For several decades, the woven basket bag — sizeable carry-ons made by weaving natural materials like straw, raffia, or bamboo — has been quite the staple amongst the fashion-conscious and the fashionable. Thanks in no small part, to its mainstay appearance on some of the most enduring style icons we know — Audrey Hepburn and Jane Birkin.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, that’s why this humble-looking accessory has over the years gone from being an adorable beach-side/marketplace shopping bag to take on an identity synonymous with the wealthy elite — when carried about the city, they and their owners almost seem to say “I am always on holiday” even in a formal setting.
What most of us can most definitely appreciate about them though (haughty status symbol aside), is their sturdiness, low-maintenance, and practical quality. These are the bags we know we can really trust to hold itself together when occasionally flung about absent-mindedly or unintentionally overstuffed (you know it happens).
Clockwise from top left: JACQUEMUS Soleil nubuck-trimmed straw tote ($524), Saint Laurent Boucle logo-embossed straw tote ($2,010), LOEWE + Paula’s Ibiza medium leather-trimmed woven raffia tote ($768), JW ANDERSON Basket leather-trimmed woven raffia tote ($336).
Notably, major fashion labels have lately warmed up to this effortlessly chic bag style too, and you’ll find in this round up a selection of basket bags from LOEWE, CELINE, Saint Laurent & more. Good to note also, is that when these are compared to their full leather counterparts from the same labels, they often cost thousands of dollars less, but are not remotely considered any inferior as a luxury product.
Clockwise from top left: A.P.C. White Garance Bag (USD 329), Celine Triomphe Medium Raffia & Calfskin Basket Bag ($730), Ottolinger Beige & Black Mini Rubber-Dipped Basket Tote (USD 277), Kenzo Beige Mini Kopakabana Basket Bag (USD 259).
Should you prefer to go with a variant that’s more purposefully authentic and far more accessible — which is to say, without the elegant little flashes of luxury hardware or detailing, be rest assured that there are bountiful vintage options available on Etsy for your picking.
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