YSL Lou Camera Bag Review

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Today I am sharing my review on my YSL Lou camera bag. I know you all have tons of questions about this bag, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts. But first, let me tell you about the brand. A brand I think most of you will recognize immediately.

The YSL Lou camera bag comes from a popular French brand, also known as Saint Laurent. Founded by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, Saint Laurent specializes in Haute couture. But they also create ready-to-wear items, leather accessories, and footwear. You might also recognize their beauty brand as well, YSL Beauty, which is owned by L’Oréal.

Usually, anything by Saint Laurent feels luxurious, high-quality, and well-made. And that includes the YSL Lou camera bag.

YSL Lou Camera Bag Review

So, now let me tell you all the details about this bag, what made me purchase it in the first place, and why it is one of the most popular bags right now.

About the Sizing and Details:

Dimensions: 8″W x 6″H x 2 1/2″D
Shoulder strap drop: convertible to 21 -24 inches
It comes in different colors like black, grey, navy blue, beige, khaki, and red.
You can choose between Black or Bronze-toned metal hardware for the YSL logo.
It has a zip closure for maximum safety.
It has one flat pocket inside that can fit your credit card or another very small and thin item.
Grosgrain lining and matelassé chevrons.
I love the bold tassel on the side, you can also choose to remove it if you do not like it.

YSL Lou Camera Bag Material:

I originally purchased this bag because of its chic and timeless design. As far as materials go, I am in love with the calfskin version of this camera bag. The Quilted Matelassé Calfskin has a much more luxurious feel to it and is most certainly worth the price. Plus, calfskin is a bit more resistant to scratches, fading, and general wear and tear. However, this purse also comes in suede, and patent and grained leather varieties as well.

The matte texture is also one of my favorite parts of this bag. No matter which material you choose, you can still expect the material to be sturdy and durable. And no matter which colors you choose, you can expect the color to stay vibrant, even after years of wear and sun damage.

Pros Of The YSL Lou Camera Bag:

It’s simple and classic, yet elegant and upscale.
It’s big enough to carry the essentials. Spacious, but still small.
The glossy finish is relatively scratch-resistant.
It comes in a variety of colors, depending on your preference.
It’s adjustable, so you can wear it under your arm or over your shoulder.

Cons Of The YSL Lou Camera Bag:

It’s scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof.
The zipper often bulges, which can distort the actual shape of the bag.
The strap is a little thin, and cannot be removed or replaced.
While I love the tassel, it can be cumbersome at times.
With only one inside pocket, there’s not much room for organization.

FAQs about The YSL Lou Camera Bag:

What fits inside?

The YSL Lou Camera Bag fits my big wallet, my lip gloss and lipstick, my iPhone 13 Max Pro (which is huge), and also my sunglasses. Sometimes I also bring my sanitary pads with me. If you typically bring along these basic items, you should have plenty of room to store them. So, keep the size in mind if you usually bring a wide array of essentials with you.

While you can fit plenty of small items inside, please note there is no outside pocket and the inside pocket is only large enough for credit cards.

Does the YSL Lou camera bag scratch easily?

Even though I already touched on this topic a couple of times, I feel like it’s important to mention it again. Especially since this is a typical concern for most when they are considering purchasing such a high-quality item. The answer is: no. The YSL Lou camera bag is more scratch resistant than most other, lesser quality, bags. However, this is only the case if you take good care of your bag.

Obviously, if you bump into tons of sharp things or leave your bag in an unsafe place, say with children, you will most likely experience quicker wear and tear. However, if you take care of your bag and store it safely, you can expect this bag to stand the test of time.

How to protect your YSL Lou camera bag?

Speaking of scratching and wear and tear, let’s talk about how to protect your YSL Lou camera bag. In general, to prevent dirtiness and staining, you should wipe the bag down with a nice microfiber towel from time to time. If you do scratch your bag, I recommend grabbing some leather wipes or oil to buff out the scratch. As you wipe down the bag, don’t forget to clean the strap and tassel as well.

To protect and preserve the metallic details, be sure to clean all the metal accents on a regular basis. Especially if you often visit salty places which could speed up the tarnish. If the metal on your bag does begin to tarnish, I recommend using a polishing pen or buffing with a liquid polishing solution using a microfiber cloth.

As far as storage goes, it is always a good idea to store your bag in a clean, dry space. For extra protection, you can store your camera bag in the original box or in a purse storage bag. Both of these options will protect the bag from dust and the surrounding environment. If you choose to remove the tassel, whether that be permanently or just for the day, remember to store it somewhere safe as well.

Are YSL Bags Worth It?

You can probably already guess my answer to this question. If you can’t tell already, I love my YSL Lou camera bag and it is definitely worth the investment. The shape, the colors, the style, the quality – all worth the cost. Whether you decide to purchase for style, for happiness, or for functionality, you won’t be disappointed.

Plus, Saint Laurent products tend to hold their value and sometimes even gain value over time. An investment in the YSL Lou camera bag is an investment in your wardrobe, your style, and your confidence. This bag is effortlessly chic and, in my opinion, will never go out of style.

Before we finish up this review, I wanted to show you what it looks like wearing it. I am 5’6″ in height for reference and I have the strap at 24″ long for me. And, as you can see, I enjoy keeping the tassel on. So cute.

In the outfit above, I chose a casual yet elegant streetwear look to model this bag. But really, you can wear this camera bag for almost any occasion, casual outfits, and also if you are dressed up. The details and the gold-accented hardware make it so sophisticated that it is also perfect for chic dresses.

Does YSL Gold Hardware Tarnish?

So here’s the deal – YSL gold hardware can indeed tarnish over time. Some fashionistas have reported that the gold hardware on their YSL bags has lost its shine and luster over the years. Tarnishing can happen due to exposure to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. To keep your YSL gold hardware looking fabulous, it’s important to handle it with care and avoid any harsh conditions or abrasive materials. Regular cleaning and maintenance can be key in preventing or minimizing tarnishing. That’s it, my friend, quick and to the point! If you have any more questions, feel free

How much does the YSL Camera Bag cost?

This bag costs $1490 and can be bought from a variety of different stores. Depending on the specific material and color you want, you may have to shop around. For reference, I have linked them all here for you!

YSL Lou Camera Bag Review