Saint Laurent Cassandra Bags

About the YSL Cassandra Bag

As one of Saint Laurent’s most classic lines, the vintage-inspired Cassandra bag is a timeless style that works for every occasion. The legendary fashion house has expanded this series in size and shape over the years, like adding a trapezoidal top handle bag to the original rectangle flap-front iteration. However, every Cassandra comes emblazoned with YSL’s signature monogram, which has stood the test of time. There’s also an incredible array of colors and materials available for the YSL Cassandra—from smooth leather in rich navy to leather-trimmed burgundy velvet, canvas or ostrich; there’s a Cassandra bag for everyone.

Design and Features of the YSL Cassandra Bag

Saint Laurent’s Cassandra collection incorporates the clean lines, attention to detail and refinement integral to its identity. The bags have a defined structure, with an envelope-style flap closure fastened by the YSL monogram hardware that hangs below the flap. While there are some differences between the Cassandra styles, all of the bags have the following hallmarks:

• Leather lining
• Interior compartments
• Pivoting YSL fastening
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Envelope flap front
  
  

The Cassandra bag comes in four styles, each offering functionality and sophistication to fit your needs. Keep in mind that the bags' stiff structure doesn’t allow for overstuffing, but the accordion-style gusseting on some of the bags provides a surprising amount of expansion. The Cassandra bags' straps also allow for versatility, with options to adjust, remove or double up the length. The dimensions for each bag are as follows (width x height x depth):

• YSL Cassandra Monogram Clasp Bag: 8.6” x 6.4” x 2.1” 
• YSL Cassandra Chain Wallet: 7.4” x 5.9” x 1.3” 
• YSL Cassandra Medium Top Handle Bag: 9.6” x 7.8” x 4.5” 
• YSL Cassandra Mini Top Handle Bag: 7.8” x 6.2” x 2.9”
  
  

The Cassandra Monogram Clasp bag's original version is a rectangular shape and has two interior compartments with a zippered pocket and a slot pocket. There is one open dossier pocket under the front flap. The curb-chain strap has a 24” strap drop, but one can double it to have a 13” drop. Though smaller, the Cassandra Chain Wallet is similar in shape but has one main compartment with a flat pocket and three card slots. Its curb-chain strap has a 21” drop and is removable, so you can also carry the bag as a clutch. Some older versions of the chain wallet have an interior compartment divided by a zip pocket with one additional flat pocket and 10 card slots.

The Cassandra Top Handle bags were released for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection and have a trapezoidal shape with a structure that tapers toward the top. The interior of both the mini and medium top handle bags has two divided compartments with an interior flat pocket and an open dossier pocket at the back. Their padded top handles have a 3” strap drop, while the removable, adjustable leather shoulder straps have a 20” drop. On the bottom of the bag, four metal feet keep the base protected.

Materials and Craftsmanship of the YSL Cassandra Bag
Saint Laurent’s handbags are manufactured in Italy by expert craftsmen using only the highest quality materials. The Cassandra bag is available in a range of materials, finishes and colors. Most of the bags are made from calfskin leather, though there are also ostrich, leather-trimmed canvas, velvet and woven raffia options.

Leather finishes can be smooth, suede or nubuck, some of which the brand embossed with a crocodile or lizard print. Many YSL bags, including the Cassandra Grain de Poudre, feature embossed leather with a slightly pebbled texture and are known for their resistance to scratches. Other special-edition finishes include a quilted matelassé stitching. The YSL Cassandra’s metal hardware and chain straps can come in tones of gold, silver, bronze and oxidized nickel.

The YSL Cassandra Bag’s Value and Collectibility
Saint Laurent is known for its investment-worthy bags. An interesting fact: It's named one of the top five fashion houses with handbags that hold their value over time. The Cassandra collection has been around for a while (though they’re often adding new iterations like the top handle bags), so collecting one is a solid bet now that the line is firmly in YSL’s canon. In early 2021, pre-loved YSL Cassandra Monogram Clasp bags fetch around $1,600 on the resale market. The Cassandra Top Handle bags, whether mini or medium, sell for an average of $1,800.