T
he sway of palm trees in the breeze and the aroma of night blooming jasmine. The brilliance of pearly white sand, the hum of still blue waters. No, this is not a beach vacation or a private island for sale. It’s the SS 2020 accessory trend that will sweep you off your feet and land you on an island paradise.
Raffia is the star material of the season. Native to tropical environments and recognized for its durability, raffia fiber comes from palm tree leaves and is used to fabricate rope, sticks, supporting beams, and especially textiles. Whether left neutral or dyed, raffia instantly transport you to a tranquil beach or lazy summer days of picnics, al fresco cafés, and light-hearted romance.
A long-standing fashion and applied textile, raffia and straw weaves enjoy a revival every couple of decades. Popular in the 50’s and 70’s, the look ranges from retro to boho to jet-setter. Natural woods and bamboo add dimension and texture to the mix for a 21st century update.
Release your fashionable free-spirit with our Natural Selections accessory picks.
Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Raffia Tote
A summertime realization of the Ferragamo Studio bag. Inspired by the Sicilian coffa bag, leisurely refinement is captured in multicolored raffia. The proof is in the details in this statement bag that is forever in demand.
Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Shell Raffia and Leather Tote Bag
Rustic chic takes a holiday. This shell-shaped bag is crafted from wild elephant grass along with a leather handle and the Loewe signature Anagram motif. The Paula’s Ibiza Collection is a testimony to the legendary Spanish boutique revivified by Loewe. The beach is always nearby with this posh hippie tote.
Mizele Sun Bag Mini Tote
An oversized tote silhouette crafted with traditional artisan technique. The aptly named tote is akin to carrying a ray of sunshine by your side. With fringed raffia trim and a detachable leather strap, this is a vacation essential from airport to oceanfront.
YSL Teddy Raffia Bucket Bag
Raffia in the city. Yves Saint Laurent interprets the trend for the die-hard urbanite. A striking geometric pattern with drawstring closure and a reinforced metal chain and leather strap. Sling it over your shoulder for a day at work or a casual night out with a sleeveless linen dress.
Cult Gaia Farah Wristlet
Add a shimmy to your gait with this tempting little number from Cult Gaia. Constructed with cascades of wooden beads, this bag is guaranteed to win compliments and a few covetous stares. The slender shape expands just enough to fit your phone, lipstick, and key chain.
Poolside Together Forever
Show off your originality. A classic bucket profile just big enough to carry the essentials could possibly be the cutest thing you will own. Masterfully embroidered with natural raffia blossoms all around and lined with a drawstring canvas interior to keep your stuff safe and dry. Pair with a flowing dress and sandals for a captivating look. All Poolside bags are hand-woven by female artisans and finished by hand.
Aranaz Pintano Tote
Dyed into shades of vivid turquoise and burnt orange resembling a tropical sunset, surrender to a faraway isle in this creation featuring handcrafted wood and raffia from the Philippines. The brand has garnered acclaim and an international clientele with handcrafted resort accessories that merge the exotic with the functional.
Serpui Brooke Basket Crossbody
When your raffia craving demands something more structured. A new release from the Brazilian designer’s Resort 2020 collection, the wicker handle and detachable leather strap offer versatility, while the gold-plated hardware denotes its premium details.
Nannacay Bright Bag
Could you possibly resist floor-brushing fringe with a wicker handle? Neither could we.
Christian Louboutin Bodrum Braided Wedge Sandal
If the 70’s call and want their shoes back, they’re out of luck. These are keepers. Snake-embossed straps and a braided platform wedge supply intricate texture to these bodacious sandals finished with Louboutin’s iconic red sole.
Zyne Fiji
Moroccan brand Zyne is the metamorphosis of traditional North African craft into modern European luxury. The Fiji kitten heel feels equally at home with a breezy short dress or under a flowy caftan. Swathed with a handmade chain of shells and golden beads that sway to the rhythm of any locale.
Proenza Schouler Fringe Flat Slide
Made in Italy, these modish slides feature multi-colored paper raffia with colorful stitched detailing and distressed fringed edges. Slide on with your favorite capris and tank top for those unfussy days.
Roger Vivier Trekky Viv Raffia Sandals
If your idea of trekking is roaming through twisting alleyways of ancient cities or strolling a quaint farmers market, these sandals are calling your name. Made in from beige woven raffia straps, they’re festooned with a triangular crystal buckle and set on white rubber soles with a molded foot bed for maximum comfort.
Sophie Monet Large Pine Hoops
If architectural minimalist luxe could apply to an accessory, these earrings are the spokesmodel. Pine wood is used to create these streamlined, yet dramatic hoops are bound to be noticed.
Soko Arlie Wood Square Hoops
A geometric shape carved from Sudanese teak, its earthy simplicity is the season jewelry essential. Handcrafted in sustainably sourced wood in Kenya.
Vanda Jacintho Three Balls Wood Earrings
The Brazilian artist adds a dash of glam to this eye-catching style. Deep mahogany wood accented with gold-plated studs exemplify the global resort-chic aesthetic.
Oscar de la Renta Wood Peak Bracelet
Raise the bar on your fashion statement. This wide cuff of natural wood with raised peak is the picture-perfect companion to a simple tank or an off-the-shoulder dress.
Sophie Monet Tesoro Cuff
Wearable art in the form of a cuff bracelet. Made from mahogany wood, the sculpted fit and shape generates a distinctive fashion statement.
Cult Gaia Rattan Bangle
I you are lucky enough to find one of these, grab one. Grab a few. Enough said.
Jacquemus Valensole Raffia Hat
This fuchsia-pink Valensole hat is named after the medieval village in the South of France where Simon Porte Jacquemus held his SS20 runway show. The shallow crown and wide brim keep you sun safe and guaranteed gorgeous. A poolside must that looks especially good with a fruity cocktail.
