Few designer bags have hit the ground running as quickly as the Envelope bag by Saint Laurent. An incredibly simple yet well-received design, the piece has become an instant classic. A staple bag in any purse lady's wardrobe, we wanted to give you all of the behind-the-scenes details on the beauty, show you how to style it, and help keep you away from scammers. Keep reading to see why the YSL Envelope bag is your next best carry.
Behind the Bag
Yves Saint Laurent is one of the world's most well-known and recognizable Parisian designers. They are known for their classic designs and sleek silhouettes that anyone can recognize anywhere. Founded in 1961, the brand may be younger than many of its luxury contemporaries, but it has solidified itself as one of the foremost purveyors of luxury goods in fashion today.
Much like the brand it comes from, the Envelope bag is also quite new to the fashion world. YSL first released the piece in 2018 as part of the Resort collection. Designed by Anthony Vaccarello, the bag features a rectangular shape with a triangular flap closure, supple quilted leather, and an adjustable chain strap. Seen on the arms of celebrities and influencers alike, the Envelope is available in black, white, brown, light pink, and beige, and three distinct sizes.
Styling the Sizes
Thanks to its simple design, the YSL Envelope is a versatile bag that can truly be styled up or down, perfect for everyday carrying or a night on the town. How you style your bag depends on the size you choose to get, but here are a few of our recommendations:
Small Size: Mighty Style
The small Envelope bag measures just over 8 inches by 5 inches, making it a great choice for an evening bag or for anyone who likes to keep just the essentials on hand. We love to pair the black colorway with a black mini dress or jumpsuit and some thin heels. Paired with some chunky gold jewelry and a slick-back pony, it is the perfect date night outfit.
Medium Size: Fashion and Function
The mid-sized Envelope bag is the perfect option for people who love the sleek look of the small style but want to carry a bit more than a wallet and lipstick. The medium size is the perfect everyday bag, with enough space for your essentials and then some.
The high-quality construction and simple design allow it to easily match any outfit, from work wear to casual fits. We love to pair the beige Envelope with straight-leg blue jeans and a white tee for the perfect casual-cool outfit. Accessorize with a baseball cap, low-profile sneakers, and a bold lip for an incredible off-duty model look.
Large Size: Bigger and Better
If you are a day-out maximalist (you bring everything but the kitchen sink on your way out the door), the large Envelope bag is for you. This piece combines sleek silhouettes with functional wear, allowing you to tote your designer find without sacrificing space. The white colorways pair wonderfully with a flowy floral sundress and sandals in the summer for a breezy fit that is as easy going as you.
Dupes and Don’ts
Because of the iconic nature of the YSL Envelope, it has become one of the most counterfeited bags on the market. Its simple design makes it easy to mimic, but the materials and construction of an authentic Saint Laurent piece can never be copied. If you are in the market for one of these pre-owned YSL bags, here are two things to look out for:
Material
There is a reason that luxury handbags fetch soaring prices, primarily due to the incredible quality of the materials used. One of the quickest ways to spot a fake Envelope is to look at the material of the piece. The pebbled leather of an authentic YSL Envelope will feature tightly packed grains that are slightly rounded. The grain will be medium-sized in a genuine piece.
Often, on a knockoff bag, tiny, uniform pebbles will be spaced out, and the look and feel of the material will be entirely different.
Fastenings
Luxury pieces do not spare the details, and YSL is no different. Looking at the chains and clasps of an Envelope bag is a quick way to spot a fake. Firstly, any metal fastenings should not be turning green or having the color peeling off. Additionally, with an Envelope bag, the chain should not have a large space around the eyelet it threads into.
While the chain should be able to glide through the opening, the hole should not be gaping. The closure and eyelets of an authentic bag will also have “SAINT LAURENT PARIS” engraved in a thick, bold font. These little details may be hard to spot, but looking out for them can save you from a scam.
Trust the Experts
If you want to be confident in the second-hand YSL bag you purchase, it is best to leave the authenticating to the experts. Here at The Purse Ladies, we have an experienced team of luxury authenticators who thoroughly examine every piece that comes into our store. We offer a lifetime authenticity guarantee so you can have the utmost trust that the piece you love is the real deal.