The Real Loulou: The Woman Behind Saint Laurent's Most Popular Bag

Most bag names are just names. "Loulou" is different — it belongs to an actual person, and understanding who she was explains almost everything about why the bag looks the way it does.

Who Was Loulou de la Falaise

Loulou de la Falaise (1947–2011) was an English-French aristocrat who became Yves Saint Laurent's closest creative collaborator for more than three decades. She wasn't just a muse in the passive sense — she actively designed accessories, jewelry, knitwear, and entire seasonal collections alongside him. She was known for a specific kind of effortless, aristocratic-bohemian style: expensive pieces worn with total disregard for whether they "matched," somehow looking more intentional because of it.

When Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent's creative director since 2016, wanted to introduce a signature bag that captured the house's spirit, naming it after her wasn't sentimental branding — it was the most accurate name available.

The Bag Itself

The Loulou launched in spring 2017. Its defining features: a distinctive chevron quilting pattern (a "Y" shape, differentiating it immediately from the diamond quilting more associated with Chanel), a chain strap that can be worn doubled or extended, and the interlocking YSL monogram plaque at the front. The leather has a soft, slightly slouchy quality rather than a rigid structure — a deliberate choice that gives the bag its relaxed, lived-in character.

It's become one of Saint Laurent's best-selling styles precisely because it sits at a relatively accessible entry point for the brand while still carrying real design pedigree — which also makes it one of the more frequently counterfeited Saint Laurent pieces.

What You Will Find at Aulæ

Our Saint Laurent selection includes the Loulou alongside the brand's wider range, sourced through our verified European supplier network and checked against our standard authentication process before going online.

Browse Loulou and the full Saint Laurent selection at Aulæ →
aulae.shop/collections/saint-laurent

What to Check Before You Buy

The chevron quilting. Every "Y" should be identical in size, angle, and spacing across the entire bag. Replicas frequently show inconsistent quilting — slightly uneven angles or mismatched panel alignment where the front meets the sides.

The YSL plaque. The interlocking monogram hardware should be precisely cast, symmetrical, and finished with a smooth, consistent gold or silver tone. Shallow or slightly asymmetrical lettering is a common tell.

The chain strap. Genuine chain links are uniform in size and weight, with a smooth, unbroken finish. Lightweight, poorly linked, or unevenly toned chains suggest lower-grade hardware.

Leather softness. The Loulou's signature slouch comes from genuine soft calfskin or suede. Stiff, board-like leather doesn't match the actual construction.

Interior stamps and dust bag. The interior should carry a cleanly stamped authenticity code, and the bag should come with a branded dust bag matching Saint Laurent's current packaging.

The Price Reality

The Loulou is one of Saint Laurent's most widely stocked styles, so genuine outlet and pre-owned stock is well supplied through legitimate channels.

A realistic discount sits between 30% and 50% off current retail. At Aulæ, every price reflects real sourcing through our European network — if you want to know more about a specific piece, ask us.

See the full Saint Laurent selection, including current Loulou availability →
aulae.shop/collections/saint-laurent