Yves Saint Laurent, known as Saint Laurent since 2012, is one of those brands that has undoubtedly secured a place of honor among the giants of international High Fashion. We’re talking about a label that expresses its art and creativity not only in the realm of handbags, synonymous with quality and grace, but also in the world of clothing, shoes, accessories, lingerie, and jewelry, all while maintaining its distinctive stylistic signature. Here we will explore the most cherished it-bags in the history of Saint Laurent.
Whether they are classic models with vintage allure or new trends that ride the wave of contemporary fashion, Saint Laurent handbags never relinquish their status as a glamorous accessory. What sets them apart is their unmistakable style: in every creation, balanced silhouettes inspired by the refined classicism of the past meet the label’s intrinsic boldness, echoing the geometric lines and the nonconformist spirit of the 1960s. This concept is also reflected in clothing collections which often feature double-breasted coats and jackets with masculine cuts, high-waisted pants, leather skirts, silk shirts, and sensual dresses.
The success of Saint Laurent lies in its alluring history, enriched over the decades with innovative designs that have established themselves over time as true fashion icons: the Loulou bag, the Rive Gauche, the Sac De Jour, the Monogramme, and the Cassandre, just to name a few of the most beloved it-bags ever. Let’s discover more about the cult French maison by learning from its captivating history and ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, a symbol of the brand’s continuous progress.
The Loulou Bag, a Tribute to Loulou de la Falaise
In the pantheon of luxury handbags, the Loulou Bag by Saint Laurent holds a place of honor, embodying the essence of high fashion. Its indelible traits and high-quality features continue to resonate over time thanks to their undeniable elegance. The Loulou Bag is named after Loulou de la Falaise. Both muse and long-time collaborator of Yves Saint Laurent, her rebellious, avant-garde spirit proved an endless source of inspiration for the French designer.
Beyond her professional skills, employed in creating hats and jewelry for YSL, it was Loulou’s boldness that sparked Yves’ inventive vein, so much so that he dedicated one of his winning handbag models to her: the Loulou bag. Their creative relationship had a significant impact on the entire world of fashion, and the Loulou bag is a tribute to that artistic synergy. With its distinctive design featuring chevron quilted stitching, leather or velvet fabric, and the typical YSL closure, the “Loulou” has become a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Available in three sizes – small, medium, and large – the Loulou Bag offers versatility for every occasion. The Toy Loulou is unbeatable for elegant evenings with dreamy dresses or formal events with stylish suits, occasions where the bag provides the ultimate finishing touch. The medium Loulou offers just the right amount of storage capacity without being overbearing and is ideal for everyday use: paired with casual outfits such as jeans, a shirt, and trendy sneakers, or with skirts of varying lengths (midi, maxi, or miniskirts), cardigans, and high boots. Finally, the large Loulou is the go-to choice for those in need of extra space without compromising on style. Worn with a light trench coat, skinny pants, and flat shoes, this maxi bag is fantastic for an urban excursion combining comfort and style.
Cassandre, a Bag with Minimalist Design
Enhanced by the iconic YSL logo closure in gold metal, the Cassandre bag stands out for its clean silhouette and minimalist design, making it a timeless classic. Its high-quality leather construction and simple yet impactful lines undoubtedly express the value of a brand that has made craftsmanship one of its core tenets. Accordingly, the history of the Cassandre bag is steeped in charm and meaning. Its very name is a tribute to Cassandre, the artist and graphic designer who, in 1961, created the famous YSL logo, a symbol that adds artistic value to the bag and underscores the importance of art and culture in Saint Laurent’s fashion.
Loved by celebrities and fashionistas worldwide, the Cassandre features head-turning linear and geometric shapes, and is instantly recognizable for its captivating variety of sizes and textures, especially grain de poudre embossed leather and glossy crocodile embossed leather. A leather handle for those who prefer hand-held bags and the option to add an adjustable shoulder strap makes this iconic arm candy ideal for any occasion. For a formal event or an elegant evening, the Cassandre in smooth leather or suede pairs perfectly with a long dress or a sophisticated suit, emphasizing the refinement and elegance that Saint Laurent never fails to deliver. For a more casual outfit, pair the Cassandre with high-waisted jeans or casual trousers with a silk blouse, as well as with emphasized-silhouette midi skirts and blazers, to create a stylish contemporary look.
Sac De Jour Bag: Practicality and Contemporary Style
The Sac De Jour is one of the most iconic bags of Saint Laurent, having become a symbol of the strong, self-confident woman that is in step with fashion without ever compromising her personality. The story of this cult model began with the vision of Hedi Slimane, who introduced the Sac De Jour in 2013 as a modern reinterpretation of the traditional work bag. Its name, which translates to “day bag“, underscores its versatility and practicality during the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its well-defined structure, capacity, and numerous compartments make the Sac De Jour a trusted companion for the enterprising woman.
Its geometric yet harmonious shapes elevate it as a symbol of dynamic and multifaceted femininity. With its rigid construction and clean lines, the Sac De Jour has become a must-have for those seeking an accessory that combines practicality and contemporary style, without sacrificing modern and functional elegance. Once again, what captivates is the variety of top-quality leathers, such as the classic Sac De Jour in smooth, matte calf leather or crocodile embossed leather.
This shape pairs impeccably with any style, from professional outfits with pencil midi skirts, suits and high-heeled shoes, to more casual looks featuring skinny pants and solid color t-shirts, or miniskirts and over-the-knee boots. The Sac De Jour Baby is the ideal accessory for an important evening out as it pairs seamlessly with cocktail dresses or fairy tale-like styles in tulle and chiffon, for a refined and meticulous look.
Rive Gauche, a Bag with Bohemian Spirit
The Rive Gauche bag by Saint Laurent is a dream that captures the essence of the bohemian spirit of the Parisian quarter from which it takes its name, a veritable tribute to the artistic and cultural heart of Paris. This model reflects the dynamic and innovative lifestyle of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, known for being the hub of the city’s intellectual life. It is a symbol of creative freedom and relaxed elegance, an accessory that tells a story of art and fashion. But the Rive Gauche is also distinguished by its extreme functionality and chic aesthetic, always in line with contemporary trends, combining practicality with distinctive design.
Mainly made of linen canvas and adorned with leather trimmings, the Rive Gauche is perfect for those looking for a spacious and durable tote bag without sacrificing style. Ideal for busy days, as well as for a trip out of town, this handbag with magnetic button closure becomes a reliable companion for everyday occasions. Its versatility lends itself to many go-to casual outfits: skirts and oversized sweaters, jumpsuits and sportswear for a sporty glam look, while structured dresses create a glamorous contrast. If you’re going for celebrity-caliber sophistication, try pairing the Rive Gauche with an evening jacket and flared or cropped pants, while for autumn outfits, a long trench coat and heeled boots complete the look. Don’t forget to add a personal touch by focusing on head-turning accessories. A silk or cashmere scarf, for example, can be tied around the handle of the bag or draped elegantly around the neck, adding an element of color and texture that reflects the refined and cosmopolitan taste of its wearer. Hats, like a classic fedora or a baseball cap, can be chosen in shades that match or contrast with the bag, creating a sleek, coordinated look. Well-chosen accessories are capable of adding a distinctive touch to the outfit, to amplify your unique style and vibe.
The History of the Saint Laurent Brand
The name Yves Saint Laurent resonates in French high fashion as one of the greatest brands of all time. In 1955, the career of young and enterprising Yves began when, at just nineteen years old, he was hired by Christian Dior as an assistant. His skill and creativity led him to become the artistic director of the maison following Dior’s death, at 21 years of age. This event marked the beginning of a brilliant career and the founding of his own brand, Yves Saint Laurent, in 1961, alongside his partner Pierre Bergé.
The brand quickly distinguished itself on the fashion scene, thanks to its revolutionary designs that redefined the image of the modern woman, with irresistibly sensual yet geometric lines. Yves Saint Laurent’s creations combined elegance and boldness, overturning traditional stylistic codes. The brand had a significant impact on the fashion of the time and helped to redefine standards of beauty and style.
The Evolution and Sustainability of Saint Laurent Bags
Over the years, YSL has created many groundbreaking collections featuring unique models that have become veritable icons of world-class fashion. Saint Laurent bags have always been distinguished by their elegant and sophisticated design, a characteristic that has enabled them to adapt to the most diverse occasions. In recent decades, construction techniques have evolved, without compromising each model’s classic and transgressive essence.
Today, YSL bags are innovative and versatile accessories, with new materials and distinctive details. The precision of the stitching, craftsmanship skills, knowledge of traditional techniques, and materials all contribute to reserving these bags a place of honor in the luxury fashion world. Each bag is made by skilled artisans who use only high-quality materials, with a focus on respect and environmental sustainability.
The maison’s approach is based on a continuous propensity to improve upon careful manufacturing techniques, capable of guaranteeing a minimal environmental impact during various production processes. But that’s not all: at the Saint Laurent company, tailor-made training courses are established to stimulate and encourage a culture of sustainability among workers. This training is combined with a selection of materials which meet high standards of sustainability.
Certain bags from the Sunset line, for example, are made with “offcuts” material, a leather recycled from cutting scraps and certified by technology capable of ensuring traceability; or the backpacks produced using ECONYL®, a nylon recycled from waste materials such as discarded fishing nets. These laudable practices are not just limited to bags: many YSL shoes, small leather goods, and clothing lines like the “Le Vestiaire” prêt-à-porter pieces are created with traceable and sustainable materials. YSL’s jewelry line is made with recycled gold in line with the highest market standards. The maison proudly upholds a commitment to sustainability that is applied in every sector precisely because it is at the core of the brand’s philosophy.
