compartments for the rest of your belongings.
Price varies depending on leather and finish, with the ostrich leather version being the most expensive.
6. Rive Gauche Tote Bag in Linen and Leather, $1,250
The Rive Gauche tote bag is the ultimate work bag that is inspired by the heritage of this iconic French fashion house. Featuring the brand’s original name, the book tote has leather flat handles and closes with three logo-engraved snap buttons.
Unlike similar totes from other luxury brands, this Saint Laurent bag has an inside zipper pocket to let you organize your essentials.
Inspired by the silhouette of the humble shopping bag, this refined tote by Saint Laurent has come a long way from its original influence
The ‘Rive Gauche’ bag is comparable to similar styles, such as the Dior Book Tote and the Celine Cabas bag. This Saint Laurent bag is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a minimalistic and monochrome take.
This tote is ideal for any frequent travelers who like to pack everything into their carry-on and can easily fit a laptop and other tech must-haves. It is available in black with brushed silver-tone hardware and white linen with silver hardware at Farfetch.
7. Niki Leather Bag, $1,990 – $2,490
Available in four sizes at Farfetch, the Niki bag is one of the most versatile in the Saint Laurent lineup. The ‘Nikki’ takes a vintage design and makes it contemporary through the use of crinkled leather and monochrome colors.
Featuring a front flap with a leather en-cased interlocked YSL logo, this bag can easily fit everything you need on a daily basis. The interior of the bag is divided into one main compartment, one flat pocket, and an interior zip pocket.
This bag also features a magnetic pocket on the back that can carry cash or fit your phone. Nikki’s metal and leather strap can be shortened and worn on the shoulder.
Leather shopper with subtle quilted design
The medium is an ideal size for everyday use, while the large size is oversized enough to make this the perfect workbag to carry your daily essentials, including an iPad or laptop.
The monogram finish gives this bag a minimalistic aesthetic and is perfect for anyone looking for a more understated designer handbag. Price varies depending on size and leather.
8. Sunset Leather Medium Shoulder Bag, $2,290 – $2,390
For fans of the ‘Kate’ bag who want a more formal look, the sunset leather bag takes all the hallmark features of the ‘Kate’ with additional interior space and is complete with a Saint Laurent luggage bag charm.
This bag has two side gussets which give the bag its fixed structure, and a chain and leather shoulder strap that can be adjusted to achieve your desired look.
Saint Laurent’s antiqued gold-tone metal monogram adorns this classic black Sunset bag – a timeless addition to your accessories rotation
The Sunset bag has one open exterior pocket, an open interior pocket, and two interior compartments, making it easy to organize your daily essentials.
With its classic shape, metal hardware, and adjustable strap, this bag is a great investment piece to have in your wardrobe for years to come. Price varies depending on the leather at Matches Fashion.
9. Uptown Medium Monogram Leather Tote Bag, $2,450
This functional tote bag features both a top handle and a leather strap, allowing you to carry everything you need for the day.
The ‘Uptown’ tote bag features Saint Laurent’s signature envelope clutch on the front with a functioning pocket and magnetic snap closure, making it ideal for storing your essentials. You can check it out at Ssense.
Saint Laurent’s ‘Uptown’ bag is made from smooth glossed leather with a structured silhouette and is detailed with a tonal monogram
Crafted using 100% calfskin leather, this bag will last you for years and is an ideal work bag to carry between the office and home and while on the go.
This tote bag is a callback to one of the brand’s iconic early-2000s designs known as the ‘Cabas Y Tote’ that had a similar structure and featured the ‘Y’ logo.
10. Mini Lou Quilted Camera Bag, $1,150
You can jump on the mini-bag trend with the ‘Lou’ camera bag, which is all over Instagram. This bag is perfect for a day out shopping or to wear on a night out with your friends.
The metal and leather strap allows the bag to be worn crossbody and features the signature tassel that appears on several of their best-selling bags.
The interlocked ‘YSL’ monogram lol appears on the front of the bag in matching hardware to the strap and tassel. This bag features three card slots, meaning you can easily downsize and carry your essential cards without needing a wallet.
This white Saint Laurent Lou mini quilted leather camera bag has been crafted from leather and features a gold-tone chain with a leather shoulder strap, a zip at the top to fasten, a gold-tone YSL logo, and a leather side tassel
With a zipper closure and an exterior back pocket, the ‘Lou’ bag is the perfect first bag for anyone looking to start investing in luxury handbags.
Sharon Osbourne entering the Yves Saint Laurent store on Old Bond Street in London on June 8, 2007 (Credit: WENN / Daniel Deme)
Our top 10 must-have Saint Laurent bags include the brand’s best-selling pieces, inspired by their unique heritage as one of France’s iconic ready-to-wear luxury houses.
The brand brings together classic designs and contemporary trends to create handbags that would be at home in any woman’s wardrobe.
Jessica Wright carries a nude YSL clutch (Credit: WENN / Daniel Deme)