We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
Ideal for evening cocktails, weddings, or a stylish dinner in the city, this black patent Saint Laurent bowler brings a refined shine to dressy looks. The statement bow adds feminine flair, while its tidy silhouette carries your essentials from day to night.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What typically fits in the Obi Bow Bowler Bag? A: With approximate dimensions of 27 × 18 × 10 cm, it comfortably carries a smartphone, compact wallet, keys, sunglasses, a small cosmetics pouch, and a slim e‑reader or small tablet (around 8 inches, depending on case). It will not fit A4 folders or a 13-inch laptop. Capacity varies with how you organise your items—please refer to the Measurements on this page for exact sizing.
Q: Can it be worn on the shoulder? A: This model is primarily designed for hand or crook‑of‑arm carry. The handle drop is about 12 cm, which is typically too short for comfortable shoulder wear for most people.
Q: Does it come with a long strap? A: No. The Obi Bow Bowler is a handheld style with dual rolled top handles and a top zip closure; it was not designed with a detachable shoulder strap.
Q: When was the Obi Bow style produced? A: The Obi Bow bowler is associated with late‑2000s Saint Laurent collections and is often referenced from Spring/Summer 2009. It is considered a vintage style and is not part of the current line‑up.
Q: How should I care for the patent leather? A: Wipe the surface with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after use. Avoid alcohol, acetone, or abrasive cleaners. Keep the bag away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight, and minimise friction against rough surfaces. Store it lightly stuffed to maintain shape in a cool, dry place.
Q: How do I prevent or address colour transfer on patent leather? A: Colour transfer can occur if the glossy coating contacts dark or non‑colourfast fabrics (for example, denim). Prevent it by avoiding prolonged rubbing against dark garments and by storing the bag in a light‑coloured, breathable dust bag away from other items. If minor transfer happens, gently wipe promptly with a damp soft cloth and neutral soap; for stubborn stains, consult a professional rather than using strong solvents.
Q: The patent leather shows slight creasing—can this be improved? A: Light creasing is common with patent leather and usually not fully removable. You can minimise it by gently stuffing the bag when not in use and storing it upright away from heat sources. Do not apply direct heat or ironing; a clean, dry cloth buff can freshen the shine on the surface.
Q: Where is the Saint Laurent serial/date code and what format should I expect? A: On Saint Laurent bags the code is typically embossed on the reverse of an interior leather tag or along an interior seam. Formats vary by era: many vintage pieces show 12 digits separated by a dot, while later models may include letters followed by numbers with a dot and four digits indicating month and year. A Retro Tale has authenticated this item using multi‑point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps and codes.
Q: What is included with this item? A: Everything included is listed under the product information on this page. For this piece, a dust bag is included.
Q: What hardware finish does this bag have? A: This bag features silver‑tone hardware with light surface scratches consistent with very good vintage condition.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Saint Laurent
/ Bags
/ Handbags
346 £
• Black patent leather
• Large bow detail on the front
• Silver-tone hardware
• Dual rolled top handles
• Black fabric lining with one internal pocket
• Top zip closure
• Vintage
The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags. We also use a well established 3rd party authentication tool to verify our bags.
