JW Anderson Just Made Basket Bags Summer’s Most Coveted Accessory—Again
We've found the best basket and raffia bags to shop this season
Salone del Mobile is famed as a key interiors event, drawing homeware and design lovers from across the globe. Yet this year, alongside the leading labels in lighting, kitchens, furnishings and stonework, sat a wicker hamper, laundry basket and basket bag—courtesy of JW Anderson and master Yeoman basket maker Eddie Glew of Blithfield Willowcrafts.
The message? A celebration of traditional techniques and materials. A stark contrast to the fast-paced world of consumption we currently live in. And, typically, it's sent basket bags trending once again.
"JW Anderson was the person behind the reinvention of the basket bag as a trend and luxury investment when he was at Loewe, so it simply makes sense that he spotlighted the piece and the craftsmanship that goes into crafting one at Salone del Mobile," says Marie Claire's fashion director Lily Russo-Bah.
The pieces on display at the Italian interiors event are currently available on the brand's website upon request. Plenty of other labels are also gaining traction, many of which have taken the classic stiff basket silhouette and reimagined it in more malleable, practical shapes, or swung towards softer raffia styles altogether. A true summer staple.
With Jane Birkin a known fan of the traditional basket bag and JW Anderson re-igniting its place in fashion today, it's little surprise they're considered an essential summer accessory.
Below, the best basket bags for the season ahead—new shapes, fresh shades and bestselling styles, reshared for another summer in the sun.
Shop New Basket Bags
JW Anderson
Taking inspiration from medieval storage chests found in stately homes, this handwoven Eddie Glew basket bag can be classed both as an accessory and a piece of art.
Soft, slouchy and roomy enough to hold more than just the essentials, this raffia bag is a simplistic yet sleek summer style.
For a more modern take on the classic basket bag, turn your attention to this woven leather design. It comes in four other shades.
Sézane
Sézane's summer collection has turned many a fashion fans head. This raffia bag is a great example of why.
This woven basket bag will work just as well in the day as it will for evening events, weddings included.
Simple and sleek, this chocolate crossbody is sure to become a daily staple.
Loewe
The Loewe x Paula's Ibiza collab is a seasonal favourite amongst many fashion fans. This year, it's this coral colour taking centre stage.
This folding raffia style is a continued favourite, back yet again for another summer of effortless styling.
Part of a continuing collaboration with Paula's Ibiza, the Braid Medium basket bag is crafted from palm leaves in a twisted open basket design and is perfect for minimalist beach-goers.
Saint Laurent
Raffia bags can sometimes get a bad rap for not being too sturdy. The leather accents of this style help to keep it strong.
More traditional basket bag enthusiasts are sure to be keen on this woven YSL vanity case. It also comes with a crossbody strap for easy wear.
This roomy and unstructured basket is perfect for travelling.
Zara
No matter whether you fill this with towels and sunscreen and head to the beach or a laptop and notebook for the office, it's sure to brighten up your day.
Mini basket bags are a fun, sunshine alternative to pick up when running to the shops or for drinks with friends.
This XL basket bag is perfect for your next getaway.
Jacquemeus
The Bambola has been spotted on the arm of many a stylish woman on social media. Now, it comes with a striking striped design.
Ludicrously capacious bags are what Jacquemus does best, and this extra-large round raffia style is a fan favourite.
This is the Jacquemus bag I'm predicting will sell-out this seaon.
Miu Miu
Miu Miu's famous Wander bag has yet again been reimagined in a woven basket style. It's as cute as it is collector-worthy.
Granted, this isn't quite a basket bag. But it does slot into summer bag territory with a crochet design that sold out rather rapidly last year.
For a more slouchy style, consider the softer raffia top handle bag.
