Yves Saint Laurent was a legendary couturier who revolutionized the fashion industry in the 60s  by introducing the prêt-a-porter concept. The spirit of the Saint Laurent Rive Gauche collection brought the designer’s legacy well into the present with fashionistas obsessing over the ready-to-wear and accessories. The classic Saint Laurent Monogram purse is still relevant, coveted, and a cool status symbol, both rock & roll and lady-like.

Elements of the Monogram

It’s definitely a structured bag, branded with the iconic logo and a signature chain strap. Usually crafted from matelassé leather, it evokes a luxurious feel. Sometimes it features decorative stitching at the front for a geometrical effect. Being mostly a shoulder bag with a front flap, it offers increased functionality. Hardware is gold-tone, silver-tone or tonal.

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Versions of an Iconic Purse

A sporty choice is the Large Collège Monogram bag (12.5 x 7.8 x 3.3 in.), featuring both a top handle and a shoulder strap and coming also in croc-embossed nubuck leather. A business-appropriate one is the Large Monogram Envelop Satchel (12.1 x 8.4 x 3.1 in.), with horizontal and vertical stitching. The interlocking metal signature is always there. The most ‘day-to-evening’ style is the Large Classic Satchel (12.1 x 8.6 x 2.9 in.), with the impressive double ‘gourmette’ chain you will also find in the Medium Satchel (9.4 x 5.7 x 2.1 in.), crafted from grained, python-embossed or metallic leather. This size is also coveted in the Kate Satchel, decorated with a metal chain tassel. If you want a smaller one, opt for the stylish Chain Wallet (8.8 x 5.5 x 1.6 in.) or the Small Fringed Satchel with a snake-textured YSL logo. And for busy days, you need the Monogram Shopper (13.6 x 10.1 x 4.5).

Saint Laurent Monogram Université

This is a quite special bag designed in 2014 by Hedi Slimane and exemplifying simplicity mixed with French nonchalance. It was named after the Parisian Rue de L’Université and references a heritage style known today as the ‘Y Satchel’. It just replaces the Y with the YSL to make for another classic Monogram in Small and Medium size.

Latest Trends and Wearers

Playful touches on the classic styles are epitomized in the star motif created from crystals, studs, and metallic prints. They are joined by other embroidered motifs such as hearts, crescents, lips, florals, and colorful gems. Heart-shaped Monogram and Half-Moon styles, including those crafted from velvet, are on-trend too. Jessica Alba, Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Chastain, Gigi Hadid, Chiara Ferragni, Kim Kardashian, and Miranda Kerr have adopted them for casual and red carpet looks!