Introducing Icare, the newly crowned “It” bag.
Icare what? Hint: it’s not another micro bag. It’s the opposite, actually. The Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping Tote is, quite frankly, ultra-luxury to the max. An oversized gem of a gem and, well, it’s the bag everyone is talking about these days.
Currently available for pre-order on the Saint Laurent website, the Icare Maxi Shopping Tote has been spotted on the glistening shoulders of A-listers like Hailey Beiber, Zoe Kravitz, Sydney Sweeney, and Rosie Huntington Whiteley to name a few. And honestly, this bag could not have emerged at a better time. Gracing our very existence when bigger and more travel-friendly bag alternatives are becoming the new go-to, the Icare Shopping Tote is the epitome of all-you-can-carry. A bag that can handle the weight of your day-to-day needs. Alas, a chic “do-it-all” contender we never knew we needed.
Not typically one to be easily swayed by trends, but I’m sold (if that’s not obvious at this point). Chances are, that goes for you, too. Or perhaps you’re on the fence about it? And that’s perfectly okay. After all, an oversized bag is not for everyone. But if you are in fact considering adding this coveted item to your collection, this post gives you a closer look. Before you hit the check-out button, read this ‘anatomy 101’ on the Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping Tote. Everything from its luxurious materials to the ways to wear it and all its exciting features. Will you be wearing this bag soon? Read on and decide for yourself.
The Meaning Behind the Name, Icare
When initially hearing of the name, I thought, that’s different. But after looking into what the name references, it totally makes sense. Icare stems from a Greek mythological figure known as “Icarus” who was a bold and overconfident being looking to escape the Labyrinth with a pair of wings made for him. According to an article in Vogue, Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello intentionally created the maxed-out YSL logo to be designed as a piece of high jewelry that “shines like the sun that burned Icarus’ wings.” I told you, this bag is a “gem of a gem.”
A Closer Look: Icare Bag Anatomy
Construction
Speaking of Icarus wings as per Vaccarello’s inspiration, the bag itself embodies a winged shape. Dare I say, ready to catch flights (and maybe feelings)? The sides of this bag resemble subtle wings that can be styled out or tucked in at the sides, which gives the bag an entirely different look. The winged concept reminds me a little bit of the Celine Luggage and the Loewe Hammock shoulder bag. But of course the Icare Maxi Shopping Tote is entirely unique in and of itself. It is roomy, perfectly oversized and practically a set of wings for you to wear. So get ready to fly. Read on for a closer look at the material, hardware, and interior.
Materials
The Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping Tote is constructed of nappa lambskin. Pro: it is luxuriously soft and lightweight, perfect for an oversized bag. Nobody wants to lug around a bag that weighs a ton. Con: lambskin is a delicate material prone to scratches, so take it easy, my friend.
But to curb that, the puffy quilts give the bag some added texture (which, in my luxurious opinion, elevates the entire piece and is great for concealing those pesky scuffs that the bag will succumb to; they’re inevitable). Aside from the leather present throughout the bag, the bag includes something else entirely special, big and bold. The Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping tote also comes in nubuck suede!
Hardware
And that’s the hardware. The enlarged brass ‘YSL’ logo is arguably the defining piece of this bag and is what makes the Icare bag so special. It’s not only symbolic, it’s a genius move on Vaccarello’s part. It functions as a jewelry piece for the bag but, more than that, it’s totally bait for the logomaniac. If I’m wrong, I don’t want to be right. Honestly, who doesn’t want to flaunt those three gorgeous letters front and center? Hello!
Interior
Aside from exterior elements, the Icare bag’s interior has one main compartment with tonal grosgrain lining. It features a zippered pocket, a removable zipped pouch, and a detachable metal chain toggle closure that matches the brass metal of the exterior YSL logo.
An interesting note on the detachable metal chain: This can be used either to close the bag with the wings tucked in, or it can be used to attach the zippered pouch at the side with the wings positioned outward. You have options.
Pro Tips: Styling the Icare Maxi Shopping Tote
Wearing the Icare Bag
There’s no question that this bag is oversized. And depending on your lifestyle and your preferences, a bag like this may or may not be for you. But if you’re curious how it looks up against a person, we have some examples. It is big, so be prepared to turn heads and make quite the statement… but, hey, isn’t that the whole point?
Organizing the Icare Maxi Tote
The Icare bag has one main compartment with a zipper pocket (it’s very deep and can fit a ton inside), as well as a removable pouch perfect for storing the important essentials. So there is plenty of room to keep your belongings intact… but, they can get lost in there. To up your organization game, add an Uptown Pouch or try a designer pouch or two from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and more. These will help you easily find what you’re looking for when you find yourself digging inside for your keys, your phone, or whatever else it may be.
Is it time to say goodbye to the micro bag, and welcome bigger and bolder carryall bags? Now that this style is starting to trickle in on FASHIONPHILE (but selling fast), set up an item alert so you can be the first to know when we get one in!
July 15, 2022