Woven Handbags and Accessories That Steal the Show
by Jen Labbett.
I’ve been perusing the designer selections for summer 2024 for some time now and, I’ve got to say, except for the capsule pieces that could jump from season to season, there’s nothing that is really rattling my cage; in fact, quite the opposite – want to know why? The overabundance of straw!! That’s right, straw. I’m not a summery, flowery girl who’s skipping the streets of London in heels and a sunflower frock with a large picnic style handbag suitably woven in neutral…straw.
Don’t get me wrong, the trend is useful, fit for purpose and really suits the summer style – considering with the weather forecast in London this summer being one where you will have to quickly up sticks and throw whatever you’ve brought with you in your over-large designer handbag, it’s probably a really good idea. But how do you make even the most desired designer straw bag something that really pops and lends itself to your personality?
The answer is, you don’t. You have to look for other accessories to do that for you. For instance, if you’re parading the streets sporting arguably the best of category summer 2024 bag in straw, you’re wearing the Dior Hat Basket bag in Natural Supple Raffia with Flowers.
Dior Hat Basket Bag in Natural Supple Raffia
At a pricey £5,000 this bag really should do the job all on its own, but pair it with a set of Christian Dior DiorSignature B71 sunglasses in Transparent Pink Butterfly, now you’ve got an outfit that is set for showing off.
The theme even transfers from the butterfly style of the sunglasses to the flowers embedded in the design of the bag and this is no longer simply a straw bag, it’s a capsule outfit (not that anything Dior is ever simple and that’s why the weave in the Hat Basket bag is so intricate and to be admired).
Another clear example of one of this summer’s more neutral bags needing a little help from its accessory friends with a pop of colour and giving someone a reason to stare you up and down. The Chloe Woody medium paper basket bag is definitely large enough to pack your whole picnic in and saunter to Hyde Park in style for a little late afternoon rose overlooking the sites of London, but something in me can’t help but think that this bag can easily get lost in its neutrality.
The real joy of the straw and neutral trend that we are seeing on the runways this summer is that they can so easily be complemented by an accessory that does all the work of a fully coloured bag. For instance, this Chloe handbag can take on something as bold as the Weekend MaxMara Uberta Mythological Print Silk Square Scarf with its intricate patterns and striking colours, there’s nothing neutral about this scarf and the Chloe bag is really accentuated by the multi-coloured materials, adding dimension and appeal to what could be a rather dull affair.
MaxMara Weekend Uberta Mythological Scarf
While the plethora of neutral tones is definitely having its moment during summer 2024, there is always one brand that never needs much help, even when it produces a rather neutral toned handbag that could easily be in need of having an additional accessory provide a jolt of colour or a little bit more dimension to an outfit. One of my favourite handbags this year is the Neverful GM Tote Bag by the one and only house of Louis Vuitton.
Louis-Vuitton-Neverfull-GM-tote
It really is a masterpiece in how to elevate neutral colours to the next level so that the bag alone is the centre piece and while the wearer will obviously adorn herself with gorgeous accessories, the bag really does all the work on the wearer’s behalf. This unique handbag is crafted from fresh Damier Azur canvas with a natural cowhide trim, it is ultra-roomy yet never bulky, with side laces that cinch for a sleek allure or loosen for a more casual look. This bag comes in rose ballerina pink, so very freshly hued for the summer and it also features slim, comfortable handles as well as being lined in colourful textile, it features a removable pouch which can serve as a clutch or an extra pocket.
All in all, while straw or beige is not my personal go-to in terms of colour or fabric, the runways of summer 2024 have definitely done a lot to educate me on the flexibility of the material and how intricate a design you can foster in the right hands. Also, I’m always one for window-shopping for sunglasses, so looking for new pairs that will lift the life out of the neutral and into the now is something I treasure doing.
Bags of note
Bottega Veneta Handle Mini Intrecciato Leather Tote
Despite its mini size, Bottega Veneta‘s ‘The Handle’ tote stands out in a crowd. Crafted in Italy, it’s woven from strips of lightly padded leather using the brand’s iconic intrecciato technique. It comes with a shoulder strap allowing you to wear the bag handsfree.
Prada Re-Edition 2005 crochet bag
Fitting right in with the summer trend, the re-imagination of this iconic Prada bag is Inspired by the iconic nylon mini-hobo bag and is presented in crochet with a light and summery mood. Thanks to its removable components, the versatile accessory can be personalised and transformed in different ways and fits perfectly with this summer trends.