Saint Laurent Kate Medium Chain Bag with Tassel in Smooth Calfskin Leather
Shoulder Bag / Crossbody / Evening Clutch · Saint Laurent (Kering Group); Tier: Luxury. Designed originally under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane as part of the brand's 'Monogram' leather goods line.
Collection: Kate Collection (Permanent/Classic Line); introduced around 2013-2014 and remains a cornerstone of the house's accessory offerings.
Style
Shoulder Bag / Crossbody / Evening Clutch
Brand
Saint Laurent (Kering Group); Tier: Luxury. Designed originally under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane as part of the brand's 'Monogram' leather goods line.
Material
Exterior: Smooth box calfskin leather. Construction: Structured, semi-rigid box silhouette with tonal machine-stitching. Edges: Precisely painted and burnished black edge glazing.
Dimensions
Width: 24 cm (9.4 in), Height: 14.5 cm (5.7 in), Depth: 5.5 cm (2.1 in), Strap Drop: 48 cm (19 in). Identified as the 'Medium' size variant.
Description
The Kate is the quintessential Saint Laurent evening bag. Its minimalist boxy silhouette serves as a canvas for the iconic YSL monogram, which is further elevated by a decadent metallic tassel that adds movement and a touch of 1970s glamour. It is a dual-functional piece that transitions seamlessly from a daytime crossbody to a sophisticated night-time clutch.
Key Features
Hanging chain tassel with branded cap, interlaced YSL metal logo, boxy structured shape, and convertible chain-to-clutch design.
Material & Construction
Exterior: Smooth box calfskin leather. Construction: Structured, semi-rigid box silhouette with tonal machine-stitching. Edges: Precisely painted and burnished black edge glazing.
Color & Pattern
Black (Noir); classic permanent shade. No pattern; features a smooth, matte finish that highlights the leather grain's natural uniformity.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone metal hardware. Features the signature interlaced YSL Cassandre logo on the front flap, an attached curb chain tassel with branded metal cap, and a gourmette chain strap.
Interior Description
Lined in black organic cotton grosgrain or smooth leather (varies by year). Includes one main compartment with a single internal slot pocket. 'Saint Laurent Paris' heat stamp in gold foil.
Closure Type
Magnetic snap button closure concealed underneath the front flap.
Strap & Handle Details
Non-adjustable curb chain strap in gold-tone metal. The strap can be tucked inside to allow the bag to be carried as an oversized evening clutch.
Craftsmanship Details
High-uniformity edge painting; consistent stitch density (approx. 8-9 stitches per inch); high-quality 'Cassandre' logo casting with no visible pits or rough edges in the metalwork.
Authentication Indicators
The YSL logo has the correct overlap (the Y's top leg sits under the S; the S sits over the L). The tassel features a high-density chain count. Stitching is consistent and slightly slanted, typical of the brand's automated high-precision machines.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy. Produced in Saint Laurent's leather goods ateliers specializing in high-end structural assembly and logo mounting.
Era & Period
Contemporary (2010s-Present). This bag represents the 'Rock-Chic' era of Saint Laurent initiated by Hedi Slimane, characterized by sleek lines and bold branding.
Age Estimate
Circa 2018-2023. The crispness of the 'Saint Laurent' logo-less metal tassel cap and the saturation of the gold plating suggest a relatively recent production.
Cultural Significance
The Kate bag helped solidify Saint Laurent's shift toward high-luxury 'It-bags' in the 2010s. It is a staple on red carpets and remains one of the most photographed bags in street-style fashion due to its recognizable silhouette.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The leather shows a clean surface with no visible scuffs or corner wear. The hardware retains high-shine gold plating with minimal hairline scratches. Structure remains firm.
Value Estimate
Retail: Approx. $2,200 - $2,650 USD. Resale: $1,200 - $1,800 USD depending on the secondary market demand and specific condition.
Care & Maintenance
Smooth calfskin is prone to scratches; store in the provided dust bag. Avoid overstuffing to maintain the magnetic closure alignment. Polish hardware with a microfiber cloth; avoid chemical leather cleaners.
Similar Handbags
YSL Sunset (features a front pocket and accordion sides), Chanel Wallet on Chain (smaller, different quilting), Gucci Dionysus (more ornate hardware, different flap shape).
Interesting Facts
The 'YSL' logo used on the Kate was originally designed by the graphic artist Cassandre in 1961. The tassel variant is specifically inspired by the jewelry and passementerie details of Yves Saint Laurent's 1970s couture collections.