I attempted to start this write-up with a statement about how the Saint Laurent Niki is one of the brand’s newer additions until I realized that it’s not 2020 anymore, and the bag is no longer in its infancy.
Launched in 2018, the Niki Bag immediately made waves when it launched for the Spring 2018 season in an ad campaign fronted by the legendary Kate Moss. Whether or not Kate’s appearance alongside the bag had anything to do with its subsequent popularity remains to be seen.
Nonetheless, it’s remained both a brand staple and a fan favorite ever since, often spotted in the arms of fashion-loving celebrities and in our Bags in the Wild series on handbag lovers like you and me.
Everyday Appeal Meets Downtown Cool
Conceptualized under the creative direction of Anthony Vaccarello, the Niki is the epitome of effortlessly cool. It’s truly a perfect representation of the Saint Laurent girl, oozing the quintessential rock ‘n roll vibe that is at the core of Saint Laurent’s DNA.
Relaxed but not messy, it offers a lived-in feel, perfect for grabbing and going with its multiple carrying methods and functional interior (no matter what size you opt for). Though it was first launched in shiny chevron leather, there’s a new version of the Niki in town, and I am obsessed.
The chevron pattern is integral to the House but now covered in soft-grained calfskin, this new version of the Niki bag offers the same easy feel with a slightly more elevated finish. It still feels lived in, which is truly what defines the shape, and the grained leather lends itself to the relaxed nature of the Niki.
Of course, the bag is defined by the YSL hardware, which is not tonal like the original. Instead, it acts as an accent in gold or silver. While the YSL Cassandre logo seems to be a bit divisive, it’s a logo I love thanks to its rich history and ode to the House’s founder.
The Niki bag is one of those bags that remains on my want list, and the latest version is bringing it up a few places.
