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.
ARANÁZ Baguette Clutch In Wheat
The brand ARANÁZ merges Filipino craftsmanship with surprising and unconventional elements. Creating versatile and intricate pieces for the modern woman, every bag exudes artisanal flair. The abstract Baguette Clutch has braided leather detailing and a large wooden bead closure. Pair this with gladiator sandals and a relaxed maxi or an airy co-ord set for a laid-back look.
Rafé 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.
Halo Halo Biyahe tote
HaloHalo’s line of covetable bags comprises unique shapes and spacious interiors—the perfect companion for those on the go. This season, the Biyahe tote might just be your go-to. Aptly named biyahe, the Filipino word for “journey” or “to travel,” it’s slim and compact enough for easy travel but roomy enough inside to carry the essentials. Its unique shape adds a touch of elegance to any look, whether you’re dressed down for the beach or making your daily commute to work.
Available here.
Fendi Sunshine tote
A beach-appropriate take on a classic, this version of the Fendi Sunshine shopper is made of natural-colored straw woven in a moss-stitch effect. Spacious and sturdy, the tote blends practicality with the effortlessness of summertime aesthetics. Perfectly neutral and finished off with leather handles, it’s a great option for either beachfront lounging or running errands in the city.
Available here.
Hereu Studio Calella Raffia
Yes, it’s a capacious tote bag, but in the hands of Shiv Roy, the Hereu Calella was a win for quiet luxury fans. The raffia version with supple leather trim is the perfect bag for summer and beyond—and we bet even Tom Wambsgans would agree.
Available here.
Jacquemus Le petit panier Soli
Appearing in designer Simon Porte Jacquemus’s own curated list of essentials, along with the Le petit filet Pralu and the Le Bambino long Osier, the Le petit panier Soli is an understated piece that adds a touch of sunshine to any ensemble. When paired with a casual city look, like oversized denim and platform shoes, its fanned-out shape and mini size balance out heavy proportions, lending your look an air of effortless elegance.
Available here.
Loewe Iraca basket
Loewe’s signature Anagram basket styles are all woven by hand by a thriving artisan community in Colombia, which each purchase actually funds. The Spanish house’s enduring style is now offered in rich mélange hues and metallics. This rainbow version finished with black calfskin leather straps adds fun and just the right amount of edge across city or country.
Prada Crochet tote bag
Over the years, Prada’s Crochet tote bag has become a prime cool-girl summer essential. Prada offers a candy-colored array of options for anyone to approach their day-to-day dressing with a sense of ease. Seen on the arms of the likes of Gigi Hadid and Chiara Ferragni, it’s a fashion-forward approach to the heartfelt and homespun.
Available here.
