Saint Laurent bags have become some of the most recognisable, sought-after, and enduring icons in modern luxury fashion. Known for their clean Parisian lines, rock-chic edge, and timeless minimalism, Saint Laurent’s handbags blend high-fashion attitude with everyday practicality. Across decades and creative directors — from Yves Saint Laurent to Hedi Slimane and Anthony Vaccarello — the brand has produced silhouettes that have shaped the global accessory landscape. This guide is the most comprehensive overview of all Saint Laurent bag models, exploring the classics, seasonal favourites, and cult-status newcomers that define the house today.
The Classic Flap Bags: Sunset, Solferino, and College
The Sunset Bag is one of Saint Laurent’s most identifiable designs and remains a cornerstone of its handbag portfolio. It features a structured, rectangular shape with the iconic YSL Cassandre plaque resting proudly on the front flap. The Sunset is particularly loved for its versatility and size range, from compact crossbody options to medium and large iterations that hold daily essentials with ease. Its leather-and-chain shoulder strap creates a balance between uptown polish and Saint Laurent’s signature edge.
The Solferino Bag, introduced under Anthony Vaccarello, leans into a more vintage-inspired aesthetic. Its boxy shape, smooth edges, and refined YSL hardware evoke the quiet elegance of the 1970s, aligning with the house’s heritage while still feeling fresh. The Solferino’s rigid construction and elongated silhouette make it a wardrobe staple for anyone who appreciates structured, minimalistic luxury.
The College Bag stands apart for its quilted chevron leather and gently slouchy attitude. It captures the house’s more relaxed direction: part rock-chic, part contemporary. With a top handle and a detachable shoulder strap, the College is practical without sacrificing glamour. The soft yet resilient leather and magnetic flap closure contribute to its status as an everyday favourite.
The Lou Line: Camera Bag, Wallet-on-Chain, and LouLou
The Lou Camera Bag is one of Saint Laurent’s biggest modern commercial hits. Its camera-shape silhouette, quilted leather, tassel detail, and compact interior have made it a global favourite. It pairs well with casual outfits and evening looks alike, demonstrating the brand’s ability to merge functionality with luxury. With wide colour availability and seasonal updates, it remains permanently relevant.
The LouLou Bag, originally introduced by Hedi Slimane, is instantly recognisable thanks to its curvaceous envelope shape and puffy chevron quilting inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s muse, Loulou de la Falaise. Soft lines and plush textures give it a relaxed glamour that resonates with fashion lovers seeking a chic but approachable design. Available in several sizes, including mini, small, medium, and the oversized “Toy” version, the LouLou is one of the most beloved Saint Laurent signature bags.
The Kate Bag: Evening Elegance
Few bags embody Saint Laurent’s glamorous DNA quite like the Kate Bag. Known for its long chain strap, rectangular profile, and dramatic chain tassel, the Kate is the epitome of evening elegance. Its streamlined construction focuses entirely on the YSL Cassandre hardware, making it a statement piece for nights out, red carpets, and special events. Available in leather, suede, velvet, and exotic finishes, the Kate Bag radiates timeless luxury and continues to be a favourite for those who want a piece that elevates any formal look.
The Sac de Jour: The Modern Power Tote
The Sac de Jour is often hailed as Saint Laurent’s ultimate modern classic. Structured, minimalist, and exquisitely constructed, it was introduced during Hedi Slimane’s tenure and quickly became a cult-status luxury tote. The Sac de Jour is available in multiple sizes — from the super tiny Nano to the spacious Large — and serves as the perfect work or travel companion. Its accordion sides, tubular handles, and subtle branding make it a quiet luxury icon. Even as trends evolve, the Sac de Jour’s architectural shape remains a timeless expression of discreet sophistication.
The Le 5 à 7: Parisian Minimalism
One of the house’s most successful new-era designs, the Le 5 à 7 bag represents a return to refined minimalism. Slim, lightweight, and subtly curved, it is designed to sit comfortably under the arm, making it the quintessential shoulder bag. Its clean lines, sleek leather, and small Cassandre emblem combine to create a piece that feels modern yet classic. The bag has quickly become a favourite with celebrities and fashion insiders, cementing its status as a contemporary icon.
The Icare Maxi and Le 37: The New Direction
Under Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent has leaned into bold proportions and oversized silhouettes. The Icare Maxi Tote, popularised by celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, is a soft, oversized quilted tote that blends fashion with functionality. Its pillow-like volume and dramatic YSL hardware make it instantly recognisable. Despite its size, it remains surprisingly wearable due to its supple leather and slouchy construction. This bag is emblematic of the rise of the “maxi bag” trend, which favours large, statement-making shapes.
The Le 37 represents the opposite direction — structured minimalism. With its clean trapezoid shape, subtle hardware, and top-handle silhouette, it merges modern sharpness with timeless elegance. This design is already being hailed as a future classic and is expected to grow in popularity among collectors of refined handbags.
The Cassandra Line
The Cassandra Bag incorporates one of Saint Laurent’s boldest hardware designs: an oversized YSL monogram that doubles as the clasp. The bag has a structured, vintage-inspired form reminiscent of mid-century Parisian designs, and comes in top-handle, satchel, and chain-strap variations. The Cassandra is ideal for those who love a clear nod to brand heritage, combining sharp geometry with unmistakable branding.
The Shopper Tote and East-West Styles
Saint Laurent’s Shopper Tote is one of its most practical and minimalistic creations. Constructed from supple leather without heavy structure, the Shopping Tote is ideal for daily use or travel. Its understated silhouette and subtle logo make it a favourite among those who want luxury without conspicuous design features.
The brand also offers East-West styles that are longer horizontally than vertically, aligning with a resurgence in elongated bag silhouettes across the industry. These designs offer versatility for both work and casual wear.
The Manhattan Bag
The Manhattan Bag is a refined piece that blends structured elegance with a modern edge. Its streamlined rectangular body, subtle leather strap closure, and absence of heavy hardware mark it as a minimalist masterpiece. The Manhattan works beautifully as an everyday shoulder or crossbody bag and is especially popular among fans of understated luxury. Its quiet confidence aligns perfectly with the post-logo movement in fashion.
The Niki Bag: Slouchy Cool
The Niki Bag is one of Saint Laurent’s more relaxed designs. Made from vintage-effect crinkled leather, it blends casual coolness with a rocker attitude. The tonal YSL monogram is subtle and modern, and the bag’s soft construction and roomy interior make it an excellent everyday piece. The Niki’s appeal lies in its effortless vibe and durability, especially in its larger sizes.
The Kaia Bag: Minimal and Modern
Named after Kaia Gerber, the Kaia Bag is a clean, structured crossbody with a saddle shape. Its curved silhouette and compact proportions make it a favourite among trend-forward but minimalist consumers. The Kaia represents Saint Laurent’s move toward soft curves and effortless elegance.
Seasonal and Fashion-Forward Iconics
Beyond its core classics, Saint Laurent releases seasonal models that often achieve cult followings. These include the Puffer Bag, a soft quilted shoulder bag that merges comfort with glamour; the Rive Gauche Tote, which features canvas construction and a bold logo that nods to YSL’s ready-to-wear heritage; and the Envelope Belt Bags, which bring youthful energy to the accessory lineup.
Final Thoughts
Saint Laurent’s handbag universe is defined by consistency, craftsmanship, and confidence. Whether you prefer structured minimalism, quilted glamour, oversized silhouettes, or vintage-inspired designs, the house offers something for every fashion identity. From the enduring Sac de Jour and iconic Kate Bag to modern classics like the Icare Maxi Tote and Le 5 à 7, Saint Laurent continues to shape the global luxury landscape through bags that feel stylish today and timeless tomorrow.
