On September 10th, 2009, the Yves Saint Laurent Roady was launched. I know this thanks to an ancient artifact of an article posted by Purse Blog, which noted that “It is the biggest handbag launch for YSL in a long time and they expect it to be a major seller.” The buzz was generated due to top celebrities of the time, such as Katy Perry, Mary Kate Olsen, and Rachel Bilson wearing the bag prior to the hard launch. Thanks to Purse Blog for this photo:
The Roady is a very large bag made unique by it’s short handle with metal hooks at each end. The bag is available in various leathers but each bag is known for being relaxed - as Collector Square puts it, the Roady has “exemplary softness”.
It was forecasted to be a simplistic but special bag meant for an urban dweller that could take it from day to night. It’s chic and practical.
I personally came across the YSL Roady when I got one for a Mother’s Day gift last year. It’s suede black leather (and yes it is in fact exemplary soft leather) with gold studs throughout. Nearly perfect condition with a total price (taxes, shipping, and duties) of $336 CAD or $245 USD.
I thought it was great. It’s big but sturdy, the softness of the leather gives it a lived-in and casual look, and you get the YSL logo on the metal hooks (which I always take as a nice bonus). There’s also a million different colour ways and styles available on resale sites and most go for seriously low prices.
However, people from 13 years ago seriously contradicted my personal affiliation to the bag. It was met with controversy and disproval, according to comments on Purse Blog. One of my personal favourites is this long anecdote:
People were upset with these main facets:
The short strap fell off and was uncomfortable
The leather was too relaxed
The price tag was too high for such a basic design
Also, as a bonus, people seemed to be seriously concerned that the strap hooks would snag at clothing. I was unable to find one account of this actually happening.
I imagined that the Roady would have had a similar appeal to the Chloé Paddington Bag back in the day because both were casual, chunky, and versatile hobo bags. But I really think the issue came down to the fact that the Roady wasn’t immediately distinguishable as YSL while something like the Paddington was noticeably Chloé. Realistically, I too would never pay almost 2 grand for what looks like a plain bag to the naked eye.
But now let’s stop dwelling on the past!!!
Mostly thanks to the 90%-off discounts, I think the YSL Roady can now be considered a perfect designer bag that’s understated, practical, cool, and effortless. Everyone should have one.
Now is the part where I ask someone to please buy me this bag.
I love the leopard print and $377 CAD/ $275 USD price tag of this Roady. I also like the sizing, but knowing The Real Real, I do think it’s much larger than what is shown in the picture. Same applies for the rest of these bags.
This chocolate brown bag is amazing, I love that the leather looks properly distressed. $251 CAD/ $183 USD.
Last but not least, a simple black one with silver detailing for $177 CAD or $129 USD.
