It may be time to head back into your Y2K closet and pull out another archival bag. Following the success of the Fendi Spy, Chloé Paddington, and Celine Luggage revivals — early 2000s fashion is firmly back in rotation. Now, 2026 continues the momentum with another cult silhouette stepping forward: Saint Laurent’s Mombasa. Originally a Tom Ford-era essential, the bag first appeared in the Spring–Summer 2002 collection. It’s back now with subtle updates that bring it into a contemporary wardrobe.
Read also: Y2K’s Favorite Fendi Bag Is Back
Image courtesy: Saint Laurent
The vintage Mombasa was a slouchy hobo-style bag defined by its sculptural horn handle, crafted from naturally shed deer horn or cast metal in the same shape. Ford famously told fashion writer Cathy Horyn, “What bamboo is to Gucci, horn is now to Saint Laurent,” highlighting the handle as the signature detail that set the bag apart. In its original release, shoppers could even choose the horn in store, adding a personal touch to what would quickly become one of the house’s first 21st-century hit bags.
For 2026, the Mombasa returns with updates designed for modern wear. Gone is the original horn handle extolled by Ford, replaced by a leather-coated replica. One side is slightly thicker while the other tapers, mirroring the subtle asymmetry of a real horn. Each end of the top handle is capped with bronze-tone hardware, engraved with the YSL logo.
The body retains the original’s curved seam construction, now rendered in padded calfskin. Three prominent seams run across the silhouette, shaping its crescent form — a detail carried over from the archive, but amplified by the added volume of the leather. A structured leather trim frames the bag, reinforcing the shape and anchoring the handle in place.
Image courtesy: Saint Laurent
Image courtesy: Net-a-Porter
The Mombasa is offered in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small measures 6 × 10.5 × 1.5 inches and features a single main compartment, ideal for carrying essentials. The medium, at 9.5 × 15 × 17.5 inches, includes a zip pocket for a compact, organized interior. The large, measuring 12 × 18.5 × 22 in, provides a roomier interior with a zippered pocket. All three sizes retain the Mombasa’s signature slouchy crescent silhouette and sculptural presence.
Image courtesy: Red
The medium and large sizes are designed for shoulder carry, staying true to the Mombasa’s original intent. With drops of 9.1 inches and 12.2 inches, they sit comfortably on the shoulder—even over bulky outerwear. The small, by contrast, features a 4.9-inch drop and is best carried by hand or tucked into the crook of the arm, making it a natural choice for evening wear. Across all sizes, the leather-covered handle provides structure while keeping wear effortless and versatile.
Today, the bag is available in padded calfskin across all sizes, as well as leopard print pony hair for a touch of texture, vintage calfskin for a lived-in look, and even Alligator in the Small size for serious luxe appeal.
Image courtesy: Saint Laurent
Image courtesy: Saint Laurent
The reissued Saint Laurent Mombasa Bag is now available to purchase in various fabrications, with prices as follows:
| Mombasa Bag | Leather/ Material | Price (USD) |
| Small | Padded Calfskin | $3,450 |
| Alligator | $25,000 | |
| Medium | Padded Calfskin | $4,300 |
| Vintage Calfskin | $4,500 | |
| Pony Hair | $4,500 | |
| Large | Calfskin | $5,600 |
| Pony Hair | $6,100 |
Image courtesy: @oskelly.newin
With Saint Laurent revisiting its archives amid the ongoing wave of Y2K revivals, the 2026 Mombasa returns in a focused, refined offering. But if history is any indication, this may only be the beginning. The original Mombasa appeared in a wide range of leathers, fabrications, and statement finishes — from studded versions to shimmering sequins — proving the silhouette has long lent itself to experimentation. It wouldn’t be surprising to see future iterations build on that spirit with more playful interpretations.
Vintage YSL Mombasa
Saint Laurent 2026 Mombasa
Whether you’re revisiting the Saint Laurent Mombasa for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, the bag proves that early-2000s design still has a place in modern wardrobes. Will this reissue spark a new wave of Y2K obsession, or simply remain a stylish nod to the past?
Read related articles:
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Updated: February 25th, 2026
Comments
14 Responses to “Saint Laurent’s First “It” Bag, The Mombasa, Is Back”
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