Oddly enough, while I am constantly reviewing bags, talking about bags, and seeing bags, I haven’t been as active in my personal purchasing of bags recently. Truth is, I own a lot of bags, and because of it, most categories are checked off my personal checklist. But a truly summer Raffia bag wasn’t part of my collection, and I’ve been not-so-quietly obsessing over the Prada Raffia Tote since its inception – so I finally bought one.
While this bag is simple in so many ways, it’s a bag that quickly spoke to me and my year-round Summer-like living in South Florida. We went to the Bahamas for Spring Break, and it was the trip (and this new color) that had me finally pop into the store and buy one for myself. Check out my full review below!
Aesthetics
The funny thing about the aesthetics category is that it is obviously completely subjective. What my personal style gravitates toward may not be something you enjoy, and vice versa. I purchased this bag because when it comes to the raffia bag look, this is the bag that has always spoken to me most. There is an inherent ease in the aesthetic, in fact, a true simplicity in the bag and the way the Raffia is woven together.
The emblematic Prada triangle sits on the front of the bag, and the Prada logo is at the center in black. I don’t mind the logo standing out for this design, but I just started thinking that if they offered a tonal logo version, I might love it even more.
Usability + Functionality
This bag is simple as they come – the soft, deconstructed design is crafted from Raffia, and this bag can easily be rolled up and packed for your warm weather trips (that is a major plus!). There is no lining and no interior pockets, and while that is what I knew I’d be getting with this bag, it does take away from the usability aspect.
What it truly means is you need to plan how you use this bag. I carried it the entire week we were in the Bahamas with the kids and had 3 pouches in the bag at all times. Each pouch served a purpose – one for kids items, one for my items, one for money/room key, and I could find what I was looking for. But this does mean extra planning on your part.
The other thing to note, which again is entirely evident when you purchase this bag, is that the weave of the design itself means the bag features holes, and if you have little kids who want to toss a small shell they find inside of the bag, it will fall out.
However, knowing all of this, I still made the purchase because this bag fits a specific need in my handbag closet, and I have loved carrying it! Its dimensions are 38cm X 3cm x 36cm, and the handles easily slide over your shoulder. Another plus is how lightweight the bag is!
Quality + Construction
As I’ve said before, this bag’s materials and design are entirely simple. The straw/wicker Raffia creates a very straightforward tote shape with straw handles. I’ve examined samples of these bags over the years and have been using mine for a few weeks straight, and I don’t see the Raffia starting to split anywhere. Overall, the bag is very well-made with the materials used.
Price + Value
The price of this bag right now is $1,990, and for a Raffia bag, many will argue that it is expensive. But I will share that bag prices across the board have grown exponentially, and I personally will get a lot of use out of a bag like this. Many times when it comes to deciding on how to rate the price and value, I think about how many uses I will get from the bag. Some bags sit in my closet far more than others, but the more practical for my wardrobe they are, the more it makes sense price-wise. Price is currently $1,990 via Prada.
Staying Power
Now, this bag doesn’t check the classic boxes – but it does check off a summer-specific vibe and will be a bag you can use for years to come for any warm weather days. Raffia bags have been having their time in the sun, literally, and though this movement has been given more steam in the last couple of years, even before that, plenty of brands offered designer straw and raffia bags.
This bag has elements of trendiness to it, but there is also longevity when it comes to vacation bags, and this bag fits the bill. There are ample color options for you now, but this Aqua color which was just released, spoke to me most (I was back and forth between this and this purple hue, Lily).
Overall Rating
If you were looking for a bag that is more seasonal and functional, this bag isn’t what I would suggest. However, if you are looking for a summer bag, one that feels light, is easy to pack, and adds that finishing touch to your other tropical ensembles, this bag is for you.
While plenty of our bags aim to be daily practical carries, one of the reasons I love bags most is because they can align with your personal style and amplify your mood, and this bag does just that.
After carrying this bag for our entire trip, as my airplane carry-on, daily carry, pool, and beach bag, and when we went to dinner at night, I can say that it is a bag I am thrilled to have added to my collection and look forward to carrying it for years to come!
The bag looks great on you and totally suits your vibe, Megs. Enjoy and wear it in good health! ❤️
Thank you so much!! I’ve been loving it!
I get it, it’s fun, and you love it! But I always have to ask myself, if it didn’t say Prada and you saw it at Target or Macys or even Nordstrom, would you pay $1990 for a bag that you couldn’t even throw a lipstick or a car key in because it might fall out?
You are right – but I suppose the same could be said for majority of bags. Majority of bags, we pay for the branding and recognizability.
Absolutely. Whenever I hold a bag in my hand before purchase, I just have to think ‘is it just this little metal insignia that I am after or is this really that great of a bag?’ And sadly, sometimes it really is that little metal insignia, lol!
I think with nearly anything we buy – this comes into play. But that is what marketing is for, and we are all being marketed to constantly! I appreciate the craftsmanship of items and the storied history of the brands we love, and I fall into being marketed to and pick bags based off of that as well! ha
I understand that you can purchase a raffia bag at Target but the craftsmanship and materials are a major difference. I am not saying that the Prada logo has no influence on me but you are not comparing apples to apples either way.
Crafted in Italy is not made in China,
haha a raffia bag from Target is likely the same quality as one from Prada. At least it’s not 100 times better, yet the Prada bag is 100 times more expensive. Y’all are delusional.
would you mind sharing info on the pouches you used in the bag? they look really fun!
I want to know about the pouches too!
Megs, I agree with your review of this raffia bag by Prada – esp on the aesthetics. The price is on the high side in my humble opinion but it is a “Prada raffia” after all! I don’t have one myself, but I have been thinking about getting one for a long time (since last year Prada introduced this design). The funny thing is that I am not a raffia bag person at all – but I do see what Prada did here. They kept the design simple (less is more) and in some ways, it reminds me of the French net bags my grandma had for groceries (ok – the Prada is too expensive to carry oranges and a baguette! 😁). There is indeed something different and inviting about this Prada raffia and I may just take the plunge! The colour you selected is truly gorgeous! Enjoy it!
This color really did me in, I had to make the purchase!! And yes, all of what you said are my sentiments exactly!
Ugly bag. With or without the logo.
If this bag didn’t have a huge Prada logo, no one would pay more than $15 for it.
This is one of those bags where if it were free sure yes I would use it a bit. As it is, I’d much rather get a more utilitarian nylon bag from Prada or a Longchamp OR a really fun color raffia from a smaller brand.
Then again, I’ve been eyeing the similarly simple Loewe straw bags so as you say, it’s all subjective in the end.
Good article regardless!
I also was looking at Loewe options for myself too!
I am older and cringe when I see this bag. 1970 something, this was a home ec project.and most of us found it way too “grandma” to ever carry. Mine is long, long gone or I I share a photo.
I get it, if you have not lived it, its fresh and new to the eye. Enjoy!
We all have our vices, we like what we like, we know what we can afford and we shouldn’t feel obligated to explain our purchases. I’ve been criticized for my bag choices and the money I spent. I don’t ask people why or how they spend their money. It’s not my business and it’s not my money.
Way too expensive for what it is. Glad you love it, enjoy!
I always loved raffia and other similar materials.
During summer, my branded bags goes into hibernation and all the above are out for fun use.
Loewe much recognizable, easy on the eyes and wallet Kate Spade and Coach are staples.
They don’t hold much value in the pre-loved market with the exception of Loewe based on my experience as a live/online seller of branded items here in Japan.
But the summer bags holds special place in my closet and it’ll be out in force soon.
For anyone looking for a more dressy raffia bag, the YSL Kate 99 bag is amazing. It comes with the golden tassel with a detachable golden chain strap that you can interchange with a brown leather strap. Perfect for summer 🌴🌊
Hi megs, what do you think about the new Marni Prisma bag?
I was looking for a classic Trunk bag review on PB ma there isn’t yet. Could you please add one?
I keep my fingers crossed. Thank you for your precious articles.
have a nice day,
Hi thank you so much for your review. However, I wonder if your prada raffia bag has stretched, especially the handles. Have you put anything heavy e.g. a bottle of water in the bag and carried it around for a day? Is the handle stretched ? Raffia is known to stretch by up to 20%.
Total look is warm weather resort town lunch brunch beach tiki hut south florida CHIC !!
Hi! I’m really curious if your model is made of other material than the ones Prada have on their online store? Because these bags are not made out of real raffia, they are made out of synthetic fibres that are “raffia like”. Maybe they have different models but I think that’s unlikely. Best regards!