Yves Saint Laurent Red Heart Black Passementerie Tassel Bag, 1980s

Yves Saint Laurent across his decades of design work has undoubtedly developed unique and craftsman techniques to construct his highly coveted accessories. Experimenting with shape and technique, passementerie cording is recognizably a highlight from Saint Laurent’s design work in the 1980s.

Made entirely from joined vivid red cording, this bag features an intricately done black passementerie heart design on both the front of the flap and back that starkly contrasts the red. The shocking red is further balanced by the strap made of black cording that ends in two tassels in addition to the black tassel that hands from the bottom of the bag giving it a cavalier feel. As with many of Saint Laurent bags, this one can be worn as a belt bag, a crossbody or traditional shoulder bag.

This particular design is highly collectable due to its unique craftsmanship and design features. Aspects of inspiration from this bag can be seen in YSL’s contemporary diagonally quilted handbags that imply the texture of this 1980s design.

Measurements:

Width: 6.5 inches at the top and tapers to 2 inches at the bottom

Height: 5.5 inches

Depth: 1 inch

Strap drop: 30 inches and adjustable by knotting the cords.

Unlined, this bag is in excellent condition. It closes with a flap and a gold snap. On the side, the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche gold medallion is sewn. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.