In Europe this summer, it was a sight almost as ubiquitous as the sun: fashionistas weaving their way down Mediterranean beach promenades, London high streets and haute couture centers in Paris carrying earthy-colored, basket or crochet-patterned bags.
The rise of raffia bags was first ignited by 1960s fashion trendsetters like Brigitte Bardot and Jacqueline Kennedy. Once a casual holiday accessory, raffia totes and clutches have blossomed into mass-market must-haves and cornerstone items for luxury fashion houses; Prada, Saint Laurent and Loewe represent just a few of the designer brands to curate raffia products that retail with four-figure price tags.
