For the uninitiated, the mention of baskets and straw bags brings to mind a bulky, woven bag that one may have brought to the market. To the fashion-minded, they might be just that, but they’re set out to be bigger in 2019; this year is just when the trend is breaking ground.
Bags woven out of rattan, straw or raffia, among others, are nothing new. The practice is said to be done in as early as the ancient Egyptian civilization; if you need proof, you can just refer to hieroglyphs that sometimes depict the ancient Egyptians holding a structure that is all too familiar to us today. And this year isn’t the first to make them fashionable either—British actresses Audrey Hepburn and Jane Birkin flaunted the bags in their heyday, and were considered to be chic as much as the icons who loved them. But even though the familiar faces rocked them in unconventional means, back then, they were pretty much limited to travel purposes. The bags made out of natural fibers looked out of place as much as straw hats if not set against a tropical paradise.
Fashion does one of the things it’s best at with the basket and straw bags. Not only are the bags back, but they have also captured the imagination among those in the high ranks of style and fashion. Notable designers have spun the practical construction to be appropriate even in the absence of sundresses and flip-flops. The woven bags are made in all shapes and sizes, bearing names of coveted brands around the globe. It doesn’t hurt that they are slowly gaining traction from celebrities and social media influencers alike.
It’s only reasonable to assume that they’ll be the hype in the following year, and we’re excited as much as you are. Worried about prepping up? No need to fret, we’re here to help! After you’re done checking out style inspirations, see the suggestions we’ve rounded out. We’re sure there is a stylish basket or straw bag among our list that will speak to your personal style.
Our 9 Favorite Basket/Straw Bags
Just as we promised, here are our top suggestions for the basket and straw bags you should grab today to keep up with the trend of the coming year (and to claim that you were ahead of it, of course!). These feminine bags that would do more than contain your beach essentials will look great on your Instagram feed:
Nannacay Baby Roge tasseled woven raffia tote
Price: US$180.00
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We’re starting our list strong with Nannacay’s raffia tote—the Marcia Kemp-founded company is not only travel-inspired but also crafted with the hands of artisans. In fact, no bag is unique as the inside reveals the craftsman who’s responsible for creating the accessory you’re holding. While probably best brought during holidays, you can also head to the office to make your workday colorful with the tote and tassels.
Muuñ Ninon straw and striped cotton-canvas tote
Price: US$240.00
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The sight of the Muuñ’s ‘Ninon’ will alleviate any fears of having a bag that can easily be destroyed. What’s more, it’s capacious enough to carry your things. With this bag woven wonderfully by hand, you can go on an adventure while making sure that your things are secured. Its pouch that is detailed with stripes can be detached or knotted depending on your preference.
Kayu St Tropez pompom-embellished woven straw tote
Price: US$140.00
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This Net-A-Porter exclusive entices you to go on an adventure—we assume that the embroidered “You, Me, Oui” on the hand-woven straw can only mean that we’re saying yes to a trip we’ll remember forever. While it gives off a beachy vibe, the pom-poms and the ties make it easy for the bag to blend in the city. This is proudly made in natural straw using traditional techniques, so you can be sure that every strand was put in place with utmost care.
Carrie Forbes Marisa raffia tote
Price: US$405.00
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Carrie Forbes takes handscraftsmanship seriously. In fact, she is very careful in selecting the craftsmen and craftswomen who will be laying their hands on the fibers she’s using to finish a Carrie Forbes item—only those gifted with the talent and experience in Moroccan weaving techniques are employed to give her products an air of authenticity. This sand raffia Marisa takes on a rather interesting silhouette while sporting intricate weaves.
Ulla Johnson Rona wicker tote
Price: US$390.00
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Ulla Johnson is not only well-traveled, she has also taken inspiration from her destinations, no matter how remote, in creating her designs. Among the beautiful results is this Rona wicker tote. Made out of white wicker, the bag can make your outfit chic while holding your phone and keys. Not interested in white? The Rona is also available in black wicker.
HEREU Cabas leather-trimmed straw tote
Price: US$335.00
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Who knew straw and calf leather would look wonderful together? The designers behind HEREU, José Luis Bartolomé and Albert Escribano, apparently thought so, and we’re now presented with a dashing straw bag to take with us while we’re climbing the professional ladder. This artisan-made bag also boasts of a canvas pouch that you can zip to secure your belongings.
Cesta Collective Lunchpail leather-trimmed woven sisal bucket bag
Price: US$375.00
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You better believe when Cesta Collective calls this woven back a ‘lunchpail’. You don’t have to stick with an unsightly bag to carry your food containers as this one lets you do it with style. It’s environmentally-friendly too as it is made with sustainable sistal. The knotted strap made out of leather is lovely, no one would dare give you a side eye if you ever bring this to the office.
Cult Gaia Ark mini acrylic clutch
Price: US$300.00
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If you need evidence before you can believe that fashion can give an interesting spin to the straw bag, then here it is. Although Cult Gaia’s Ark has already graced social media courtesy of online influencers, we’re sure that this vibrant clutch will be more ubiquitous in time, especially among lovers of Japanese culture.
Loeffler Randall Feather-trimmed straw pouch
Price: US$195.00
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Ending our suggestions is an unusual but chic and feminine approach on woven bags, thanks to the husband-wife tandem of Loeffler Randall. It’s a testament to what the mind can come up in an attempt to stray away from boring. The pouch, besides being meticulously made in straw, also has pink feathers to keep things fresh.
