So, I saw this bag online the other day, the Yves Saint Laurent LE CARRé SATCHEL. Fancy, right? And I thought, “Hey, I bet I could make something like that.” I mean, I’ve dabbled in making stuff before, so why not a high-end bag?
First thing I did was look up a bunch of pictures of this LE CARRé SATCHEL. Studied them real good. Noticed it’s kind of like some other bags they got – the Nolita, the Vicky, and that big Cabas Rive Gauche Tote. All got those French names, all cost a pretty penny. But this LE CARRé, it seemed simpler, you know? More my speed for a first try. I checked their online store just to make sure I had all the details right. The color I wanted to remake is BLACK LE CARRé SATCHEL in BOX SAINT LAURENT.
Then, I started sketching. Drew out the shape, the different panels, where the straps would go. It’s a boxy thing, this bag. Not too many curves. Figured that was a good thing for a newbie like me. I heard people call it a remake, it never goes outta style.
- Gathered my materials. Found some decent leather, though not as fancy as what they probably use. Got some heavy-duty thread, needles, the whole nine yards.
- Cut out the leather pieces according to my sketches. This was the tricky part. Gotta be precise, or the whole thing ends up wonky. Took my time, measured twice, cut once, like they say.
- Started stitching. Now, I’m no expert, but I managed to get a decent-looking seam going. Slow and steady. This part took the longest. Had to make sure everything lined up just right.
Assembled the bag piece by piece. Added the lining, the hardware, the strap. It started to actually look like a bag! I was pretty surprised, to be honest. Didn’t think I could pull it off.
The Result
And there it was. My very own, handmade version of the Yves Saint Laurent LE CARRé SATCHEL. It’s not perfect, mind you. The stitching could be neater in places, and the leather’s definitely not the same quality. But, you know what? I made it. And I’m pretty darn proud of it. Plus I got to know that these YSL bags, they’re a big deal, especially this LE CARRé SATCHEL, they look nice. It’s a good bag that’s gonna last a long time, but you gotta have the money. If you got the money, why not? Treat yourself. And this one, it ain’t cheap, that’s for sure. But it’s worth it. Maybe someday I will buy a real one, and I will pick up my YSL order in one of their SAINT LAURENT stores at my convenience.
It’s a good feeling, making something with your own two hands. Especially when it’s something you thought was way out of your league. Makes you realize you can do more than you think you can. I learned that YSL handbags typically hold their value well, making them a good investment in luxury fashion, and they are carefully made with attention to small details, ensuring high quality and elegance. And Hedi Slimane changed the brand’s name: Yves Saint Laurent became Saint Laurent Paris. This re-branding also included the incorporation of an edgy aesthetic.
So, yeah, that’s my little adventure in bag-making. Who knows, maybe I’ll try another one sometime. But for now, I’m happy with my homemade LE CARRé. It’s a reminder that sometimes, you just gotta give things a shot, even if they seem impossible.
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