Words by Nerys d’Esclercs
‘Nothing signals a summer mood more than raffia-like textures,’ says fashion and accessories editor Donna Wallace, formerly of ‘British Vogue’. ‘Cast your mind back to September 2018, to Jacquemus’ spring/summer 2019 runway show that featured raffia bags with fringed edging, from the scaled down (mini minis) to scaled up (XXXXL).’ Since then, designers have continued to serve up their takes on the hero accessory of the summer.
‘Raffia bags have the charm of locally handcrafted designs, purchased from a gem of a boutique found on holiday, brought back and quickly made the tote of choice to prolong the out-of-office mood beyond the inbound flight. Let us not forget the lightweight packability of it — the flatter, less structured styles should look as fresh as the day you left town, despite the round-the-world tour.’ Here, Wallace uncovers everything you need to know about the cult-worthy renditions from Prada, Khaite and Miu Miu.
Homespun: Prada’s raffia tote
‘Last summer, our basket bag interest was piqued when Prada re-entered the conversation on raffia and straw, as our social feeds served up bags that were slightly more low-key in feel. The relaxed, homespun look of these Prada styles is a contrast to the polish and somewhat formal nature of preceding renditions. There’s something so incredibly appealing about the raw, perfectly imperfect take on the raffia tote bag courtesy of co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons. For a brand like Prada, which is often seen as making perfection seem effortless, it’s a contradiction that the house loves to play with.’ Prada’s raffia bag is available in a myriad of styles, colorways and dimensions, all available to shop on FARFETCH.
Dimensions:
Depth: 11cm / 4.3 inches
Handle: 16cm / 6.3 inches
Height: 22cm / 8.7 inches
Width: 22.5cm / 8.9 inches
Sizing: this style also comes in small and medium sizes. Care: use a soft cloth, cold water and mild detergent to gently clean, then leave the bag to dry naturally.
Quiet luxury: Khatie’s Olivia shoulder bag
‘Khaite, as ever, has done what the brand does best — take the conversation further to create an elevated proposition that wouldn't be at all out of place at a balmy summer soirée abroad or in the city. Chic and understated with its soft, sculptural curves, the Olivia bag in leather has already proved a hit across the seasons, and in this fabrication, it certainly evokes more of a minimal poolside mood rather than carrying a whole day's worth of possessions. It’s actually an acute investment, as it feels an appropriate bookend to the summer season: it lends itself to beach activities and can handle a slick city getaway look while not appearing a rogue choice when you’re back in work mode either. File this one under quiet luxury.’
Dimensions:
Depth: 10cm / 3.9 inches
Handle: 14cm / 5.5 inches
Height: 20cm / 7.9 inches
Width: 33cm / 13 inches
Care: use a soft cloth, cold water and mild detergent to gently clean, then leave the bag to dry naturally.
Artful and versatile: Miu Miu’s straw bucket bag
‘The smaller scale, textural tufted edges and bucket shape of this Miu Miu bag make it one of the more youthful and playful offerings in the category. It will carry a compact edit of essentials and look as excellent with soft, slouchy jeans as it would with a breezy summer dress. Personally, I love it with denim. It goes without saying that the naturally sun-kissed, neutral hues of raffia-esque bags are a minimalist's dream — the tone works with every color, fabric and print (and possibly every skin tone). What’s interesting to note here is that these raffia-effect pieces tend to be slightly softer and less likely to snag on delicate fabrics — such as those slippery summer satins — that you might choose to style them with.’
Dimensions:
Height: 21cm / 8.3 inches
Width: 13.5cm / 5.3 inches
Care: use a soft cloth, cold water and mild detergent to gently clean, then leave the bag to dry naturally.