While big bags have been on the rise for the last few years, few brands have helped catapult them fully into ubiquity in the way that Saint Laurent has. In 2022, the release of its Icare Maxi Shopping Bag made waves, and the bag was one of the most wanted new releases of the year.
Now, two years later, Saint Laurent is back with the debut of yet another covetable big bag, and the excitement online was immediately palpable when Bella Hadid was first spotted carrying the nondescript, unreleased bag early this summer.
Rightfully so, because nobody does a big-bag debut (physically and metaphorically) like Saint Laurent, and today, we’re giving you a detailed look at the new Y Tote.
All About the Aesthetic
A callout of Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent over the years has been his consistent use of the YSL Cassandre Hardware. While I love the YSL logo for its ties to the House’s heritage, I also appreciate branding that is a bit more subtle, and that is precisely what the Y Tote offers.
It’s still on brand, but in a less overt way and more under the radar—the perfect balance between quiet and loud luxury, if you will. The design also hints at a mid-late 2000s Saint Laurent, when Stefano Pilati was at the brand’s helm, often utilizing subtle Y-stitching on his bag designs. True to its name, that same subtle Y is what defines the Y Tote.
The Details
At first glance, the Y tote is simple but still undeniably cool, oozing the perfect mix of sleek and relaxed. It’s crafted from fine-grained leather and fully lined in suede, with one interior zippered pocket. I found the full suede lining to be an incredibly luxe touch.
It is roomy, and the open top means you can fill it with as much or as little as you’d like, but if you prefer a bag that closes securely, this is not it. Still, there are many pluses to this bag, aesthetics aside. First, I found that the bottom of the bag keeps its shape and doesn’t sag, which is a major pet peeve of mine for a bag of this size and shape.
A second major plus is that the bag is lightweight, an essential feature of a large tote. The last thing you want from a grab-and-go bag designed to hold a lot of items is for it to be heavy before it’s even been filled. Carried over the shoulder, it offers the perfect amount of softness and slouch, and it sits rather nicely, I might add. Still, the bag is also light enough to carry in hand if it’s not overly full.
The overall dimensions of the Y Tote are 14.6 ” x 12.6″ x 2.8–8.7″ with a strap drop of 10.2.” I loved this bag at first sight, and after seeing it in person, it is even better. Melding vintage YSL with modern Saint Laurent allure, this bag makes me want to trade my mini bags for the big bag movement.
Retail is $3,600 via Saint Laurent.
Beautiful! BUT the price is insane for a black leather tote.
Wait, all of that and no phone pocket? I hate when brands do not take functionality into consideration! Yes, there is a zipped pocket, but an open one for easy access to phone is a must at this price….
Maybe I’m a nervous Nelly but I see the handles pulling the stitching loose eventually–they look stressed even with little in the bag. Hope I’m wrong.
I purchased it and loved it but did see the thread in the handle pulling with next to nothing in it. If it weren’t for that I would have kept it. For that price point, I don’t want to have to worry about torn stitching. The brick color is stunning.
I don’t imagine it’ll be a problem, they’ll probably make sure it’s glued together really well before top stitching.
I tried it on and loved the quality BUT it’s so heavy even when empty. I’d love one that’s 10%smaller tbh
That is too bad I really love the look of this bag, but empty weight is a deal breaker for me.
heavy when empty is a no, no for me. next.
I did not find it to be heavy at all!
It’s nice but pricey. The shape is very reminiscent of the Chanel Coco Cabas!
It looks like the Lotus by Khaite…
It’s a beautiful bag. I love the brown color.
I love that one too!! Black is more me typically but the brown feels so rich and lush!
Also echoing the question on if the straps end up getting pulled apart by the way they’re designed when you load the tote up. Also I could’ve sworn this bag came in a white/tan color way but I’m only seeing black/brown leather as shopping options?
If the bag is successful would love to see more interesting colors and what a smaller tote version would look like!
I m surprised PurseBlog hasn’t written about the release of the LV x Murakami 20th anniversary collection.
We’re working on gathering all the info in one place! It’s coming tomorrow AM!
** Runs to closet. Digs out YSL Downtown. **
These styles of bags are so in my wheelhouse, and I’m thrilled they are having a moment again!
I was too young to be able to afford them back then – but I loved from afar and I love to see this new direction!
I love the larger one with the longer strap drop but seeing these photos, am concerned the big one will be sort of dramatic for everyday use!
I’m not a big YSL fan, but this bag is gorgeous!