Honest Goyard St Louis Review: Worth It?
The Goyard St Louis Tote has become extremely popular in recent years due to its recognizable motif and gorgeous color variations. The tote bag, which has been around for almost a hundred years, is known for its unique treated canvas, timeless design, and craftsmanship(?).
That said, it may not be suitable for those who prefer organized, structured bags. I have tons of stuff to go over; let’s dive in.
Pros (What I Like)
- Timeless Design: The Goyard St Louis Tote features a timeless motif design that has remained popular for years, ensuring it might stay in style.
- Reversible Design: The tote is entirely reversible, allowing you to change its appearance by flipping it inside out. This adds versatility and value to the bag.
- Resale Value: The Goyard St Louis tote may retain a good resale value, mainly if kept in excellent condition.
Cons (What I Don’t Like)
- Lack of Compartments: The tote needs internal compartments, which may make it less organized and unsuitable for those who prefer structured bags.
- Uncomfortable Straps: Some people find the tote’s straps uncomfortable, especially when carrying heavier items, which can be a drawback for extended use. The straps are also a bit shorter than those of other comparable options.
- Limited Availability: Goyard’s exclusivity and limited availability can make purchasing, especially specific designs or sizes, challenging. You cannot purchase Goyard items online; they are only available for purchase in Goyard boutiques (as of 2024, only 35 Goyard boutiques worldwide)
Most Goyard lovers buy resale products online, which may come at a premium price. The plus side to this is that you can purchase the exact item you want in the exact color variation you want with just a click. My favorite place to buy resale Goyard items is Fashionphile.
In this honest review, I’ll dive deep into the world of Goyard, discussing the history, features, sizes, limited editions, and even the cons of the iconic Goyard St Louis Tote.
The History of the Goyard St Louis Tote
Maison Goyard, commonly known as Goyard, was a French trunk and leather goods manufacturer founded in 1792 as Maison Martin in Paris. It later operated under Maison Morel before officially becoming Maison Goyard in 1853.
Goyard has a rich and fascinating history that is often compared to its famous rival, Louis Vuitton.
*Fun fact: Maison Goyard as a brand is 1 whole year OLDR compared to Louis Vuitton, making it the oldest current fashion house after Hermès.
The mastermind behind Maison Goyard, François Goyard, was the creator of the popular Goyard Saint Louis GM tote. His son, Edmond Goyard, continued the family tradition of creating luxurious bags and accessories using the signature Goyardine canvas.
The Goyardine canvas is a blend of hemp, linen, and cotton, which makes it stain — and water-resistant. This makes Goyard bags and totes a popular choice among discerning clientele. The Goyard St Louis Tote, one of their most famous creations, is completely reversible and comes with a detachable pouch, adding to its appeal.
Iconic fashion celebrities like Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld were spotted rocking Goyard, which only adds to the brand’s allure.
The Classic Goyard St Louis Tote: Features and Sizes
The Goyard St Louis Tote features:
- Soft and supple Goyardine canvas, giving it a unique and luxurious feel
- Luxurious leather handles for a comfortable grip
- Lack of structure, preventing overstuffing
- Inability to stand up on its own
The most sought-after sizes for the Goyard St Louis Tote are PM and GM, offering versatility for different needs and tastes. The GM size is perfect for jet-setting or a weekend away, while the PM size is ideal for everyday needs. This review compares the PM and GM sizes to determine the best fit.
Comparing PM and GM Sizes
The GM size measures:
- 7.5″ wide
- 12.5″ tall
- 15.5″ long
- Strap drop of 7.5″
This size is suitable for carrying a laptop or other more oversized items. I’ve carried a 16″ laptop in the GM size without any issues.
The PM size is suitable for daily use, and the GM size isn’t overwhelming.
Pricing and Where to Purchase
You can purchase a Goyard St Louis Tote by visiting Goyard Boutiques and selecting upscale retail locations. The price for the Saint Louis PM is around $1,600 (before US tax), while the Saint Louis GM costs approximately $1,900 (before US tax), making it a luxury investment. In 2022, the price of the black Goyard St Louis PM increased by 26% compared to 2021.
Although the price tag might seem daunting, the Goyard St Louis Tote represents a valuable investment, seamlessly blending style, luxury, and functionality.
Using this tote myself, I’ve noticed its unparalleled craftsmanship, timeless design, durability, and versatility.
Limited Editions and Unique Designs
For those who crave something genuinely unique, Goyard offers limited editions and special designs for the St Louis Tote. One example is the Saint Louis Claire-Voie, a rare and coveted limited edition tote that comes in two sizes — PM and GM — and various vibrant colors, such as green, red, orange, blue, and pink. The term “Claire-Voie” is borrowed from architecture and decorative arts, adding an air of sophistication to this exclusive tote.
Other unique Goyard St Louis Totes include:
- Butterfly print
- Goyard Canvas Grey
- Traditional Goyard Chevron in black, white, and brown
- Goyardine Saint Louis PM Black and Gold
- Goyard Classic Black
- Goyardine Saint Louis PM Black Monogrammed
These rare and distinctive designs are perfect for those who want a one-of-a-kind statement piece.
Cons of the Goyard St Louis Tote
Despite its undeniable luxury and fashionability, the Goyard St Louis Tote has drawbacks. The bag doesn’t have compartmentalization and structural integrity, making it less practical for those who prefer a more organized and sturdy tote.
Also, the straps can be uncomfortable, especially when carrying heavier items. I also noticed the straps are considerably shorter than my other comparable tote bags, making wearing it with sweaters or coats impossible. I will say that wearing this bag in the summer was much easier, and I felt it *fit* more of my outfits for more occasions.
Coco Chanel’s Custom Goyard Wardrobe Trunk
Organizing Your Goyard St Louis Tote
Utilizing a tote organizer or plastic zipper pouches can help you optimize your Goyard St Louis Tote by maintaining neatness and orderliness. A tote organizer adds structure to the bag and provides compartments for most of my items. It also gives the bag a bit more structure, which I love.
I recommend purchasing a large beige tote organizer for the Goyard St Louis PM that complements the bag’s design and color. Since the interior is a light color, it will also reduce some stress when using the bag.
Click here to watch a good comparison video.
Goyard St Louis vs. Other Goyard Totes
Suppose you already like the Saint Louis Tote. You should also check out the Goyard Tote Anjou, Goyard Tote Artois, and the Goyard crossbody Belvedere. The Goyard Anjou tote, for example, is similar to the Saint Louis tote but features a leather lining, reversible design, and detachable pouch, making it a more luxurious choice. However, it comes with a higher price tag, as it is made with more leather than the Saint Louis tote.
On the other hand, the Goyard Artois offers more structure and security with its four leather bottom corners and zip closure while still maintaining the signature Goyardine canvas and elegant design. The choice between the Goyard St Louis, Anjou, and Artois totes ultimately depends on your preferences, style, and budget.
Would I Buy This Tote Bag Again?
Having owned the Saint Louis and the Artois Goyard totes bags, I prefer the Goyard Artois PM more (simply for the structure), but the St Louis Tote carries more things!
Despite the cons, like the lack of compartments and structure, the Goyard St Louis Tote remains a highly sought-after and iconic bag that can elevate any outfit and make a statement wherever you go. It truly is a beautiful bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Goyard in St Louis PM?
If you want a Goyard Saint Louis PM, the current price is USD 1620 — a 26% increase from 2021. Some say another price increase is imminent.
Why is Goyard so hard to buy?
Goyard is a high-status, exclusive brand that has been around for 200 years. Intentionally limited in production, Goyard’s Saint Louis bags are only available at boutiques worldwide, and custom orders require an established relationship. This makes Goyard notoriously hard to buy and adds to its allure. Many opt for resale shops.
Which is better, Goyard or Louis Vuitton?
Goyard should be your go-to if you’re after a statement piece with good resale value. Louis Vuitton bags are a great choice for those looking for something long-lasting and reliable. So, it really depends on what you’re looking for! Some people prefer the Goyard motif over the Louis Vuitton one.
What is the difference between the Goyard St Louis PM and GM sizes?
The Goyard St Louis PM is perfect for everyday use, while the GM size provides more capacity for weekend trips or larger items such as a laptop. The GM size is also a great option for travel days.
Where can I purchase a Goyard St Louis Tote?
You can pick up your own Goyard St Louis Tote at Goyard Boutiques; if you don’t live near one, your best bet is to purchase one via a preloved boutique.
