Currently Coveting: Saint Laurent ICare in Leopard Pony Hair

When Saint Laurent’s Icare Maxi Shopping tote first appeared on Zoë Kravitz in Spring 2022, it immediately signaled that the era of the micro bag might finally be coming to an end. The oversized tote made a statement, and soon after, Hailey Bieber was spotted carrying it, helping propel the Icare into the social media spotlight. We took a closer look at the bag later that summer, as its popularity continued to build.

A Return to Bigger Is Better

For anyone tired of squeezing their essentials into increasingly tiny bags, the Icare Maxi offered a welcome return to the bigger-is-better philosophy. Its arrival felt almost nostalgic, tapping into an earlier handbag era when an oversized silhouette was as much a fashion statement as a practical choice. Initially released only in black, the Icare quickly became a hit, selling out and commanding even higher resale prices despite its already high retail price.

It’s hardly unusual for a fashion house to build on the momentum of a bag that resonates with consumers, adding new colors, sizes, or variations to keep the excitement going. Saint Laurent eventually introduced the Icare in a soft beige suede, but there’s something to be said for the original—and the original is the bag I kept coming back to, until now.

Saint Laurent Takes the Icare to the Wild Side

In its simplest form, the Icare Maxi remains a standout, but in leopard pony hair, it is a true showstopper. As we continue to see nostalgia for the era of the big bag, particularly those with an ever-present hint of cool-girl slouch, Saint Laurent has debuted a brand-new version of the Icare. I like that the bag is offered in a medium size, which trims back the original, massive silhouette ever so slightly—and that is perfect for me.

This version takes the big-bag trend and the on-trend shape of the original Icare and combines them with leopard, which has quickly become not only a trend but also a closet staple season after season. Its bold Cassandre YSL logo, combined with stunning leopard pony hair, speaks to the maximalist in all of us. And as the fun side of fashion returns, I just can’t get the bag out of my head—and apparently, I’m not alone!

The Icare Medium in Pony Hair retails for $5,500. Get on the waitlist at YSL.com or purchase now via Net-a-Porter.