PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT LAURENT
One by one, the coveted It-bags of the early 2000s are emerging from the archives and stepping back into the spotlight. Nostalgia leads the way, but modern polish seals the deal. This season, Saint Laurent brings back the Mombasa, a cult favourite synonymous with effortless glamour.
First introduced on the spring-summer 2002 runway, the soft, slouchy hobo silhouette soon earned icon status. Crafted in buttery leather with tonal stitching, it was crowned by a bold sculptural horn handle that set it apart instantly. Over the years, the bag evolved through multiple iterations. Denim, raffia and ruffled leather all made appearances. But despite these changes, its unmistakable shape remained constant.
Today, the Mombasa returns in Saint Laurent’s spring 2026 collection, joining the ongoing revival of noughties icons. The new iteration remains largely faithful to the original, preserving its natural slouch and relaxed shoulder carry. The most noticeable update comes in the form of the handle. Reworked in sleek leather in place of the sculptural horn, it brings a more understated, contemporary edge.
Conceived for everyday versatility, there are three sizes to choose from. Measuring 27 cm by 22.5 cm, the small (from SGD4850) makes for a sophisticated evening hand-carry companion. Meanwhile, the 40 cm by 33 cm medium (from SGD5950) and 48 cm by 44 cm large (from SGD7820) are ideal casual carryalls. The two larger sizes also include a zip interior pocket and generous handle drop length.
The new Mombasa collection spans a rich palette, such as Black, Dark Oat, Rouge Cabernet and Santal. The small size is also available in a dark bay leaf alligator finish. With options like Courchevel leather, vintage calfskin or pony hair, Saint Laurent's refreshed Mombasa proves that true icons always find their way back.
