Yves Saint Laurent Handbags and Purses

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent bags have long been considered essential to any true fashionista's wardrobe. The celebrated French designer was the ultimate fashion savant, and just as many Yves Saint Laurent clothing creations are today considered timeless classics, YSL tote bags, crossbody bags and other handbags and purses are sleek and covetable, with styles that range from edgy to elegant.

Saint Laurent pioneered “cross-design” in fashion, taking inspiration from street trends to modernize haute couture. By blurring gender-specific design, he empowered individual style while creating a scissor-sharp fashion aesthetic of sensual ease and beauty. 

After working as the successor to Christian Dior, Saint Laurent founded his brand in the early 1960s with Pierre Bergé, his then-lover who became his lifelong business partner and friend. The designer often drew inspiration from painters and became famous for his revolutionary Mondrian minidress.

As far as YSL handbags are concerned, the Sac de Jour, the Loulou, the Shopper tote and the Sunset bag are all modern and sophisticated staples. The Muse, which appeared in 2006 and soon was on the arms of actresses and models all over the world, is roomy and versatile. (Sadly, the house has since discontinued the design.)

Yves Saint Laurent is also well known for its monogrammed clutches and tasseled bags. On authentic YSL handbags, the hardware won’t be discolored and shouldn’t be vulnerable to oxidization. The brand’s bags frequently feature the iconic YSL logo, which experienced a resurgence in the 2000s, thanks to then–creative director Stefano Pilati’s designs and advertising campaigns that positioned the logo front and center. Under creative director Hedi Slimane, the house’s ready-to-wear collection was rebranded as Saint Laurent in 2012.

Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent shoulder bags, clutches, crossbody bags and other bags on 1stDibs.