Su Shan Leong / @leongsushan
From embellished clutches to laissez-faire totes, transition from day to night with these crafty, woven pieces.
Beach-bound or not, woven bags are a time-honored wardrobe staple for warm weather and beyond. Woven, net, or basket bags, these statement pieces have been around since the 1950s in the form of vacation-ready wicker and woven top-handle bags. Homespun yet elevated, the casual allure of woven bags makes them versatile statement pieces for the everyday. With crochet, fringe, knotting, and embellishments, this bag is a game-changer with artisanal touches.
Many brands have capitalized on the crafty appeal of the woven bag. Loewe put its own spin on the market tote bag with traditional French-Moroccan palm-leaf bags. Jacquemus’ Le Chiquito took on a tropical iteration of the iconic leather bag. Prada and Khaite brought the netted shopper to unprecedented heights with their handcrafted bags. Labels like Fendi, Valentino, and Tory Burch took on macramé bags for their take on the conventional tote.
In the spirit of enduring versatility, Vogue Philippines helps you curate your roster of artisanal pieces that will stand the test of time. Below, shop our favorite woven styles (that may soon become your wardrobe heroes).
Zarah Juan Silang Pineapple Bag
Designer Zarah Juan brings local weaves and collaboration to the forefront. Through Zarah Juan, she hopes to support marginalized communities by providing them with livelihood opportunities. For the Silang Pineapple Bag, the label worked with communities including Cavite cane weavers, Abra weavers, and Bulacan artisans. Inspired by the pineapple hills of Silang, Cavite, this mood-boosting piece is ideal for pairing with distressed denim or beachy ensembles.
Available here.
Rafe New York Margarita Woven Tote
Designer Rafe Totengco is known for his ornate minaudières and his clutches. Inspired by architecture, travels, and nature, every design at Rafe New York is eccentric yet functional with multi-faceted shapes and neutral hues. Totengco puts a modern twist to a classic style with the MARGARITA tote. To add character to the statement piece, hand-woven white leather is crafted with wide shoulder straps. The finished piece is decidedly modern yet intricate.
Available here.
S.C. Vizcarra Therese
A long-established label, S.C. Vizcarra was created in 1925 by designer Segundina Cornejo Vizcarra. A hand-embroidery studio at the time, it became a pioneer in needlework until the 1980s. Now daughter Vicky Vizcarra Amalingan-Sales continues the family tradition by working with Filipino artisans to create elaborate handbags and homeware. This hand-woven chaircane bag shines a spotlight on the beauty of structural accent pieces. With an ornate geometric pattern, this silhouette is polished enough to transition from casual attire to eveningwear (if styled with refined classics).
Available here.
ZACARIAS 1925 Betty Crown Clutch
Designer Rita Nazareno curates a line of hand-woven bags at ZACARIAS 1925 and home accessories that bring to light the traditional craft of hand-weaving. An Emmy Award-winning Television Creative Services Producer, she draws upon disciplines such as contemporary art, architecture, and cinema for her structured woven bags. The Betty Crown Clutch injects a pop of color to one’s minimalist ensemble with plenty of personality and texture in tow.
Available here.
HaloHalo Toiny Palengke In Pink/Blue
HaloHalo’s line of covetable bags comprise of unique shapes and spacious interiors—the perfect companion for those on-the-go. This Palengke bag in candy-colored tones is made from recycled plastic banig with synthetic material lining and cotton straps. This vibrant market bag is the perfect marriage between practicality and style. An understated piece that won’t clash with one’s look, this piece adds a fashion-forward touch to your daily ensemble.
Loewe X Salone Del Mobile Jiseung Paper Bucket Bag
Loewe’s basket bag has consistently been a bohemian fashion favorite. Making its debut at their Spring 2017 womenswear show, creative director J.W. Anderson put his own spin on the summer-in-the-city carryall. The luxury house’s X Salone Del Mobile Jiseung Paper Bucket Bag is a collaboration with artist Young Soon Lee. Inspired by the Korean technique jitseung (paper weaving), the staple piece is woven from paper and is an understated take on the artisanal style.
Available here.
Prada Re-Edition 2005 Logo Bag
Prada is known for their raffia bags—whether it’s a summertime tote or a crafty shoulder bag—these pieces have become cult Instagram accessories that should be on your radar. Wear this two-toned pastel Re-Edition 2005 woven raffia shoulder bag paired with denim and a white tee for a little bit of sunshine to your days. A surprisingly chic way to elevate your casual ensemble, this homespun handbag is sure to make a wonderful companion.
Available here.
