When Dior announced that it would re-issue its iconic Saddle bag for the Fall 2018 season, fashion lovers went collectively well…nuts. By the summer of 2018, the Saddle Bag in its many forms—mini, medium, leather and classic Oblique—was officially back in stores and it wasn’t long before Fendi, Gucci, Celine and more released archival designs of their own.
The Fendi Baguette launched with such a fanfare that it was immediately a beloved choice for Fendi fans both new and old, and two years after the re-release it remains so adored that Fendi just brought back its original 1997 Baguette. Meanwhile, Gucci has seen such massive success with the return of its classic Horsebit emblem, resulting in a second revival, the return of its iconic Jackie Bag.
The trend is not limited to the return of specific styles either. In fact, many brands look to their archives for inspiration and take details from certain styles like old house emblems, shapes, fabrics or hardware. Celine based an entire line on its storied Triomphe emblem, which appears throughout the current collection both on coated canvas bags (which are vintage-inspired), and as a hardware detail on leather bags. Even brands like Longchamp and Coach have cashed in on the trend, proving the power of brand loyalty and recognition decades later.
Looking at the handbag world as whole, it’s incredibly clear that archival designs and ones that contain elements from a brand’s past wares are “it” right now. It’s interesting that Saint Laurent, whose bags sit on the same tier as the previous brands mentioned, has mostly steered clear of bringing back a bag from its archives, despite introducing new shapes that have a vintage appeal.
Does the lack of YSL designs worthy of a comeback speak to the brands staying power as a whole?
While Saint Laurent has been producing handbags since the 60s and 70s, though in a much smaller capacity than other luxury brands at first, handbags were never the focal point for the brand. Rather the brand chose to focus on its RTW, with iconic pieces like the Le Smoking tuxedo jacket giving (Yves) Saint Laurent a huge cultural significance. Upon the founding of his namesake brand, Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized womenswear, and his accessories were a push that followed later.
Though the brand has had some incredibly notable silhouettes and shapes that were beloved by celebs and everyday handbag lovers alike, like the Y-Cabas and the Mombasa, those shapes were often overly trendy and would appear more dated today than timeless. Saint Laurent has had many handbag hits, but seemingly not one that’s worthy enough for a comeback. Additionally, the present day Saint Laurent is vastly different than what it once was, and the brand has gone through many iterations of change, forcing a would-be buyer to ponder the brands staying power decades down the line.
With all of that being said, Saint Laurent’s bags may lack the staying power and classic appeal that some collectors crave when purchasing a handbag. And these days, if you want to know if your handbag will stand the test of time, the best way to tell is to look to the past.
I agree that Saint Laurent’s bags of the past were not noteworthy enough to to bring back. But as pointed out, handbags were not the house’s main focus back then. I think several of the current bags may stand the test of time as they mix classic and modern style.
Unless they get a new creative director, much like Bottega did, I don’t see anything special coming our way from SL. They’re bags are too ladylike and BORING. Like everyone has them and there’s no exclusivity, which is super important. To me it’s like the basic bitch bag ?????
And I think that, as fabulous as BV’s new bags are, they are too distinctive and will become dated very soon. As far as bags everyone has, I think that award goes to the LV Neverfull and pretty much all their logo bags. And I also feel that way about Chanel flap bags. Between the real ones and the fakes, they seem so unspecial.
Yea don’t get me started on LV and Chanel ? again, basic and boring and all about logos that nobody gives two f**ks about. I strongly disagree with the Bottega argument though. Their bags are simplistic, luxuriously well made, and timeless. There’s no good reason why the pouch and the Jodie, for instance, would ever go out of style. It’s all due to the lack of logos and the quality you cannot beat. Also, just the fact that these new bottega styles are still as hyped as they were when they first came out in early 2019 is a crazy good sign. In reality most trendy bags lose their significance like 6-12 months later.
I think BV bags are so basic and boring in design and have bad wear and tear. They are very much an it bag of the moment but won’t have lasting power. The Jodie is straight up ugly ?
Ooph I feel bad for your wardrobe if you think all of that… yikes ?
Not singling out your comment specifically, but just chiming in on the thread: the joy of all of us loving bags is we can appreciate different designs and what may speak to me, may not speak to you, and vice versa. I think many of us have strong opinions on bags but we all have a shared love for bags which is why we are here! 🙂
Current Saint Laurent bags (especially those with the logo hardware) are pretty ghastly. For those of us who were born in the 20th century, Saint Laurent is first and foremost a couture house.
Replying to this thread of responses, not your specific comment here.
I don’t think anyone said that we all need to love the bags the next person loves. And I am all for constructive criticism – even when it comes to bags. Some bags have design flaws that should be spoken about while other people feel very strongly about specific brands or specific bags for a multitude of reasons. And that is not only ok but also to be expected. How boring would it be if we all loved the exact same bag!
BUT, there is a way to share these opinions and I will forever believe that how we word a message matters. Truly. You really don’t know what anyone is going through on any specific day and maybe, just maybe, coming here to read about bags is that break from their everyday life that they truly need. Our bags are supposed to be fun, we should be able to share our thoughts in a way that doesn’t tear people down.
And while I agree, bags aren’t that serious – I also don’t think anyone wants to feel like the bag that they love and saved for and bought is something the next person will tear them down over. It’s ok we all like different things. And it’s ok to say it’s not for you specifically. But some of the comments below feel personal, and I don’t think it’s a necessary way to respond to people here <3
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Almost every company has logos on their bags. Whether it’s in the form of a print (LV, Gucci, Fendi) or a single metal logo (Chanel, SL and, again, LV and Gucci). People seem to like logos and Saint Laurent.
On a side note..why must you always put such harsh opinions of bags that you know other readers are carrying? There are more diplomatic ways to express yourself without making someone who may have spent $2000+ on a bag feel bad about their purchase.
Get over yourself lol If you really love the bag then it wouldn’t matter who or what stated negative aspects about it. That’s just your insecurities talking my dear. And for the record, all those brands like LV, Chanel, Gucci etc are made to manufacture bags that are tacky as all hell, just to get some moron who likes the bags because there’s a logo slapped on it, trying to prove they’re “relevant” or “somebody” because they own said bag ? I work in the fashion industry and most of these “top designer bags” are actually poorly made a lot of the time, and STILL ppl don’t care because there’s a fancy logo on it to justify their purchase.
“Get over yourself” and “That’s just your insecurities talking my dear” is kind of mean, don’t you think? This woman is being ripped by a few people, unnecessarily. I hope you understand. I feel you really are a good person because I remember reading your CC and it was one of the most enjoyable ones I’ve read in awhile. ?
To me it’s not ripping anyone apart, but at the end of the day it’s extremely tiring that so many are EXTREMELY sensitive to any sort or critique whatsoever. It’s a damn bag, like who really cares? lol Thank you for you compliment, but again I just don’t see “get over yourself” or “insecurities etc…” as being bullying, but more as an awakening so to speak. Some ppl are clearly talking out of their insecurities and it’s plain as day, so I don’t think calling someone out on that is wrong. Trust me, I’ve had ppl say ten million times worse comments and I was perfectly fine. It never even phased me actually because I’m a confident person.
It is bullying. Expressing your opinion about the brand is fair because it’s subjective, but personalizing it towards Kat isn’t fair. Maybe “awakening” is the new “bullying”? Kat said it best:”Words carry weight. Everyone know this”.
Lol if someone feels bad because some internet stranger doesn’t care for their bag choices, then they have bigger issues to deal with.
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On PurseBlog’s sister site, PurseForum, people post pictures of their handbags to show to internet strangers and hopefully receive positive feedback.
Yeah I think that’s great—I’m all for sharing. In fact, I was an active member on tpf for years and posted many of my bags until the forum became unbearable. I decided not to return.
Positive feedback is wonderful but if that’s all people can handle, they need a psychiatric evaluation. There is a pattern on here that when someone says “I think this is ugly,” they get attacked. That’s puzzling.
Kat’s point was that you don’t need to be so extremely negative and now you’ve insulted the sister site of PF as being “unbearable” and said people who don’t want to hear negative comments on their several-thousand dollar purchases are in need of psychiatric evaluation. No one is saying you can’t express your opinion but you don’t have to be so extremely harsh.
That’s his personality. It’s best to ignore him & not engage. If he disagrees (which he will) then it’ll become a personal attack against you. He’s exhausting.
Haha i agree! When i consider buying a new bag i list down all the pros and cons same way when my bff asks me my opinion of the choices he has made. I dont like to sugar coat things and i want people to tell me the truth if they find something ugly.
I’m sure that many bags I love are hated by others. In fact, people criticize Vuitton, Hermès, and BV all the time—three brands I enjoy. It’s okay though, they are perfectly allowed to say they find these brands awful! ?
Yes but it’s not all about positive feedback in this world. That’s not realistic in the slightest. If we cannot accept constructive criticism about a damn bag then yea…. Like she said, much bigger problems to deal with.
Nothing you said so far has any constructive criticism, it’s your personal opinion…. And what you said about these bags being poorly made is definitely not true. You’re not the only one working in the fashion industry. High margins yes, bad quality I would not say. Anyway, bags are not made to last forever, if you use a bag, parts brake and wear off. Some people go crazy when their hardware or leather on their bag get’s a scratch, but that’s normal. A bag should live. When it comes to taste everyone has a different taste. I’m not a big fan of logo’s either, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all these bags are boring. LV has quite interesting designs here and there…. I do agree with Kat that their are nicer ways to give your opinion, there is already enough hatred and negative people on this planet. It’s very easy to spread hate and negative energy from behind your computer….
Well said!
Words carry weight. Everyone know this. Including you.
I guess I am not allowed to write that I find Saint Laurent bags ghastly… ?????
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The Muse. Remember that? It was one of their iconic bags that was distinctive in design and didn’t have the need for loud logos. Too bad they got rid of all those designs from way back when.
I LOVED the Muse!!
Me too!! It used to be my everyday work bag and has since been sitting in my closet idle for the last 10 years. Don’t think anyone would want to buy that now. I’ll keep it for the memories.
Yes of course! It was definitely an It-Bag at its time.
I love the current Saint Laurent bags. They are beautiful to me. I love the logo. Its very distinctive. The LouLou line is my favorite. Now I have not had a desire to reach back on any if their older styles. But that is true for every other brand except Gucci. I would buy their navy monogram canvas bags in a heartbeat.
Agreed! YSL is still my very favorite! I quite love their designs! The LouLou is a dream!