The current designers at Yves Saint Laurent have done a remarkable job following in the creator of the line’s footsteps. After almost a century, the line remains one of the most prominent in the world of fashion, recognized worldwide by fashion types and regular people alike. The iconic Downtown line is an example of how the house is able to maintain its success, and this Downtown calfhair tote is a great addition to the line.
However, the use of calfhair on this bag is somewhat confusing. The pixelated houndstooth pattern possesses so much internal texture that it’s hard to imagine why the calfhair was necessary. I can’t even really distinguish the texture of the calfhair from the rest of the bag, so it sort of seems like a waste. Unless you just like it for its opulence, which is, of course, fine.
This smaller version of the Downtown bag seems a lot more manageable than previous sizes. And at 15″ x 11″ x 8″, it really isn’t small, as far as handbags go. It’s plenty generous for carrying your wallet, keys, and whatnot, and even a small cosmetic bag. The unusual size lends itself well to organization. It’s like a geometric hobo, and its wide sides will surely come in handy when you want to carry more than usual.
The front zippers are functional in an interesting way. There are expanders for the press-stud pocket behind them, very convenient for stowing items that require easy access. But I don’t care for the front buckle detail. It isn’t useful, and it makes the bag look kind of cheap. And at $2,795, the Downtown definitely isn’t cheap.
More Features Of The Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Small Calfhair Tote
- 8″ handle drop
- Fully lined in black suede and satin
- Interior patch and zipper pockets
- Protective feet on base
Get this Downtown Tote by Yves Saint Laurent:
You may also be interested in:
- More Yves Saint Laurent bags on BagBunch
- The Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Patent Leather Tote, a larger, sleeker alternative to this bag.
