The straw bag has a deep rooted and rich history. They were originally made as a functional piece for carrying food, water, and even kids. Overtime straw bags have become more compact and luxurious. The designs are more creative and structured. The straw bag is not just limited to one type of material either. Straw bags can consist of corn husks, regular straw, or crocheted paper. This contributes to the sturdiness of the bag, and how creative the basket weaves can get.
Most straw bags are made of Raffia, which is more associated with beachwear. Materials like bamboo can also be used as a substitute for straw. Depending on what type of material used, the bag can be sack-like or structured solid. The materials used can really show off details like embroidery or knit.
Toquilla is a great straw for loose knit looks. It’s sourced from a palm tree and is popular for making other accessories; like sandals and hats. Rattan is another type of straw that is flexible yet durable. They come in many colors, weights, and textures. These materials absorb color well too, which creates more versatile style. Straw bags can be coordinated with all the latest trends. They will totally energize any wardrobe in an effortlessly chic way.
Many fashionistas have underestimated how awesome a straw bag is. They’re not just for lounging on the beach or sunning by the poolside. They’re cool to wear to events like Coachella, where bohemian style is key, and even on the red carpet for a fabulous event.
Ladies can include the straw bag into their everyday wardrobe easily due to their neutral colors. Straw bags also come equipped with flashy details. That’s why it makes sense to buy more than one! Coco Chanel made a great quote stating that, “Every day is a fashion show, and the world is the runway.” Why not finish your look with a fabulous straw bag!
The 1950’s is the real breakout year for the straw bag. Ladies in that era who embraced fashion, desired a hand bag that was fun and could carry their cosmetics. A smaller more compact version of the large straw beach bag soon became in high-demand. Straw bags in the 50’s transcended through the ages by becoming more kitsch.
Most styles resembled picnic baskets with the large handles and colorful fabrics on the inside. Soon the straw bag became more decorative with plastic fruit, decorative fabric, and even faux flowers. The straw bag didn’t get really sophisticated until later in the 90’s when high-end well-known designers started to embrace the straw bag for a collection with more affordable price points.
Designers like Sonya Rykiel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Eric Beamon created fashionable straw bags worn by models in their resort wear collections. In 1992 Jean-Paul Gaultier created an iconic bag that featured real leather strap details and straw. This was a bucket bag which was one of the most desirable bags at the time. There are many great examples of straw bags throughout fashion history. As technology advances, so with the options in straw bags.