February 2021 saw the release of Le Maillon, a new satchel bag by Saint Laurent. Featuring a front flap decorated with a magnetic curb-link chain, the bag features a more subtle design than the typical Saint Laurent bags with the interlocked YSL logo on the front.
The bag is made out of 100% calfskin leather with the interior also lined in leather. The flap closes with a magnetic snap and there are no pockets on the outside of the bag. The interior is rather spacious and features two gusseted main compartments, one zip pocket, one flat pocket and one dossier pocket at the front.
So far, the Le Maillon bag has been released in one size (24 x 14.5 x 3.5 cm) and can be considered to be a medium-sized bag. The adjustable shoulder strap has a maximum drop of 49.5 cm. It is available in a range of colours including black, brown, brick (tan brown), mustard, blanc vintage (white), rouge eros (red) and dark green. The hardware on all colours so far is bronze-toned.
The Le Maillon is the kind of bag that can be carried from day to night and its simple design makes it wearable with any outfit. Its overall look and feel and chain detail on the flap makes it a (slightly) lower priced alternative to the Gucci 1955 Horsebit bag. Given the lack of in-your-face branding, I think this bag will be more popular with people who are after a more subtle look, and is definitely a refreshing addition to the heavily branded Saint Laurent bag collection.
The Le Maillon retails for $2,490 / £1,890 / €1,990.
