This year, we’ve already seen some eye-catching showcases on the runway. From Fendi men’s spring/summer 2024 that presented a fresh take on workwear held within the walls of the house’s new factory to Louis Vuitton cruise 2024—a myriad of sea inclinations as scuba body suits and feathered mid-century headdresses opened up the possibilities of what’s to come on the shelves next year. But across the board in true resort season, one material that designers irrefutably couldn’t do without was raffia.
Spurred by the industry’s obsession with the wicket basket bag à la Jane Birkin in the ’60s, new life has been breathed into the aesthetic. Think Dior’s raffia lace dresses, tops, and skirts in its spring/summer couture 2023 show or MSGM’s innovative approach in fashioning the material into 3D floral adornments.
Our favourite fashion It-girls have likewise been embracing the sizzling season with a wardrobe so complementary to the warmer climes—whether it be a flowing maxi dress or breezy crocheted shorts, and finally made complete with raffia accessories. From Sofia Richie‘s dreamlike honeymoon to Kendall Jenner‘s tropical Monte Carlo oceanside date with Bad Bunny, the common denominator in their outfits was an unmissable raffia tote.
Derived from the native African Raphia Farinifera palm, raffia is produced by harvesting, stripping, and drying the palm leaves. The strands are treated, softened, and woven or braided into intricate patterns. The resulting material is similar in appearance to rattan and straw but softer and more flexible. Plus, it is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for the season.
Though naturally tan in colour, raffia need not always be plain and beige. When dyed, the material gives rise to refreshingly vibrant bags, as seen in the Loewe x Paula Ibiza collection and the Prada Cult Raffia totes that returned this year with more colourways. With such versatility and functionality, it’s no surprise that raffia has crept its way into all our holiday captures—encapsulating the perfect mood of the summer.
So, with all that said, step into a sun-kissed realm with this breezy summer staple. See Vogue Singapore’s curation of all the raffia accessories to cop for your next beachside getaway.
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Oscar de la Renta Alibi Minaudiere woven raffia bag, $4,385
Available at Farfetch.
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Jimmy Choo Amatuus pearl-embellished 60mm wedge sandals, $1,450
Available at Farfetch.
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Clergerie Aida platform raffia espadrilles, $727
Available at Farfetch.
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Ferragamo bow-detail woven-raffia ballerina shoes, $1,150
Available at Farfetch.
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Tory Burch Eleanor raffia double T slide sandals, $548
Available at Neiman Marcus.
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Gigi Burris Millinery Nora woven-raffia sun hat, $600
Available at Farfetch.
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Prada logo-embroidered raffia bucket hat, $1,330
Available at Farfetch.
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Jacquemus Les créoles Raphia hoop earrings, $385
Available at Farfetch.
