Buying a secondhand YSL? Here are 6 things you should look out for

Effortlessly sophisticated and modern, the House of Saint Laurent is known to produce styles that’ll stay in your closet forever. The brand has become one of the most prominent fashion houses of the 21st century and it comes to no surprise that there are many fakes out there. Unsure if a particular YSL bag is authentic? We’re here to help! 

Point 1: Check the monogram

Want to ensure you get the best value from your pre-loved YSL items? Authenticating a YSL bag is essential, and the YSL monogram is a crucial feature to examine. This timeless emblem has been an integral part of the House’s designs since 1961, representing elegance and sophistication.

To spot an authentic YSL bag, pay close attention to the monogram’s details:

• The left arm of the letter ‘Y’ should be thicker than the right arm.
• The left arm of the letter ‘Y’ should lie beneath the letter ‘S,’ while the right arm lies above it.
• The leg of the letter ‘Y’ should be above the letter ‘S.’
• The letter ‘S’ must overlap the letter ‘L’ on top and then tuck behind it.
• The letter ‘L’ should start wider at the top and gradually narrow towards the bottom.

Remember that the presence or absence of four mock nail heads in the monogram does not indicate the bag’s authenticity.

By keeping these key features in mind, you can confidently authenticate your YSL bag and get the most value when selling or buying pre-loved items.

Point 2: Check the heat stamp

For top value on your pre-loved YSL items, check the neat, well-defined font in the Saint Laurent heat stamp. Look for the letters ‘T’ and ‘N’ in ‘SAINT LAURENT’ touching. Also, note the curved right leg of the letter ‘R’ in ‘SAINT LAURENT’ and straight leg in ‘PARIS’. Some vintage models may feature the old logo ‘YVES SAINT LAURENT’. Authenticate your YSL bag confidently for better deals when buying or selling pre-loved items.

Other than being directly embossed onto the leather of the bag, heat stamps can also be found on leather labels stitched securely onto the interior of authentic YSL bags. When purchasing a pre-owned bag, it is normal for the interior label to be slightly faded due to normal wear and tear.

Point 3: Check the serial number tag

To get the most value from your pre-loved YSL items, note the serial number’s location and format. Vintage bags have a 12-digit serial number on the interior brand label, while modern ones feature 3 letters and 10 digits (or 10 digits where the first 6 represent style and the next 4 the date code) on a separate leather tag. Look for “made in Italy” below the serial number, in all lowercase or uppercase. Authenticate your YSL bag confidently for better deals when buying or selling pre-loved items.

Point 4: Check the stitching

YSL bags should feature consistent, neat and tight stitches. For bags that feature the quilted stitching such as the Lou Camera Bag and the Envelope, ensure that the stitching patterns are parallel to each other.

Point 5: Check the hardware 

Authentic Saint Laurent bags should feature high quality hardware, majority of which are in antiqued / matte finishings. For bags that feature a chain strap, such as the Kate or the Envelope, the chain strap should be wide and thick. Hardware such as metal connectors on chain straps, metallic tassels (on Kate), buckles or handle attachments and padlocks (on Sac de Jour) should be clearly engraved with the brand’s logo. 

It is important to note that unlike the rest of the hardware, the engravings on metal circles and clasps do not feature the ‘N’ and ‘T’ letters touching. 

The logo engraving on the leather tassel of the Lou Camera Bag would also feature the brand logo in a different style as seen below. 

Point 6: Check the authenticity card 

When purchasing a new modern YSL bag, ensure it comes with a white authenticity card and black care manual in a black envelope bearing the brand logo in white. The authenticity card should feel like paper, not thick and heavy.

For vintage bags, both the authenticity card and envelope should be white, featuring the old YSL logo that reads ‘Yves Saint Laurent’ instead.

Verify these details for authentic YSL bags and get the best value when making a purchase.

Here at EcoRing Malaysia, our experienced appraisers have dealt with a wide variety of items from various luxury brands. From Prada handbags, to Hermes bag charms, all luxury items are carefully examined before being bought in and sold.

Looking to sell your pre-loved branded items? WhatsApp us at wa.me/60122233614 with photos and details of your items for an estimated quotation!