Hunting down the truly worthwhile luxury bags is one of my favourite pastimes. Each season, an array of new and exciting styles hit the shelves, and whilst many are beautiful in their own right, for me, the smartest designer buys are both elegant and practical. Investing in a designer piece comes with a certain amount of consideration, and if I’m going to add a high-end piece to my wardrobe, I want to know it’s crafted meticulously, oozes refinement and will also get a good amount of use. Blending both together in perfect harmony is the Saint Laurent Icare bag.

Whilst I certainly appreciate the elegance of a small bag, the hardest working styles in my collection are always on the capacious size. I’m not the friend who simply carries a single card and a lipstick, but the one that requires a little extra space for a laptop, water bottle, and everything else I may possibly need. The world of handbags is certainly prepared for this task, but along with space, my high standards also call upon intricate craftspersonship, a nod to luxury and an enduring design. Luckily, Saint Laurent always comes through.

It’s rare that I find myself acting fast on a luxury purchase. As a slow and steady kind of shopper, I tend to research, consider and weigh up the worthwhile nature of an investment buy. To this date, this slower approach has never led me astray. The Burberry trench coat I bought ten years ago remains one of my most called-upon outerwear pieces, and my tailored Toteme trousers continue to be a key foundation of various looks. When I first saw the Saint Laurent Icare bag, my infatuation was instantaneous, but as I do, I’ve taken a little time to truly cement my decision. Now, having thoughtfully considered its place in my collection, found inspiration from the way stylish people and celebrities style their own, and confirmed the long-term appeal, I can confidently say that this bag is truly worth it.

Saint Laurent is no stranger to an excellent handbag. From the enduring Sac de Jour to the consistently spotted Bea tote, the house’s expertise in leather continues to impress us. The Icare comes in two sizes: the original, a maxi tote and the medium, a slightly more diminutive size, but with equal sophistication in both. The leather styles are quilted for a softened finish, which lends itself to the supple form of the bag. The two top handles fit neatly over the shoulder, whilst inside you’ll find a grosgrain lining and a removable zipped pouch for your most treasured possessions. The shape of the bag is what really draws the eye. The wide span offers plenty of room, but the sides can also be tucked in to streamline the shape. Finally, the nod to the bag’s origin comes by way of a striking ‘YSL’ Cassandre motif. With generous proportions, a luxurious edge and a classic feel, it’s no wonder so many stylish people reach for Saint Laurent’s Icare bag. Now, I’ve tracked down all the in-stock versions below.

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