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The Best Raffia Bags To Use On Your Next Vacation

Cute, classic, and totally functional.

June 4, 2022

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It’s well-known that the Birkin is one of the world’s most coveted bags. But what about the other Birkin bag? The vacation-inspired raffia (or woven( bag is just as synonymous (albeit implicitly so) with actor and singer Jane Birkin as the Hermès bag named after her — her use of the style made it interchangeable with summer dressing. Just Google “Jane Birkin raffia bag” and you’re sure to find images of the icon toting the basket-shaped accessory in the city while wearing teensy babydoll dresses, along the coastline in flared jeans and a T-shirt, or for a formal event when paired with the likes of a luxurious, velvet dress.

In that same search, you’ll also see a slew of other style stars throughout history — Brigitte Bardot, Alexa Chung, and Jenny Walton among them — carrying their favorite raffia purses in various settings. The designs they carry, and the ones available all through the web, are not confined to the classic basket shape. From structured totes to contorted clutch bags, there’s a raffia style to suit every sensibility. Find several very versatile and unfussy ones for the upcoming summer season, ahead. They are the key to making your effortless warm-weather outfit look, well, effortless.

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STAUD

Brown Raffia Tommy Beaded Bag

$395

For a raffia bag that isn’t as on the nose as the ones Jane Birkin carries, opt for this beaded floral interpretation from Staud. The orange hues in this woven raffia shoulder bag will add a pop of color to your ensembles.

Mansur Gavriel

Cloud Clutch in Natural

$595

$297.50

Mansur Gavriel offers its cult-favorite Cloud style in a raffia version to suit all of your summer dressing needs. The bag can be worn on the shoulder or across the body during the day and then can be converted to a clutch for a more formal evening affair.

Max Mara

Beige Raffia Top Handle Bag

$840

$336

Max Mara excels in its ability to deliver clever updates to classic forms. The tubular straps from one piece of leather make for a more novel top handle style without straying from the label’s minimalist aesthetic.

Off White

Off-white Commercial Tote 45 Straw Bag

$858

$557.70

For your weekend trips to the farmers market, bring this carry-all bag with you. It is big enough to fit your necessities and adds a fashion-forward touch to your look, too.

Saint Laurent

Beige Raffia Shoulder Bag

$1,650

Saint Laurent nails the simple and slouchy raffia look with this leather-trimmed shoulder bag. It’s equally appropriate for the beach and in the city.

Vanessa Bruno

Raffia L Cabas Tote

$294

Vanessa Bruno honors raffia and its land of origin, Madagascar, with its Cabas tote. The African island is the cradle of the material and home to expert weavers, who made this piece from Raphia Farinifera palm leaves and rope.

Marina Raphael

Micro Carina Bucket Bag

$725

If you’re looking for something small and with great ease of access, go for a bucket bag in raffia, like this style by Marina Raphael. Simply loosen the cinched canvas liner to fetch any of your belongings.

Marni

White & Beige Mini Raffia Trunk Shoulder Bag

$1,490

$775

When it comes to shoulder bags, sleek and structured is always in fashion. This piece by Marni is made from raffia and leather, and has three compartments for easy organization.

Proenza Schouler Handbags

Rafia Pipe Bag in Black

$2,495

For the most polished take on the concept, look to Proenza Schouler. The label’s curvy Raffia Pipe style features a fold-over leather top flap with sculpted edges, extended leather top handles, and brushed metal accents in gold.

Style up any outfit with Paco Rabanne’s glitzy raffia tote. The spacious silhouette is embellished with brass discs and features scalloped edges with circular top handles.

Mark Cross

Susanna Raffia & Leather Frame Pouch Bag

$2,190

Hopping on the raffia train doesn’t mean you have to abandon every other spring and summer style element. You can also embrace florals embroidered onto woven raffia.

Furla

Furla Raffia 1927 Soft Mini Bag

$299

$179.40

While some might like the original neutral shade that is quintessentially associated with raffia, if you personally adore wearing color then this lavender Furla mini crossbody bag is for you. It has an adjustable and removable leather strap for added versatility in styling.

Khaite

$920

Minimalists will love Khaite’s super sophisticated Osa tote for its clean lines and smart design. The V-shaped bag is crafted from beige-colored raffia and lined in contrasting black leather for an unfussy appearance. Plus, it’s complete with a single divider so you can organize your essentials.

Gucci

Green Ophidia Tote

$1,980

Gucci lovers can find so much pleasure in the label’s latest take on the woven bag. For one iteration of the Ophidia tote, the fashion house crafted its signature GG-Supreme logo using faux raffia and finished the bag with green leather.

Isabel Marant

Beige Mini Bayia Shoulder Bag

$610

$390

Isabel Marant's Bayia Mini style is the perfect companion for summertime adventures. It’s big enough to hold your essentials and reinforced with an adjustable leather shoulder strap to offer the most functionality.

LENINE

Lenine Nina Small Basket Bag

$370

$240.50

You have a summer wedding to attend — perhaps the ceremony is taking place seaside, in the bride’s backyard, or at a country club? If any of these destinations apply to you, here is the fun and adorable purse to wear with your wedding guest outfit.

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