Pros
- Timeless design.
- Comes in two versions, with a tassel and without.
- Available in a range of different leathers.
Cons
- Tassel is non-removable.
- Chain is non-adjustable and non-removable.
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The YSL Kate is one of Saint Laurent’s most popular bags. Its neat rectangular shape, chain strap and interlocking YSL initials give it the polished look of an evening bag, while its long-standing place in the collection gives it genuine staying power.
Design
It is an elegant rectangular-shaped bag which can be considered small in size. Featuring the interlocked YSL initials on the front flap and a chain shoulder strap, the Kate bag comes in two versions – one with a non-removable tassel which hangs from the bottom of the logo and one without.
Practicality and Functionality
The chain strap of the Kate bag is both non-adjustable and non-removable. However, the strap can easily be tucked away inside the bag to be carried as a clutch or passed around the flap in order to make the shoulder strap shorter.
Like most YSL flap bags, the Kate has a magnetic snap closure. The interior is made up of a single compartment with a small slot pocket at the back which is only big enough to store a card or some cash.
Given its size, sleek shape and chain strap, the Kate is definitely more of an evening bag than anything else. It comes in a range of colours and materials including smooth, grained and croc-embossed leather.
Its slim interior is best suited to a phone, cardholder, keys and a few small essentials rather than anything bulky.
YSL Kate Sizes and Dimensions
The Saint Laurent Kate bag comes in two sizes: Small and Medium. The dimensions of the two sizes are as follows:
| Size | Dimensions | Strap Drop |
|---|---|---|
| YSL Kate Small | 20 x 12.5 x 5 cm / 7.8 x 4.9 x 1.9 inches | 56 cm / 22″ |
| YSL Kate Medium | 24 x 14.5 X 5.5 cm / 9.4 x 5.7 x 2.1 inches | 48 cm / 19″ |
The Small is the more compact evening option, while the Medium gives you extra width without changing the Kate’s slim, structured feel.
YSL Kate Colorways and Materials
The bag comes in a range of colours and materials including smooth, grained and croc-embossed leather.
The most widely available version is made from grain de poudre embossed calfskin, Saint Laurent’s name for its fine-grained leather finish. Current and seasonal versions also include metallic leather and shiny crocodile-embossed leather, including the tassel style. Black remains the most recognisable colour, with dark beige, white, gold and seasonal shades also appearing across the range.
Despite its dainty looking design, the YSL Kate has proven to be quite durable. It is also worth keeping in mind that grained and embossed-leather will always be less prone to visible damage when compared to smooth leather or suede.
YSL Kate Price
The price of the YSL Kate varies according to size, material and whether you choose the tassel version. Current reference prices are:
| Style | Material | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Kate Small | Grain de poudre embossed leather | $2,200 / £1,605 / €1,750 |
| Kate Medium | Grain de poudre embossed leather | $2,450 / £1,730 / €1,950 |
| Kate Small Tassel | Crocodile-embossed leather | $2,750 / £1,925 / €2,150 |
| Kate Medium Tassel | Crocodile-embossed leather | $3,150 / £2,190 / €2,450 |
*Last Updated: August 2026
YSL Kate Bag Price History*
The Medium Kate was priced at $1,990 in February 2021, rose to $2,190 in May 2022 and $2,400 in November 2022, and now retails for $2,450. 23% increase since 2021.
*Price history shown for the Medium in grain de poudre embossed leather with light bronze hardware. Last updated August 2026.
Where to Buy the YSL Kate Bag
If you’re looking to get your hands on the YSL Kate, here are the listings across various retailers where it is currently in stock:
Other Bags in the Saint Laurent Kate Collection
Saint Laurent has continuously revised the Kate lineup over the years. The former Kate 99 bag is no longer listed in the current collection, while a New Kate Small and an updated Kate Clutch are now available.
New Kate Small
Not to be confused with the Small version of the classic YSL Kate, the New Kate Small is a subtly different design. It is 0.5 cm taller and has a much shorter 40 cm (15.7 inches) chain strap, compared with 56 cm (22 inches) on the classic Small, giving it more of a shoulder-bag fit. It measures 20 x 13 x 5 cm (7.9 x 5.1 x 2 inches) and is currently offered in grain de poudre leather as well as selected seasonal materials. The grained leather version retails for $2,200 / £1,605 / €1,750.
YSL Kate Clutch
The current Kate Clutch is longer and slimmer than the standard Kate and comes with a removable chain, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder, crossbody or carried as a clutch. It measures 28 x 12 x 4 cm (11 x 4.7 x 1.6 inches), has a 36 cm (14.2 inches) strap drop and includes one flat pocket. The grain de poudre leather version currently retails for $2,200 / £1,605 / €1,750.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the YSL Kate is a great evening bag. Its elegant shape adds a touch of chic to any outfit, while the chain can be tucked away when you would rather carry it as a clutch.
The slim interior and fixed chain make it less practical as an everyday bag, but its durable grained leather, timeless design and long-standing place in the Saint Laurent collection give it real staying power. We think it is a solid investment for anyone looking for a polished bag to wear for evenings and occasions for years to come.