Pros
- Classic design which is always in style
- Can be worn from day to night
- Available in a range of colours
- Secure zip closure
Cons
- Limited interior organisation
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The Lou Camera Bag has been one of Saint Laurent’s most popular crossbody bags since its 2018 debut. Often compared with the Gucci Soho Disco, its slim rectangular shape, secure zip and adjustable strap make it a practical everyday option.
Design
The original Lou Camera Bag featured the classic interlocking YSL initials on the front and came with a removable leather tassel. The current version keeps the same rectangular shape, chevron quilting and metal YSL initials, but removes the tassel for a cleaner finish.
The bag closes with a zip fastening across the top. Its neat shape and understated branding help it move easily from daytime outfits to evenings.
The newer version also has a slightly shorter strap, with a 58.5 cm (22.8-inch) drop compared with 62 cm (24.4 inches) on the original. This gives it a slightly higher, more contemporary fit.
Practicality and Functionality
The Lou has an adjustable leather shoulder strap with a 58.5 cm (22.8 inches) drop, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder or crossbody. Its zip closure makes it a secure option for everyday use.Â
The interior of the Lou camera bag is lined in grosgrain fabric and is made up of one main compartment with a small flat pocket inside. It is roomy enough for a phone, cardholder or small wallet, keys, sunglasses and a few other daily essentials. The current Lou also has a flat exterior pocket at the back, providing easy access to smaller items.
YSL Lou Camera Bag Sizes and Dimensions
The Lou camera bag comes in one standard size measuring 23 cm x 16 cm x 6 cm / 9 x 6.2 x 2.3 inches and has an adjustable strap with a maximum drop of 58.5 cm / 22.8″. Its size makes it easy to comfortably fit a good amount of day-to-day belongings while keeping the bag light on the shoulder.
There is a smaller Mini Lou bag that will be covered later on in this review.
YSL Lou Camera Bag Colourways and Materials
The current Lou Camera Bag is made from quilted calfskin leather, with chevron stitching and metal YSL initials. Black remains the most recognisable option, while dark beige, cinnamon, vintage white and seasonal shades appear across the range. Hardware finishes vary between versions.
Earlier versions included a smooth lambskin variant with embossed leather initials, as well as seasonal patent, lamé, crocodile-embossed and canvas finishes. These are no longer part of the main current lineup but can still be found on the resale market or through retailers with remaining older stock.
YSL Lou Camera Bag Price
The current price of the full-size Lou Camera Bag in quilted calfskin leather is:
| Style | Price* |
|---|---|
| Lou Camera Bag | $1,950 / £1,440 / €1,590 |
*Last updated: August 2026
YSL Lou Camera Bag Price History*
The quilted Lou Camera Bag was priced at $1,150 in August 2018, rose to $1,490 by April 2022, $1,550 in May 2022 and $1,690 in November 2022, and now retails for $1,950. 70% increase since 2018.
*Price history shown for the full-size Lou Camera Bag in quilted calfskin leather.
Last updated August 2026.
Where to Buy the YSL Lou Camera Bag
If you’re looking to get your hands on the YSL Lou Camera Bag, here are the listings across various retailers where it is currently in stock:
Other Bags in the YSL Lou Collection
The Lou design is also available as the smaller Mini Lou. A Lou Belt Bag formed part of the earlier collection but is no longer part of the current collection at Saint Laurent.
YSL Mini Lou
The Mini Lou keeps the rectangular shape and chevron quilting in a more compact format. Like the current full-size Lou, it has a clean, tassel-free finish. It measures 19 x 10.5 x 5 cm (7.5 x 4.1 x 2 inches), has a 57 cm (22.4 inches) chain drop and includes three card slots and a back slip pocket. It currently retails for $1,800 / £1,285 / €1,450.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the YSL Lou camera bag is a great crossbody bag. It is comfortable, spacious and less commonly worn than other designer camera bags currently available. The current tassel-free version feels cleaner and more understated while keeping the secure zip, useful interior and easy day-to-night styling that made the original so appealing.
Having remained part of the Saint Laurent collection since its 2018 introduction, the Lou has proven its staying power. For that reason, we think it is a solid investment for anyone looking for a practical Saint Laurent crossbody bag to use and enjoy for years to come.