Give leather a break and get carried away with the beauty of woven bags instead
Not many bags are versatile enough to take you from the city to the beach and back again. But raffia, and other types of woven bags can, and the good news is that they are the season’s coveted carriers.

It’s time to give leather a break and get carried away with the artisanal beauty of woven bags made from raffia, wicker or straw.

Often designed as large totes, perfect for carrying daily essentials as well as beach items, these carriers also come in elegant hand-carry designs, cool crossbody, and stylish shoulder bags. Even Hermes Kelly and Birkin bags are available in humble wicker.

Bags in any of these natural materials give off a vibe that is charming, exotic, and a workmanship that is akin to artwork, making them functional accessories and eye-catching pieces of wearable art.

Fendi’s raffia Baguette bag is accented with golden hardware and leather. Photo: Instagram/FendiRead more: Borrowed from the boys: Tailored shirts are having a moment in fashion

Even better, these are often seen as summer bags, which means, unlike our stylish sisters in the Western world, we can carry them all-year round with flair!

What’s more, Malaysia offers a wide selection of handcrafted bags, meticulously made by hand and available at palatable prices.

We especially love the ubiquitous, square woven straw totes that can be found in most local markets, as well as the cylindrical backpacks made from bamboo strips by the indigenous people of Sarawak.

For something stamped with a significant signature, check out Louis Vuitton’s Capucines handbag crafted in wicker. Complemented with yellow leather detailing and the brand’s logo, this wicker carrier showcases casual elegance.

Celine’s take on the trend comes in the form of a generously-sized beige raffia tote with brown leather handles. Interestingly, the tote, named Triomphe Panier, is designed to resemble the brand’s iconic insignia. Now, that’s what you call a signature style.

Even Fendi’s legendary Baguette bag is offered in raffia as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Accented with golden-coloured leather and gold-toned hardware, the beige raffia Baguette is truly the bread and butter of style.

Freshly sliced with playful leather fringes on each side, French brand Maje’s version named Miss M exudes a fun and flirty bohemian aesthetic.

Among Christian Louboutin’s latest offerings is By My Side, a shoulder bag accented with leather and interwoven with raffia, making this particular design a perfect blend of sophistication and natural elegance.

Read more: Check-ing into style: Squares and such are one of fashion’s favourite prints now

Another tote-ally cool summer creation from Louboutin is a shopper with frayed edges and knotted rope detailing on the handles.

Crafted with care, Loewe’s Puzzle tote is made using raffia and iraca palm leaves cultivated and handwoven by artisans in Morocco, Madagascar and Colombia, then hand-finished in Spain, the brand’s birthplace.

For every bag sold, the brand makes a donation to the local communities responsible for the weaving process.

Whether in any shape, shade, design, or brand, the best thing about these carriers is that they weave a story of style, functionality, and humanity.
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Showing that the texture world isn’t flat, designers explore the use of wicker, straw, and raffia, giving bags a tres chic tropical touch.