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.

Shop Vintage Bags and Purses from Top Fashion Boutiques on 1stDibs

An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.

Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, handbag lovers are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classic bags still rule.

“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”

First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.

They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”

From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.

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Questions About Yves Saint Laurent Handbags and Purses

Where is Yves Saint Laurent from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Fashion designer Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint Laurent was born in Oran, Algeria on August 1, 1936. The family home was located at 11 Rue Stora in the Plateau Saint Michel neighborhood. Yves and his parents lived on the ground floor and his uncle’s family lived above them. The city of Oran is a port city in northwest Algeria. Shop a collection of vintage and new Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
What was Yves Saint Laurent known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yves Saint Laurent was a well-known fashion designer with a brand that was recognized for a dedication to quality and elegance. He is probably best known for popularizing the idea of women wearing trousers for all occasions, bringing androgenous dressing to the forefront. He was also well-known for his flowy fashions that were less structured than his contemporaries. You’ll find a variety of Saint Laurent products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What inspired Yves Saint Laurent?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In Yves Saint Laurent’s childhood, he had a fascination with making intricate paper dolls, which later turned into making dress designs for his mother and sisters. As a teenager, his mother took him to meet with the editor of French Vogue, who was impressed by the young Saint Laurent’s designs. Shop a collection of vintage and new Yves Saint Laurent designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In his earliest years, Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by illustrations from fashion magazines and Christian Bérard. As he officially began to pursue a career in fashion, he was introduced to Christian Dior and definitely gained inspiration from this fashion giant. Throughout his career he was inspired by art and famed artists, the street styles he saw around him, Russian culture and design and the way his mother dressed when he was a child. You’ll find a variety of Saint Laurent products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who is Yves Saint Laurent owned by?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The luxury brand Yves Saint Laurent is owned today by Kering. The brand name has dropped Yves and is currently known as Saint Laurent. This French brand began in 1962 and was bought by Gucci in 1999, which was owned by PPR. Later PPR changed names to be called Kering, and still owns the Saint Laurent brand. Find vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
What is Yves Saint Laurent famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yves Saint Laurent is known for his approach to elegance and comfort in women’s wear. He is also widely credited for creating the “Le Smoking” tuxedo suit. The Le Smoking tuxedo suit was the first of its kind, a tuxedo suit designed for women. Find a large collection of authentic Yves Saint Laurent from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is Yves Saint Laurent’s style?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yves Saint Laurent’s style has been described as ‘gender-blurring’, with inspiration taken from the streets to help modernize haute-couture. You can find vintage and contemporary Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Since its inception in the early 1960s, the Yves Saint Laurent style has changed and grown with the times. The overarching mood of Saint Laurent styles is gender-blurring and openly embraces the idea of women wearing trousers and other garments that were more associated with past menswear. No matter the garment, the look is always high-end and luxe. You’ll find a large collection of Saint Laurent from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who designs for Yves Saint Laurent?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Designer Anthony Vaccarello is Yves Saint Laurent’s creative director and was appointed to the position in April 2016. You can find vintage and contemporary Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yves Saint Laurent was the original designer for the eponymous label. Today the brand is led by creative director Anthony Vaccarello, who stepped into the position in April of 2016. In between creative directors included Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford, Stefano Pilati and Hedi Slimane. Shop a collection of vintage and new Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
When was Yves Saint Laurent founded?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
Yves Saint Laurent was founded in 1962.

The revered and groundbreaking French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent established his eponymous luxury house with his partner, Pierre Bergé. In the years prior, beginning in his teens, Saint Laurent had been working for Christian Dior. In 1966, four years after establishing the label, he and Bergé opened the first YSL Rive Gauche women’s boutique in Paris, followed soon thereafter by YSL Rive Gauche for men. Saint Laurent had given birth to a global brand and didn’t retire from designing until 2002.

Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Is Yves Saint Laurent an entrepreneur?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
Yes, Yves Saint Laurent was an entrepreneur. The revered and groundbreaking French fashion designer founded his eponymous luxury house with his partner, Pierre Bergé, in 1962. In the years prior, beginning in his teens, Saint Laurent had been working for Christian Dior. In 1966, four years after establishing the label, he and Bergé opened the first YSL Rive Gauche women’s boutique in Paris, followed soon thereafter by YSL Rive Gauche for men. Saint Laurent had given birth to a global brand and didn’t retire from designing until 2002. Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
What's the difference between Yves Saint Laurent and Saint Laurent?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The difference between Yves Saint Laurent and Saint Laurent has to do with its branding. While the house of Yves Saint Laurent is still called by that name, Hedi Slimane’s ready-to-wear collection goes by Saint Laurent — but the logo for this collection specifies Saint Laurent Paris. On 1stDibs, you'll find authentic Saint Laurent pieces from trusted sellers.
What is Yves Saint Laurent’s logo?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The Yves Saint Laurent logo is ‘YSL’, a monogram of the founder’s name. The ‘S’ sits in the middle, linking the ‘Y’ and the ‘L’. You can find vintage and contemporary Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The original Yves Saint Laurent logo is an interlocking monogram designed by graphic designer Adolphe Jean Marie Mouron, who goes by the name Cassandre. In 2012 the brand changed its name, dropping the Yves and also changing the logo. Today’s Saint Laurent logo is a bold Neue Helvetica font “Saint Laurent” with the word “Paris” written beneath in a serif-style font. All letters are in uppercase. You’ll find a variety of Saint Laurent products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What yves saint laurent mean?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yves Saint Laurent is the name of the French fashion designer who founded the luxury fashion house in 1962. Today, his fashions remain beloved by collectors all around the world. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Yves Saint Laurent garments from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
How do you pronounce Yves Saint Laurent?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024
Yves Saint Laurent is pronounced “EEV sann law-RAUNNT.” Yves Saint Laurent established his eponymous couture house with Pierre Bergé in 1962. By blurring gender-specific design, Saint Laurent empowered individual style while creating a scissor-sharp fashion aesthetic of sensual ease and beauty. Many of his designs are today considered timeless classics. Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Which style is an innovation by Yves Saint Laurent?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
One of Yves Saint Laurent's most famous and iconic styles is the "Le Smoking,” originally launched as a black suit for women at a time when women didn’t wear pants in public — and were sometimes kicked out of luxury establishments for wearing them. Many incarnations of “Le Smoking” have hit the shelves in the decades since its debut. Shop a large collection of new and vintage Yves Saint Laurent pieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if Yves Saint Laurent is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yves Saint Laurent is made with the utmost quality and high-end materials. You can check for authenticity cards, near perfect stitching and a branded label along the inside to confirm the item is authentic. Find a large collection of authentic Yves Saint Laurent from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate an Yves Saint Laurent scarf?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An authentic Yves Saint Laurent scarf should look hand-rolled and hand-stitched. The material should be rolled in towards the logo, and then hand stitched so that the material comes from the back to the front. The pattern should also be completely symmetrical. You’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Saint Laurent clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How do I authenticate an Yves Saint Laurent bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a few tell-tale signs you can look for to determine whether your YSL bag is real or fake. Authentic Saint Laurent bags have a serial number tag. Authentic bags will have the tag sewn into the lining around the edges. The serial number is 12 digits separated by a dot. Newer versions of YSL bags will have a serial number that is three letters, followed by 10 digits and they’re separated by a dot. In addition, make sure to thoroughly examine the bag for flaws and imperfections. A true Yves Saint Laurent bag will be flawless. Shop a collection of authentic Saint Laurent purses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
How old is the Yves Saint Laurent company?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The fashion house Yves Saint Laurent was founded in 1962 by Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé in Paris, France. Their mission was to make prêt-à-porter, or ready-to-wear fashion, a reputable trend. In 1966, they opened the first YSL Rive Gauche women’s boutique in Paris, followed soon after by YSL Rive Gauche for men. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of iconic vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent clothing and accessories.
Who designs Yves Saint Laurent menswear?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Belgian-born designer Anthony Vaccarello is the creative director at Yves Saint Laurent and is in charge of the fashion house’s womenswear and menswear lines. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent menswear from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How to Spot a Fake YSL Bag

Counterfeiters know that savvy fashionistas cherish YSL bags. Learn how to tell if yours is the real deal. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.