About the Saint Laurent College Bag
Released as part of Saint Laurent’s 2015 pre-fall collection, the College bag is one of the House’s most popular and enduring styles. With sophisticated quilting in a signature chevron pattern, a memorable chain strap and the brand’s monogram hardware, the College line is emblematic of Saint Laurent’s aesthetic. Because the College handbag comes in a range of rich colors, luxe materials and sizes, there’s a version of this striking bag for every occasion and personal taste.
Design and Features of the Saint Laurent College Bag
With a classic and edgy silhouette, the YSL College bag features a glamorous quilting pattern and a striking curb-chain strap. While the structure of the bag is somewhat malleable, it still holds its shape with strong lines. Most College bags have two types of Matelassé quilted stitching: a signature chevron-style “Y” and a diamond pattern. The two quilting styles are combined on some bags, while other special edition bags have embossed leather and no quilting. The House also emblazons the envelope flap with its trademark interlaced monogram and closes using a metallic fastener. All YSL College bags have the following features:
- Envelope-style flap closure with a magnetic snap fastener
- Interlaced YSL monogram
- Detachable curb-chain strap with a leather shoulder pad
- Top handle
- Grosgrain lining
The YSL College bag comes in four thoughtfully designed sizes. The large version can hold a tablet or small laptop, while the mini fits an evening’s essentials. With both a top handle and a removable chain strap, the College bags are versatile, making them ideal for transitioning from day to night. The dimensions and strap drop lengths are as follows (width x height x depth):
- YSL College Small Bag:
- 9" x 7" x 3”
- 2.5" handle drop; 22.5" crossbody strap drop
- YSL College Medium Bag:
- 9.4” x 6.6” x 2.5”
- 2.5” handle drop; 21.7” crossbody strap drop
- YSL College Large Bag:
- 12.5” x 7.8” x 3.3”
- 2.75” handle drop; 14.4” crossbody strap drop
- YSL College Mini Bag:
- 4.5” x 3.5” x 1.4”
- The College Mini bag comes in two versions. One has a detachable 4.7” chain, and one includes a (not removable) chain with a 23.5” drop you can double up to have a 12” drop.
The small, medium and large College bags have a main compartment with a dividing zipper pouch and a slot pocket, plus a convenient slot pocket on the back of the bag’s exterior. The mini has a main compartment with two flat pockets and also has an exterior slot pocket. While you can wear the small and medium versions as crossbody bags, the strap drop on the large bag only allows you to use it as a shoulder bag too.
Materials and Craftsmanship of the Saint Laurent College Bag
While the brand is French, Saint Laurent produces its handbags in Italy using only the finest materials assembled by expert craftsmen. Over the years, the House has made the College bag in various materials. Most frequently, the bags come in calfskin, lambskin or sheepskin leather.
Finishings include soft, textured, suede, metallic and crackled leather, and patch and rhinestone embellishments. Note that smoother leathers, particularly sheepskin, are delicate so take care how and where you’re using this unique piece. In addition to leather, the House has produced seasonal releases and special editions in velvet, linen and denim. The metal hardware comes in complementary tones like gold, gunmetal, brushed silver and bronze. One of the most popular College bag styles is a monochrome black bag with black-toned hardware.
The Saint Laurent College’s Value and Collectibility
Because the College bag has been in production for several years, you can find many of these beautiful bags on the resale market. In early 2021, a YSL College Mini (which the brand discontinued) fetched around $900 on the resale market. Collectors can find pre-loved small, medium and large College bags for approximately $1,570. Collectors of rare Saint Laurent bags will want to seek out special edition materials and embellishments.