Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Documented Suede Leather Tassel Bag, 1990s

In 1976, Yves Saint Laurent created a collection inspired by Léon Bakst’s remarkable costume designs for the Ballet Ruses—referentially known as the YSL Russian Collection. This collection featured incredible piping work, a mixture of textures, and a manipulation of volume through layering garments made from structural fabrics. Notable from this collection were a series of leather or suede belts decorated with black silk passementerie details and tassels.

This 1990s convertible bag borrows elements from the 1976 collection and reinvents the idea. The bag is something of a small pouch made of rich black suede and piped in leather around the edges. On the front, is a passementerie multi-foil motif that winds off the bag to a dangling tassel.

A long black cording that terminates into two leather tassels creates the highly adjustable strap allowing this black suede YSL bag to be worn as shoulder bag, crossbody, or as a belt bag. Due to the mixture of textures and design references, this bag is not only can be a go-to black bag, it also hints at many different artistic histories adding a cultured element to any look.

Measurements:

Height: 5 inches

Width: 6 inches

Depth: 2 inches

Strap drop: 25 inches

As a belt will fit all sizes. This multifunctional bag is in excellent condition, with only mild signs of use at the back of the bag on the suede. The bag opens and closes with a drawstring effect by way of the passementerie strap being laced trough leather loops. The interior of the bag is lining in a matching black faille and the YSL logo is stamped gold foil. 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.