Today, it may not be as jarring to see a city girl toting around a basket bag as it must have been 60 years ago, when Jane Birkin was flaunting her fisherman’s basket at Paris’s hottest parties. But that doesn’t mean that wicker bags have lost their appeal, or their ability to charm. A basket bag’s elaborately woven texture, which can only be crafted at the hands of an artisan, inspires awe in a time of mass-produced accessories. And the bag’s use of natural materials like raffia and straw brings to mind sunny, tropical destinations, or maybe the voice of Lana Del Rey singing, “Summertime, and the living’s easy…”.
Of course, as Birkin has shown us, you don’t need to limit your use of basket bags to a single setting or season. The British-French style icon famously demonstrated the basket bag’s practicality (Birkin used hers to store keys, makeup products and other It-girl essentials) and versatility (she brought her wicker ware out to grocery trips and glitzy socialite events alike).
While Birkin favoured a bucket silhouette, there are many forms that a basket bag can come in today. There is the roomy raffia tote bag in which you can carry all your must-haves for a beach vacation. There is the woven clutch bag that you can take with you to a soirée, as a compelling point of contrast to your silk slip dress. There is the slouchy shoulder bag that will come in handy as you run errands around the city. There is the sculptural handbag that you can show off at brunch.
If you’re looking for basket bags with pizzazz and personality, read on. GRAZIA Singapore spotlights all the best raffia and wicker bags to shop from fashion brands like Hermès, Loewe and Gucci.
Hermès Panier Arceau bag
True to its name, which translates to “basket hoop”, this Hermès bag features curved wickerwork that transforms the accessory into an objet d’art. Hermès’s expert craftsmanship is also seen in the leather lacing that intertwines with the woven wicker.
Gucci woven mini bucket bag
Gucci’s mini bucket bag will go perfectly with a white summer dress. The nautical-inspired accessory stands out with its rope-like handles—which you can adjust to create a longer shoulder strap—and stripes, created from raffia-effect viscose. The bag also comes in Gucci Rosso Ancora, Gucci’s alluring deep red hue, with cotton linen lining to match.
Brunello Cucinelli Marina pouch
Brunello Cucinelli’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection was inspired by the French Riviera, resulting in this Marina Pouch bag. With its geometric shape and soft folds, the bag resembles a dumpling—and it’ll have lots of people talking. Carry it as a clutch or turn it into a shoulder bag with the detachable strap.
Roger Vivier Jeu de Fille Clutch
For cocktail parties and other evening hangs, dazzle the crowd with this Roger Vivier clutch. It’s a part of the French luxury brand’s High Summer 2025 collection, for which creative director Gherardo Felloni created elevated accessories using natural materials. Case in point: the ‘Jeu de Fille’ flap clutch bag is constructed from crocheted raffia. It also comes embellished with Roger Vivier’s signature crystal buckle that is sure to catch everyone’s eyes.
Ralph Lauren The Ralph braided raffia tote bag
For the woman with places to be: this Ralph Lauren tote bag is ideal for running around the city. Its braided raffia exterior is striking with its chevron motif. It is also cinched at the top with a saddle-inspired belt. Meanwhile, the bag’s top handle is sturdy and dependable, made from burl wood and metal. You can also carry it as a shoulder bag when you want to go hands-free.
Loewe Bee basket bag
A bag shaped like a bee? That’s the kind of ingenuity you can expect from Loewe. The Spanish luxury brand’s ‘Bee’ basket is crafted from raffia and leather, and features the Loewe anagram at the bottom instead of a stinger.
Loro Piana Bobbin Bucket bag
Picnicking or not, this Loro Piana bucket bag will prove useful. Named after the spool used to hold yarns, the bag has a woven wicker body and a base in smooth calfskin leather. Carried from a single handle, the accessory remains open so that you can reach for your necessities easily.
Polène Numéro Dix bag in raffia
Fans of Polène will be familiar with the brand’s leather artistry. It turns out that the French fashion label does wonders with raffia too—as seen on this edition of the fan-favourite Numéro Dix shoulder bag, which features a hand-crocheted façade.
Delvaux Pin Mini Bucket Osier bag
It’s a bag! It’s an art object! It’s a toy! You can, arguably, say all these things about Delvaux’s Le Pin Mini Bucket Osier bag. Made at the hands of master wicker artisans, the luxury brand’s bucket bag features a colourful weave of natural French wicker material, complemented with leather trims and gold hardware. The bag’s contents are secured in a drawstring canvas pouch. And, when set down, the bag rocks back and forth—which is fun to watch.
COS slouchy mini tote bag
Don’t have much baggage? This COS mini tote bag will be perfect for you. The bag comes in a vibrant coral shade and features a slouchy silhouette despite being woven from straw. It’s ideal for laid-back days.
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