Work Bags: SLG – Saint Laurent, Longchamp & Givenchy

Bringing new meaning to the term SLG, Saint Laurent, Longchamp & Givenchy form the trinity of work bag pieces.

September always signals a fresh start, with graduates hitting the desks, promotions, and the firmly engrained “back to school season” still in our blood. For those starting out in corporate life, you’ll be faced with your first (difficult) task: finding a bag big enough to fit in your laptop, phone, wallet, notebook, water, makeup… *and* be stylish. It’s a tough task. Surprise surprise, it’s also another excuse for a spendy purchase. 😉 Here’s my selection of bags, big enough to fit in your laptop and daily essentials, yet stylish and chic. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!

GIVENCHY ANTIGONA

My bag of choice! Structured, with an iconic silhouette, the Givenchy Antigona (here) is organised and put-together- a great role model for corporate life. It’s boxy and sturdy, making it stand the test of time, and perfect for everyday use. The thick, chunky zip ensures your items are safe, whilst adding to the robust silhouette.   

Making its debut on the Autumn Winter 2010 runway, the Givenchy Antigona celebrated its 10 year anniversary in 2020 – the year I bought my staple piece. Although I chose the classic style, Givenchy released the Antigona Soft (here), a slouchier bag created with smooth calfskin as a 10th Birthday celebration. This piece is flexible and great if you are always in a rush and speedily throw your items into your bag. I’ve also included the Antigona Sport (here) – for the more relaxed among you!

I chose the box leather (here) as I love the sleek, shiny and polished look. However, the grained calfskin (here) is a great option if you are scared of scratching your bags, and would like more of a textured finish. I have, and recommend, the medium size so that you can fit your 13″ laptop, notebook, water and other essentials inside – I can attest it is the Tardis!

The bag pays homage to the Greek Goddess Antigone, with her name meaning “unbending”. Indeed, the structured piece features two short, sturdy padded handles and a removable leather strap, which is great for when you have a jam-packed bag and want to distribute the weight on your shoulder.  

One of my inspirations, Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of Rodial, is always rocking this bag – and it really suits her contemporary “this woman means business” yet fashionable look. If you’re not following her on instagram already, then make sure to check it out – she has inspiring podcasts to balance self care and business, and her books are truly thought-provoking. “How to Live Your Best Life” shares her experiences in navigating work and happiness, and to separate achievements from happiness – something that most high achieving people (yes, I am guilty🙈) have been doing, to our detriment to ab extent. *YOU* own your happiness and success!

August 2022 prices

• Antigona Small (black, grained and black, box) : £1,680
  • Great for weekend errands and brunches – fits your essentials as you progress with your to do list!
• Antigona Medium (black, box): £1,890
  • My chosen work bag! Large enough to fit your laptop, yet sleek, polished and sophisticated. It’s a winner!
• Antigona Lock Bag (box leather): £1,580
  • Edgy and innovative, it’s one for those wishing to make a statement
• Antigona Soft Small: £1,600
  • A flexible spinoff of the traditional bag – great for a work-gym hybrid bag
• Antigona Soft Medium: £1,900
  • Another work-gym hybrid bag for those who h-o-a-r-d and carry their kitchen cupboard out and about

Overall verdict: Perfect for the sleek and polished look. It will elevate any outfit to a truly sophisticated level. Thick, boxy and sturdy, the Antigona is the most durable of the bunch.

SAINT LAURENT SAC DU JOUR

Refined, classy and a “classic”, the Saint Laurent Sac Du Jour (here) is definitely the most formal bag of the selection, and a timeless work piece. Released by Creative Director Hedi Slimane in 2013, the smaller SdJ is the perfect evening piece, whilst the larger SdJ is a classic work bag. I can see the nano SdJ in burgundy (here) being a cute autumn date night accessory <3

With 3 compartments, the SdJ helps you to create a tidy organisational system. The interior zipped compartment is a great place to store your wallet and keys, whilst the front compartment can fit your notebook and pens. 

Durable and created with 100% calfskin leather, and available in 3 finishes – smooth, grained and crocodile – the SdJ is a truly versatile piece. Coming in a variety of sizes, the largest will fit a small laptop. However, I prefer the cuter nano and baby styles for a classy evening accessory. 

August 2022 prices

• Sac du Jour Nano (black, soft calf leather) – £1,570
  • A cute little date night accessory! I would recommend opting for an exotic leather to add a little extra special touch
• Sac du Jour Baby (black, smooth calfskin) – £1,950
  • A nice work bag that fits your essentials – notebook, pens
• Sac du Jour Small (black, smooth calfskin) – £2,270
  • Another great piece that fits your “daily” (pun intended) work essentials- notebook, pens, water
• Sac du Jour Medium (cinnamon & sea salt, smooth calfskin) – £2,350
  • A sophisticated piece which lets your laptop slide in. I haven’t seen this size in black, but it would be the perfect, elegant black piece in this shade!

Overall verdict: Sophisticated, classy and refined, the SdJ is the perfect bag for those wanting a minimalistic and elegant look. 

LONGCHAMP LE PLIAGE

Lightweight, spacious and durable, there’s a reason why Longchamp’s Le Pliage (here) is seen throughout the City, Wharf and beyond. The nylon texture makes the bag durable, and you don’t need to worry about scratches as much as leather. Coming in a variety of colours, you can keep it safe and go fo black, or experiment and add a touch of your colourful personality with a vibrant piece. 

The best part? “Le Pliage” is French for “folding”; this bag can be folded into a tiny pocket square! This is great if you like to carry your lunch to work- you can place it in this, separate, lunch bag, and then fold the bag away when done, and place into your main work bag!

Longchamp have also released their Pliage bag, created using 100% recycled nylon (here) – I’d recommend opting for this piece as it is just as lightweight as the original, but you will be helping to reduce the use of unnecessary extra resources, and reduce waste!

August 2022 Prices

• Le Pliage Mini (here) – £85
  • Great to use as a foldaway lunch bag
• Le Pliage Small (here)- £95
  • Great to use as a foldaway lunch bag & fits a notebook, pens etc
• Le Pliage Medium (here)- £95
  • Fits your work essentials!
• Le Pliage Large (nylon, here) (recycled nylon, here) – £100
  • Fits *all* of your work “hoardings” (I’m looking at you the “I *do* need my 5 notebooks, 20 pens, all my highlighters, 3 sticky notes etc every day” girls) & a great lightweight piece

Overall verdict: Lightweight and practical, Longchamp’s Le Pliage is a great foldable lunchbag, which can be folded away into your main bag! 

What’s your favourite work bag? What’s on your bucket list?

Let me know! Lots of love, Jo xoxo 

PS Links are affiliate. Black and white YSL image courtesy of YSL.