amid all the talk of the new saint laurent and all of the posturing, the company launched a new website last week with pieces available for pre-order. it was quite the palette cleanser, from arty rings, the tribute sandal, and the muse and cabas chyc bags to the more minimal. there seems to be quite the movement in accessories, especiallly bags, where “less is more.” if you look at the ones by the row, victoria beckham, and reed krakoff they are all following this template, whose leader is more or less phoebe philo. the saint laurent bags have interest like upturned corners and chain handles, but nary a big, metal “y” to speak of, and simple gold or blind embossed stamping of the new logotype. also noticeable: a considerable jump in price where the more everyday style bags are now over the $2k mark. simple is apparently not cheap.
shoes are also quiet, save for the seventies-style chunky platform in black suede and gold lamé. pointy toe pumps in different heights, a subtle peep toe, and a bare two band sandal, among others. now that the dust has settled on fashion week, and we know that fashion houses make most of their money on the non-runway pieces and accessories, time will tell how the new saint laurent is received with buyers. what do you think of the new shoes and bags?
clockwise from top left: saint laurent classic duffle 6 bag / saint laurent tuxedo pump with grosgrain bow / classic paris escarpin pump / betty black suede and leather bag / paloma black suede and gold lamé platform sandal / diagonale studded clutch
all photos from ysl.com
