When the raffia trend first boomed, it, admittedly, felt largely impractical and very niche. However, what seemed like a seasonal novelty material that would come and go ended up transcending to become a seasonal staple that would return year after year. The trend has also become something that even we couldn’t have predicted.
A Summer Staple
Once reserved for the beach or vacation wear, raffia bags are now a summer must, despite when and where you’ll wear them. Whether carrying one out for a summer night in the city or toting it around on your summer vacation, a raffia bag is a summer staple.
Arguably, no one does them better than Loewe, and the brand’s basket bag has become a poster child of sorts for the trend, spawning indie dupes and even other designer look-a-likes. Jonathan Anderson has truly embraced raffia at the House of Loewe, and each season he finds ways to expand upon carryover styles, introducing new shapes and silhouettes that are perfect for the warmer months.
Loewe’s Latest
This season, the Loewe Font Tote joins the brand’s line-up, and the range includes multiple iterations and various colors and sizes. The small is perfect for summer outings spent off the beach, while the larger version will hold more items if you’re looking for an actual beach bag. Megs and I love Loewe’s latest, along with seemingly every fashion girl I follow on Instagram, making me want it even more.
The Font Tote is handwoven in Madagascar by artisans using locally sourced raffia leaves, once again furthering Loewe’s commitment to craft. These leaves are harvested throughout the year, torn into thin strips, and dried in the sun before being utilized to craft the totes. The Font Tote is crocheted by hand using ancient techniques rich in Madagascar’s heritage. In true Loewe form, the Font Tote gives back, and with each one sold, the brand will donate to the community. In addition, the brand is helping preserve Madagascar’s heritage by building a craft training school that will teach these techniques.
All sizes come with a detachable shoulder strap for maximum functionality, and prices start at $1,100 for the small in solid colors. Discover more and shop the range via Loewe.
I prefer small logos rather than the brand name being spelled out (same with chanel 22 loewe puzzle straps vltn the christian dior in the middle of the saddle bag when its already covered in the oblique pattern and the worst of them all balenciaga). I find them tacky.
Agreed. It’s like wearing a billboard.
I agree. What is it with brands slapping their names in enormous fonts on their bags? It does look tacky.
I’m just amazed at the marked up prices of most of these bags. This bag probably only cost $100 to make. That being said, I do like the green color.
In fact, you are right. Raffia bags are quite cheap to produce. Right price for more complicated raffia bags than the Loewe is around 400€ (500€ max).
I think you’re a little obsessed with prices. If you suffer so much, don’t see luxury bag websites and look at H&M or Gap. That way you won’t suffer so much.
Haha-you’re right…but I’d wait for these bags to go on sale in the fall and use them next summer. Never pay retail for this.
I understand that much better 👌😜. I sometimes do the same.
You can have raffia bags with more technical work for less than $1.100. It is not being obsessed with prices to say that, sorry.
I agree 100% with you. Raffia falls apart even in the most luxurious branded bags, period. I wouldn’t waste my money but to each their own.
They are not always falling apart but color fades with the sun. If the craftsman did his job well you can keep your raffia bag for more than 1 season even with the color problem. Usually, best raffia bags are made in Madagascar has they have a real knowledge there.
Oh that’s good to know, thanks for the info!!
You’re welcome! I have some raffia bags from Jamin Puech that I use since years and, except the color which can be a little faded, they are still in very good condition. I also try not to put too much things in the bag in order to keep the shape intact.
Is this bag a colossal joke? Are people that desperate to show off brand names that can be read from across the street?
Love ❤️ 😍😍😍
I have the Loewe beehive tote, purchased online from Harrod’s. pricey but I quite love the bag.
Other than that, many small woven bags purchased super cheap in Greece.
I got Loewe’s original classic summer tote for under $500 – sad to see they are suddenly marking everything up so much.
In Europe the classic basket bag in different colours (brown, white, avocado, etc.), has risen but is worth less than 500 euros. And yet it is cheaper than other brands such as Prada, Celine or Jaquemous.