Vinatage Yves Saint Laurent Purple Passementerie Gripoix Hearts Tassel Purse

The suit, the safari jacket, the peasant dress—Yves Saint Laurent was a master at seeing the high-fashion potential of that which others might have dismissed. This passementerie purse is an example of his design genius. Passementerie, the art of making elaborate trimmings such as galloon, gimp, tassels and fringes, flourished from the sixteenth century when guilds were first established in France to the early-twentieth century.

On clothing and furniture, these handcrafted embellishments were a sign of wealth and rank. With modernity, however, they fell out of favor and became passé. Yves Saint Laurent turned that perception on its head. For his fall/winter 1976/1977 Russian-themed collection, which was inspired by the ornamental beauty of Léon Bakst’s costumes for the Ballet Russes, he accessorized the lavish looks with tasseled and braided belts hand-finished by the storied passementerie makers. The runway show revived a taste for excess and made passementerie details a brand signature.

The half-moon shape of this mini passementerie bag is crafted from lustrous purple cord interlaced to form its exterior. An equally lustrous black cord trims it and creates a long shoulder strap, which is knotted together before ending in a pair of robust tassels. For added distinction, a variety of gold and Gripoix hearts bejewel the flap closure. Pair this special piece with evening wear (you can tuck in the strap to transform it into a clutch) or carry it around on the weekends as a purse that will be uniquely your own.

Measurements:

Width: 8 inches across top

Height: 5.5 inches

Depth: 1 inch

Strap drop 25-30 inches

This vintage Yves Saint Laurent passementerie purse is in excellent condition. The semicircular shape is crafted from purple cord with black cord trim. The black cord also form its shoulder strap, which knots at its ends and is then finished with full tassels.

Five snap-on hearts of gold and Gripoix embellish the snap-flap closure. A gold logo pendant dangles from its side. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.