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
Elevate city evenings and weekend brunches with this vintage Saint Laurent Kahala Mombasa bag. Crafted in brown canvas with leather trim and the signature horn handle, it transitions effortlessly from day to night, pairing with tailored coats or denim for a refined, understated statement.
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 makes the Saint Laurent Mombasa bag iconic? A: Debuting in the early 2000s under Tom Ford, the Mombasa became known for its sculptural horn-shaped handle and clean hobo silhouette. It has recently been revived for Spring 2026, underscoring its status as a modern classic.
Q: What does “Kahala Mombasa” refer to? A: “Kahala” was a Saint Laurent line from the same era featuring canvas bodies with an oversized velvet YSL motif and simple interiors. When those materials and details are combined with the horn-handled Mombasa hobo shape, many resellers describe the style as a Kahala Mombasa. Naming could vary by season and retailer, so details are best verified against the photos and product information on this page.
Q: What fits inside this bag? A: With approximate measurements of 29 × 26 × 4.5 cm, it comfortably holds daily essentials such as a smartphone, long wallet, keys, sunglasses in a soft case, and a slim cosmetics pouch. The profile is intentionally slender, so bulky items (like a large water bottle) are not ideal. There is one internal zipped pocket to organise small valuables. Please refer to the Measurements section for exact dimensions.
Q: How can this piece be carried? A: It features the signature horn handle for hand or short-shoulder wear, plus a single adjustable shoulder strap (approx. 52 cm length) for hands-free use on the shoulder. Whether it works crossbody depends on personal height and fit preference—please check the strap length against your preferred drop.
Q: Is the handle real horn? A: Many early Mombasa bags used natural horn or cast metal shaped to resemble horn, so grain and colour can vary from piece to piece. Recent reissues use a leather-wrapped handle for durability while preserving the silhouette. Expect natural variation and light surface marks consistent with age and material.
Q: How do I care for the canvas, velvet YSL logo and horn handle? A: • Canvas: Wipe with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth and allow to air-dry; avoid soaking, harsh cleaners and coloured transfer from dark denim. • Velvet logo: Use a very soft, clean brush to gently lift the nap; blot (don’t rub) any spots with a barely damp cloth. Avoid steam and solvents. • Leather trim: Nourish sparingly with a neutral leather conditioner; keep away from oils and prolonged sun exposure. • Horn handle: Treat like a natural material—wipe dry after wear, avoid heat and chemicals, and store so the handle isn’t pressing against other objects.
Q: How does this vintage piece differ from the 2026 reissue? A: The silhouette is similar, but the new Mombasa uses a leather-covered handle and current hardware finishes, while vintage-era pieces like this one often feature an exposed horn or horn-shaped handle and period-specific interiors and closures. Collectors value the original materials and early-2000s craftsmanship.
Q: Where is the serial number and how is authenticity verified? A: On vintage Saint Laurent bags, the serial number is typically a single line of digits (often 12 digits separated by a dot) stamped on the reverse of a leather brand tag inside the bag. Fonts, heat-stamping, stitching and hardware quality are also assessed. Every item at A Retro Tale undergoes multi‑point authentication by our in‑house experts; contact us if you’d like additional photos of stamps or serial details.
Q: What is included with this item? A: Everything included is listed in the product information on this page. For this specific piece, no additional items are listed beyond the bag itself unless explicitly stated.
Q: Can the horn handle or strap be repaired or replaced? A: Many specialist handbag restorers can clean and polish horn, reinforce attachments, refinish leather and replace straps. Full horn replacements are case‑by‑case and may require sourcing period‑correct parts. Brand boutiques typically prioritise current collections, so for vintage pieces we recommend consulting an experienced restoration service.
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
/ Shoulder bags
686 £
• Brown canvas with brown leather trim
• Velvet YSL logo at the front
• Silver-toned hardware
• Signature horn handle
• Single adjustable shoulder strap
• Brown fabric lining with one internal zipped pocket
• Snap button 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.
