About the Saint Laurent Envelope Bag
One of Saint Laurent’s most popular handbags, the YSL Envelope, is aptly named as its pointed front flap looks and opens just like an envelope. Since its fairly recent release, celebrities, fashionistas and fans of this timeless yet modern silhouette frequently carry this unique handbag. And with various sizes and colors, plus a strong structure and durable finishing, this bag is an easy choice if you’re seeking to add a new luxury bag to your collection.
Like many Saint Laurent bags, the Envelope’s front flap features its iconic monogram. Conceptualized in 1961 by graphic designer Adolphe Jean Marie Mouron, the interlaced letter logo has remained virtually unchanged throughout this French fashion house's history.
Design and Features of the Saint Laurent Envelope Bag
There’s no doubt that the YSL Envelope bag makes a statement. The bag has a sharp rectangular silhouette and matelassé overstitching. The hallmark overstitching combines a chevron pattern flanked by vertical quilting on the front flap and a diamond pattern on the bag’s body. The mix of patterns creates visual interest and adds to its luxurious feel. The front flap is emblazoned with the interlaced YSL monogram and closes using a magnetic snap fastener. The chain straps have sections of leather shoulder pads for both comfort and style. All Envelope bags have the following features:
- YSL interlaced monogram hardware
- Matelassé quilted overstitching
- Curb-chain strap
- Grosgrain lining
- Magnetic snap fastening
The YSL Envelope bag comes in multiple sizes, the smallest of which is best for an evening out, while the larger version can hold a tablet, notebooks and other daily essentials. There’s also a clutch with a removable wristlet strap and a quilted wallet. The dimensions for each piece are as follows (width x height x depth):
- YSL Envelope Small Bag: 8.2” x 5.1” x 2.3”
- YSL Envelope Medium Bag: 9.4” x 6.8” x 2.3”
- YSL Envelope Large Bag: 12.2” x 8.6” x 2.9”
- YSL Envelope Clutch: 8.2” x 5.9” x 1”
- YSL Envelope Chain Wallet: 5.3” x 3.7” x 1.1”
Most of the Envelope bags include a main compartment with a flat pocket on the interior and an exterior slit pocket on the back. The clutch has the same interior slip pocket but doesn’t have an external pocket. The medium and large Envelope bags have chain straps you can adjust so you’re able to wear the bag in hand or on the shoulder. The medium has a 21.7” strap drop (the same as the small) and a 10.4” drop when doubled. The large has a 20.5” long drop and a 11.8” one when doubled. Rather than a chain strap, the Envelope clutch has a removable leather wristlet strap.
The Envelope chain wallet has the same quilted detailing on the exterior, including a back flat pocket. The interior has a main compartment with four card slots, while you can secure the front flap with snap-button closure.
Materials and Craftsmanship of the Saint Laurent Envelope Bag
Saint Laurent manufactures its handbags in Italy, employing expert artisans to assemble each piece using the finest quality materials. Most of the Envelope bags come in calfskin leather, though the brand also makes them using materials like velvet, python and leather-trimmed denim. For the finishing, most of the bags have a grain de poudre embossed leather that has a slightly pebbled texture and is known for being scratch-resistant. There are also versions in suede, patent, metallic and studded leather and color options range from classic black, ivory and beige to dark green, burgundy, navy and more. The bags' metal hardware comes in tones of gold, silver, gunmetal, bronze and a lacquered black.
The Saint Laurent Envelope Bag’s Value and Collectibility
Because Saint Laurent has been named one of the top five luxury designer brands with handbags that hold their value over time, purchasing an Envelope bag is an excellent investment. Because of their popularity, finding an Envelope bag on the resale market is relatively easy. In early 2021, a pre-loved Envelope bag fetched, on average, more than $1,800. The Envelope pouches, which are no longer in production, are more challenging to find. If you’re hoping to score a pre-owned wristlet, be sure to set an alert so you don’t miss it when one comes available.