Artisanal Accessories in Wicker, Raffia, and Straw

Summer’s hottest looks are plant-based.

Writer Truc Nguyen

Sculptural and elegant, the season’s most covetable accessories are made from natural materials such as wicker, straw, and raffia. Coinciding with high fashion’s embrace of crafts including macramé and crochet, these handmade bags and shoes offer clear tactile appeal and an uncomplicated look that’s perfect for summer. The top accessories are lightweight, minimally embellished, and accented with durable leather trim or sleek metal hardware. Look for styles that are handcrafted by artisans, use eco-friendly materials, and are functional enough for everyday use. After all, you may well want to make them part of your look every day this summer.

Wicker Wings — Natural Mini Kuai

Handmade in England using sustainable materials, this mini bag deftly mixes naturally grown rattan with Italian leather in one contemporary boxy design.

Folk Fortune — Lotus Pink Rattan Clutch

Folk Fortune’s rattan bags are designed in Vancouver and handmade in Bali. This bright clutch is lined with batik-dyed cotton.

Kayu — Wicker and Leather Bucket Bag

This California-based label, available at Holt Renfrew’s H Project, is committed to paying its artisans a fair, living wage and using eco-friendly, sustainable materials for its handbags and hats.

Heirloom — Calcarine Knotted Natural Straw Hat

All of Samantha-Tara Mainville’s straw hats are chic—this update on the classic boater style is handmade in Montreal using knotted sisal straw.

Cult Gaia — Max Bag

This black, top-handle raffia bag can go from day to night with ease, and it’s roomy enough to fit all your essentials.

Miista — Noa Natural Raffia Woven Mid-Heels

The raffia used for these easy, retro-inspired block heels is hand-knitted in Spain.

Inné — Liria Double Strap Heel

Made with rattan that’s been woven in a solihiya pattern, mango wood, and leather, these stylish slides are comfortable enough to wear all day long.

Bembien — Flora Crossbody

A boxy cross-body rattan bag that’s both functional and fashionable—and 10 per cent of proceeds from Bembien’s sales go back to its artisans’ communities.