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/Fendi Read 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 significa.