By 1969, Jane Birkin—yes, that Jane—was modeling a navy calf shoulder bag from the Rive Gauche collection. Decades before lending her name to an Hermès icon, she was slinging Saint Laurent. The bags may not have received the PR blitz of today’s luxury launches, but they did something far rarer: they reflected an unselfconscious cool, the very Left Bank ease that YSL cultivated so precisely.
Fast-forward to the 2000s, and Saint Laurent (now sans Yves and under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello) has become a modern handbag power player. Today’s lineup includes structured staples, downtown darlings, and red carpet regulars—bags that, while perhaps not imagined by Yves himself, remain steeped in the moody, magnetic chic he made famous. And even if Yves Saint Laurent didn’t care to build a handbag empire, his house ultimately did. The Saint Laurent woman, after all, still needs somewhere to toss her cigarettes, keys, and lipstick.
Introduced in Saint Laurent’s Spring 2021 collection under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, the Le 5 à 7 bag quickly became a modern icon within the brand’s accessory lineup. The bag’s name draws inspiration from the 1962 French New Wave film Cléo from 5 to 7, reflecting Vaccarello’s penchant for cinematic influences. Designed to seamlessly transition from day to evening, the Le 5 à 7 features a sleek, minimalist silhouette characterized by its rectangular shape, short shoulder strap, and prominent YSL monogram closure. Crafted from luxurious materials such as smooth calfskin, patent leather, and raffia, it offers versatility and timeless elegance. Originally released as a compact shoulder bag in smooth calfskin, the line has since expanded to include multiple iterations: the Le 5 à 7 Hobo, the more relaxed Le 5 à 7 Supple, and the Le 5 à 7 Bucket, each offering its own take on casual sophistication. The bag has been embraced by fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike, solidifying its status as a contemporary classic.
Juergen Teller
Launched in 2013 during Hedi Slimane’s tenure as creative director, the Sac de Jour, which translates to “Bag of the Day,” embodies timeless elegance with its structured silhouette and accordion side panels. Designed to be both functional and stylish, it features top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, and a discreet padlock. The bag’s minimalist aesthetic has contributed to its status as a modern classic, appealing to those seeking a refined yet practical accessory.
Introduced in 2022, the Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping Bag epitomizes the brand’s fusion of luxury and practicality. Crafted entirely from soft lambskin leather, it features carré-quilted overstitching and a prominent, handcrafted bronze-toned YSL monogram that serves as both a functional closure and a striking centerpiece. The bag’s oversized dimensions—approximately 22.8 x 16.9 x 3.1 inches—offer ample space, making it an ideal companion for daily errands or travel. Its versatile design allows it to be worn wide or with closed sides, adapting to various styling preferences. The interior includes a removable zipped pouch, providing organized storage for smaller essentials. Embraced by celebrities such as Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and Angelina Jolie, the Icare Maxi has quickly become a coveted piece, seamlessly blending functionality with Saint Laurent’s signature elegance.
A nod to the city that never sleeps, the Manhattan bag was introduced by Anthony Vaccarello in 2019 and quickly became a staple for those who favor elegance without excess. While Saint Laurent is often associated with bold YSL hardware, the Manhattan is a quieter proposition—a masterclass in minimalism. Its rectangular silhouette is softened by clean lines and anchored by a leather strap that cinches the flap shut with just a whisper of gold-tone hardware. The design reads like a love letter to understated luxury: no logos, no fuss, just smart tailoring in handbag form. It’s available in a variety of finishes—from sleek box leather to croc embossing—and sizes ranging from mini to large. A top-handle version debuted in 2023, and its campaign, fronted by Kate Moss, reaffirmed the bag’s status as a new essential in the Saint Laurent canon.
Juergen Teller
Originally introduced in 2018 and reimagined for Saint Laurent’s Winter 2022 collection, the Jamie bag has steadily become a cult favorite within the brand’s lineup. Named after model and musician Jamie Bochert, a longtime muse of the house, the bag reflects her effortless, androgynous elegance. The updated Jamie 4.3 iteration builds on the original’s architectural lines and refined attitude, now featuring an oversized flap, a distinctive double sliding chain strap, and an enlarged version of the signature Carré Rive Gauche patchwork quilting. This motif—composed of precisely stitched square panels—nods to Saint Laurent’s Left Bank heritage, while the addition of Le Maillon-inspired chain links adds a sculptural, jewel-like dimension to the silhouette. Crafted in soft lambskin and adorned with the iconic YSL monogram, the Jamie 4.3 balances softness and structure, day and evening, heritage and modernity. Designed to be worn on the shoulder, either long or short, it’s a versatile companion with undeniable Left Bank attitude.
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Introduced in 2023, the Saint Laurent Voltaire bag is a refined addition to the house’s accessory canon—combining retro elegance with modern functionality. Crafted in smooth calfskin leather and anchored by a pivoting Cassandre logo clasp, the bag’s clean lines and structured silhouette offer a subtle nod to vintage top-handle styles. Available in standard and mini sizes, the Voltaire features a detachable shoulder strap for versatile wear—handheld, over the shoulder, or crossbody. Sleek, minimal, and unmistakably Saint Laurent, it’s a new classic designed with everyday polish in mind.
BOE MARION
Introduced in the summer of 2023, the Le 37 is Saint Laurent’s modern take on the classic bucket bag. Crafted in smooth leather with a structured silhouette, subtle YSL monogram, and drawstring closure, it balances elegance with ease. Equal parts polished and practical, it’s quickly become a go-to for those seeking quiet luxury with everyday appeal. A new icon in the making.
In 2024, Saint Laurent reintroduced its iconic ‘Y’ motif from the 1970s with the launch of the Y Line, seamlessly integrating this signature into the construction of its handbags. The centerpiece, the Y Tote Bag, showcases this design through meticulous leather craftsmanship, offering a subtle yet recognizable nod to the house’s heritage. Designed as a versatile daywear companion, the tote is available in black and brick fine-grained calfskin, as well as senna canvas desert dust and brick vegetal leather for a summery touch. Complementing the tote, the collection features a small bucket bag in matching materials and hues, providing a compact alternative without compromising on style.
Introduced in Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2018 collection under Anthony Vaccarello, the Niki bag has become a standout in the brand’s modern canon—loved for its vintage sensibility and everyday ease. First seen in an ad campaign fronted by Kate Moss, the bag blends a retro, worn-in aesthetic with contemporary structure. Crafted from crinkled vintage-finish leather and detailed with chevron quilting, the Niki features a tonal YSL monogram and an adjustable leather-and-chain strap that can be worn long or doubled. Available in multiple sizes—from the compact Baby Niki to the roomy Large and Shopping Tote versions—it offers practical interiors with organized compartments, making it as functional as it is stylish. Worn by everyone from Rihanna to off-duty models, the Niki’s laid-back elegance and timeless design continue to make it a go-to for fashion insiders and icons alike.
Introduced in 2017 by creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the Loulou bag pays homage to Loulou de la Falaise, Yves Saint Laurent’s close friend and muse. De la Falaise’s avant-garde and rebellious spirit significantly influenced Saint Laurent’s designs, making her an integral part of the brand’s history. The Loulou features a classic flap design with an envelope-style closure, adorned with the iconic YSL monogram. Its chevron-quilted pattern and versatile chain strap make it suitable for both shoulder and crossbody wear. Available in various sizes, including the Toy, Small, Medium, and Large, the Loulou has become a mainstay in the brand’s lineup.
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