The YSL 'Arty' ring deserves a comeback.
listen...I have proof
I’m…a nostalgia freak. And you know what else? There’s magic in making a purchase while in pursuit of pure hedonism. Shop for the things your (much less brain-rotted) 14 year old self desperately wanted. That’s clearly what I was doing when I got my hands on my very own Yves Saint Laurent ‘Arty’ ring…
Unabashedly promoting this as one of the best purchases I made last year…it’s novel, it’s a conversation starter, it adds intrigue. My very first TRR Obsession, if you can believe. I’d share a screenshot, but I sadly lost access to that account…1
Surely, this little piece of hardware could, it would, transform me. Me, a five foot nothing, c-c-curly acne-prone teen into ALEXA CHUNG, ok!!!! Yes…if I could just get my hands on it. Ten(ish) years later, I did.
I went for gold, with a black gemstone, by the way. Point is — since landing on my finger, I’ve been thinking a lot about how this piece has every ingredient required to make a serious comeback to the zeitgiest.
The ‘Arty’ collection is a result of Stefano Pilati’s time at Yves Saint Laurent, from 2004 through 2012. His tenure is also responsible for several legacy items at the brand including the ‘Mombasa’ bag and the infamous sex-on-a-stick Tribute Sandals.2
Launched late 2009, the ‘Arty’ ring specifically rose to popularity. It became a total status symbol, with a genius (and strategic) price point of $250. A perfect and highly collectible gateway drug into the world of YSL, it was quickly adopted by celebrities, especially It Girls.
With a bold design that climbed the finger, punctuated by mystical-looking gemstones, I believe the vibe to have landed somewhere between to Glamorous, Rich Witch and Just Woke Up and am Still Hotter Than You French Girl.
The best part? Not a LICK of logo. But we all knew.
Back to my theory, though. For one thing, the ‘Mombasa’ bag is becoming virtually impossible to find on the re-sale market. When you do find it, it’s tripled (maybe more) in price compared to just a few years ago…signaling designer items from this period are being revisited, and more importantly — coveted.
I’d noticed this through the last crumbs of 2025, but this week the late 2000’s/2010’s has firmly cemented itself as the new era we’re obsessed with romanticizing. How many ‘2016’ throwback posts have you encountered so far?
Plus, we’ve seen sickeningly opulent accessories lately at YSL. There’s a sensibility here that completely resembles the spirit of the ‘Arty’ collection, don’t you think? Vaccarello (genius he is) has been open about revisiting Mr. Saint Laurent’s incredible archives, as he paves the future of the brand. I can’t get enough…
All of this said, I can’t single handedly make this comeback happen alone, though. I was curious what some tasteful friends might think, so I asked around:
I think that strong design remains good. There’s a moment when it goes out of fashion, gets knocked off and becomes saturated in the market, but after a number of years, people forget about all the knockoffs and you’re just left with the thing that inspired them. I’m sure there will be lots to of people who’ll be snobby about it, who’ll say it was tacky or too popular, but honestly f them!
— Georgia Groom
incredibly talented stylist! you should all be taking notes!!!
I remember going to college in NYC and some very chic girl with dramatic hair, thick eyebrows and oversized angora sweaters…a very alexa chung style, was fiending for this ring. The purchase journey of which I followed through mild (and accepted) tumblr-stalking. It was way more than I could ever think to spend on what is essentially costume jewelry—or anything, really— so when it popped back up into my feed in the last year, thanks to you Sof, I knew I had to have it. One of the perks of being adult and specifically in this otherwise shitty time, is being able to shop for everything you once coveted and can now finally actually afford. I bought it on depop for under $100.
— Elissa Suh
film darling, exceptional writing talent, person I adore
A perfect example of Saint Laurent pulling from its archives, similar to the return of the Mombasa bag, the YSL Arty Ring shows us that even their boldest designs are truly timeless. At its peak, the ring was everywhere and felt tied to a specific cultural moment, not just a trend. As people look back to vintage pieces that spark real nostalgia, I can easily see the it having a major comeback. Of course, at the time (like every other millennial) I was desperate to have the Arty ring—seen on so many of my forever icons like Mary-Kate and Ashley. Over time, I have found myself looking to source the ring time and time again…
— The Millennial Decorator
Certified Vintage Expert, Chicest Girl in The World
I remember finding my lapis blue YSL arty ring in early 2010, just months before my high school graduation. Perfection. Theee coveted ring that went with and elevated every outfit. It quickly became a staple for me (literally every day) for arguably too many years. All throughout college and well into probably 2015, when I started to finally retire it in favour of some other pieces. But what a five years it was…❤️
— Roxy Navai
founder of RX.CO, PR magician, my Work Crush
In case you think I’m onto something, or maybe you once yearned for one yourself, I’ve linked a few of ‘Arty’ pieces (I looked for cuffs too, but they’re much more rare) for your perusing pleasure.
Size 7, Black Gem, $169
Size 5, Blue Lapis, $300
Size 5, Coral, $298
I love that when I wear mine it sparks a little conversation. Plus, when I look down, I believe a little piece of my inner child to be healed. Excellent.
P.S. You might have noticed a facelift to the look of the letter, all in thanks to Holly <3
actually it was a business account (ie NOT created for me to shop lol) to sell seasons old merchandise to TRR from my family’s retail business. back when a second hand online store felt entirely foreign! what a concept
I can attest via my retailing experience that these are the go-to for Hotties Over Fifty who attend a lot of events
Yes!!!! She said it first!!!
Ok, this, paired with all the 2016 round-ups, is making me feel things!