When Hedi Slimane left Saint Laurent he left an enormous pair of shoes to fill in his wake. We’ve discussed before how Saint Laurent’s current assortment is basically one logo flap bag after another. This was the work of Slimane, who came around and changed everything about Yves Saint Laurent. This strategy proved to work well for the brand, which saw massive success with consumers and celebs alike snatching up logo bag after logo bag. You know how the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but Anthony Vaccarello finally broke the mold a little bit with Saint Laurent’s newest bag. Introducing: the Saint Laurent Manhattan Satchel.
Saint Laurent’s newest bag is large enough to use as a day bag, which is a far cry from most of its current successes. This bag must be carried strictly with the top handle strap as it does not come with a longer cross body strap. At first glance you can’t tell that this bag actually is even Saint Laurent, which again is quite surprising. However if you look closely at the bag’s gold hardware closure, you’ll see that it reads ‘Saint Laurent Paris’ in super tiny lettering. This satchel appears to be slightly structured, and though the top is open and there is no zip closure, a thin belt-like strap keeps the bag cinched closed. At first glance I really like the look of this bag overall. It’s elegant, lady-like and super-sleek. It’s made from smooth calfskin though, which makes me question its durability for a bag that’s going to be often used during the day carrying its user from place to place. Currently the bag is available for pre-order via Nordstrom in solid black only.
It looks so much like the Tory Burch Lee Radziwill satchel you featured last week. In fact, I thought they were the same!
Same here! I do like the elegant shape of this bag, but indeed not the most original shape and style.
Also, I think TB is more practical in everyday use, it seems a bit of a hassle to open and close this YSL.
Yes! That was my first thought as well!
I do like this bag and I’m just happy to see these hideous YSL logo bags go away!
Not very beautiful bag tbh. I would rather buy the De Jour if i want a YSL Hermes knockoff.
God, i really miss that era when brands had a distinctive handbags offer. Back when the worst thing for a brand was to copy another. When YSL had the Muse, the Muse 2, The Downtown, The Besace…etc.
Even Balenciaga & Gucci bags were distinctive.
Now everybody is doing a copy of a Chanel bag, a Birkin or Kelly bag.
I’m becoming less and less interested in bags.
Maybe YSL should reintroduce update versions of their old bags starting from the Tom Ford era instead of releasing those uninspired bags.
I agree 100% with you! Flap bags & wanna-be Birkins, have been so over-played! The only 2 that are offering newer shapes & sizes are Chloé & Gucci. This YSL is so drab, & thoroughly boring, & using calfskin on what looks like a lawyers briefcase that would get daily wear & tear, is a recipe for disaster!
*Birkin
Thanks…it’s late, & I should be sleeping instead of reading! ?
I fixed it!?
Needs a top zipper close at that price. Think they are trying to make it look like a Birkin…….
It does have a top zipper.
i really like the structure of this bag… but i’m think the leather is too soft and might not hold up.
Kinda boring. Pheobe Philo needs to come back and make her own bags….sign me up!!
The shape of this bag, while nice, is so common.
Not a bad look. I wonder how secure it’d be and how easy to close and open that bag, although it kinda looks like Birkin wannabe. (I think people cried this out, too, with the SDJ released.)
The “uptown satchel” bag is way more interesting. There’s a removable flat that turns into a clutch.. and also there’s a strap.
Meh…but that’s personal preference:))
I’ve never followed Celine, so don’t really know how this bag fits into the brand’s portfolio. But I don’t like the bag, period. The shoulder straps are cheap looking and they’re out of proportion for the bag. The straps/handles are too long for a hand-held bag and too short for a true shoulder bag. Yes, it’s ok for a summer day when you’re wearing a light top as in the NM photo, but try putting (and keeping) this bag over your shoulder in winter when wearing a heavy coat. I see absolutely nothing about this product that would make me want to plonk down nearly $2500.
Sorry, I mean Saint Laurent!! Brain is still in holiday mode.
Hmm, I kind of like the siplicity of it, but it is a tad boring, and the the fact that it looks like a Birkin-wannabe bothers me quite a bit.
Well made, but it looks like an ordinary tote bag. For this price you could buy six Michael Kors tote bag.
I find this bag very elegant and simple, but luxurious! I am surprised by the negative comments – to me, it is stunning!
I think the bag is perfection! I love understated, simple-line bags. So glad the large YSL logo is nowhere in sight. An optional, removable shoulder strap would’ve been nice. This bag will be mine!
I’d like to add, the size is a little large – They are now coming out with a small version and it’s perfect!
This bag grew on me although I didnt like it when I first saw it. IMO it’s a perfect shape and design for work. it’s simple, elegant and it’s not screaming brand logo.
You say ‘At first glance…’, as if you have a contrary view. Then you offer none. It’s a little contrary ???