FINDING YOUR PERFECT BEACH BAG
We’re at long last wishing farewell to the minimalist colour palette that served us loyally throughout the bitter climate that came in conjunction with the autumn and winter seasons and embracing summer with open arms for enabling us the opportunity to showcase our colourful side not to mention welcome back airy materials such as raffia and crochet to our wardrobes.
It’s also that time of the year where besides being at work, you can rock an absurdly large bag without hearing the faint voice of Succession’s Tom Wambsgans’ saying “She’s brought a ludicrously capacious bag,” the only difference here is, is that we’re swapping our “flat shoes for the subway” for our Hermès Oran Sandals destined for crisp white beaches.
Unlike any other bag, purchasing a beach bag can at times feel like a whole vetting process. We’re no longer on the market for extremely à la mode yet minuscule bags that cause a short-lived war when attempting to fit our phones in — we’re on the hunt for a bag that is qualified to fit copious amounts of SPF bottles, a phone, a book (that mind you, we may never pick up…), earphones, hotel key cards(which seem to spontaneously go missing when we start looking for them) and of course, our fiancé’s various miscellaneous items as despite having more pockets than women do — they still find a way to fit something in our bags.
So, without further ado, whether you’re jet-setting to Dubai, spending hours lounging on the luxurious beaches that the Maldives has to offer or taking a short trip down to your local beach, I’m positive you will fall in love with one of the seven bags on this list. From TikTok viral totes to bags you may have never laid your eyes on before.
Fendi Step Out Medium
We’re starting strong with Fendi’s Step Out Medium bag. This no-nonsense bucket bag is created using natural-coloured straw woven with a moss stitch effect to create the iconic Fendi lettering and sports a fixed internal pouch (perfect for those previously mentioned hotel key cards), drawstring closure and gold-finish metal hardware. This seamless bucket bag can be carried or worn on the shoulder, a feature that is incredibly important to consider during the summer months, and hey if you’re feeling frivolous there is a nano version available to carry your water bottle in style.
Material: Natural Straw & FF Fabric
Size: 27cm height, 20cm length, 20cm width
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Jacquemus Le Panier Soli Raphia
Nothing screams “I’m here” more than Jacquemus’ Le Panier Soli Raphia. This big personality of a bag is only one of the French luxury label’s many latest editions from its Spring/Summer 2023 Ready-To-Wear collection, titled “Le Raphia”. Showcased at Le Bourget Airport a little outside Paris, the collection aimed to celebrate the light-heartedness, innocence and bucolic world of the Mediterranean countryside. The Le Panier Soli Raphia features a long removable crossbody strap, a front flap pocket, and a gold metal logo and hardware.
Material: Handwoven Raffia & Smooth Leather Details
Size: 24cm height, 13cm length, 47cm width
Note: I'm carrying the smaller version in this picture.
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Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Supple Tote Bag
Let’s talk about Yves Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche Supple tote bag, a.k.a my most trusted companion. The chances are, you’ve probably seen this tote already as it has made a common appearance on my Instagram feed during my stay at JOALI BEING in the Maldives — and for good reason. Its sheer size and simple silhouette are one of the many reasons why this tote makes it on this list. Despite only having one main compartment, an open top and tonal handles for seamless shoulder wear are qualities that make this unassuming tote that much more functional.
Material: Raffia Crochet
Size: 35cm height, 14.5cm length, 38cm width
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Chanel Naked Sand By The Sea Flap Bag
Who said raffia was the only material allowed on the beach? It certainly wasn’t me. This stunning limited edition Chanel number is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe, launched three years ago the body of the bag is crafted from a clear PVC and features sand which further presses into that beachy vibe, not to mention the rope-like and pearl-inspired handle.
Material: Clear PVC & Black Lambskin Leather
Size: 14.98cm height, 6.05cm length, 25.90cm in width
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Celine Supple Triomphe Classic Panier
Over the years, Celine has continuously proved its countless Spring/Summer bags belong in everyone’s summer capsule wardrobes. Whether you’re a fashion-forward person or somebody who appreciates the modern minimalism and sophistication that the French luxury ready-to-wear brand showcases in its designs, its simplicity is what makes Celine’s designs ideal for any personality. The Supple Triomphe Classic Panier is hand-braided, a feature that makes each piece that much more unique and most favourable, one removable leather zipped pocket to store any loose change, lip balm and keys inside.
Material: Raffia & Calfskin
Size: 23cm height, 23cm length, 22cm width
Prada Tan/Petal Pink Tote Bag
Let’s go back to 2022. Otherwise known as the year of the raffia bag. The countdown till summer had finally commenced and people around the globe were scrambling to book their vacations and most importantly, curate their summer capsule wardrobe, and when it came to bags — they didn’t have to look very far. Prada had been making its rounds among the TikTok fashion community, with its raffia bags praised for their functionality with a favourite being the Tan/Petal Pink tote. Made with raffia-effect yarn, this summery tote features embroidered lettering logo on the front and the side. To this day, the tote is still being labelled a “cult item” and “unicorn bag” due to being continuously sold out.
Material: Raffia-Effect Yarn
Size: 24cm height, 8cm length, 24cm width
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Loewe Font Tote
Introducing Loewe’s latest Font Tote, which is sure to be seen on the arms of many ‘cool girls’ to come. Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Madagascar, the Font Tote is made using the leaves of the island’s local raffia palms which are harvested throughout the year, torn into thin strands, sun-dried and then hand-crocheted using age-old techniques that are emblematic of Madagascar’s rich craft heritage. This cuboid bag features a contrasting Loewe signature and an internal calfskin pocket.
Material: Raffia
Size: 30.5cm height, 17cm length, 36.5cm width
