I do love a good leather bag that I can use all-year long, but I also feel that bags made with all-leather can take a backseat come summertime. Wearing clothing with breathable fabrics can keep you cool, and lightweight bags pair much better with airy and breezy outfits. Popular materials for summer bags include raffia, crocheted or mesh cotton, canvas, wicker, rattan, and vinyl. While there is generally no size or style rule when it comes to summer bags, there is one colour rule I personally adhere to, which you might too: the lighter the shade or more colourful the bag is, the better! Here are my top 5 summer bag picks to keep you chic and cool, and get you through the scorching hot season this year.
Polène Yké Basket Bag
Paris-based independent label Polène has been making waves within the bag community! This brand offers alternatives to many beloved premium designer pieces, because their bags are well-made, reasonably priced, and thoughtfully designed. The Yké basket bag combines two durable materials for longevity: full grain leather and structured wicker. The wicker body is partially wrapped in leather for a very unique look. A leather flap top to keep your summer essentials fully secured and in place.
Faure Le Page “Hold Me Tight” Sling Bag
From Faure Le Page’s new Coral collection, the “Hold Me Tight” works well for bag lovers who carry the bare minimum: think phone, keys, small wallet. And while the adjustable strap is made of leather, the bag’s body is made of monogrammed vinyl, making it splash-resistant for the beach. It can be worn cross-body or around the waist to allow for hands-free carry throughout the summer.
Demellier Mini Santorini Basket Tote
Demellier is a London-based brand favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge. This glorious hand-woven tote made with natural palm leaves is a classic summer style. Demellier levelled it up by dressing it with harness-like leather fittings. The Santorini is a great shopping tote that can be carried on the hand or over the shoulder with its rolled leather handles and makes for a no-fail piece that you can use over and over again each summer.
PERRIN Le Panier Raffia Bag
World-renowned as a glove-maker since the label’s founding in 1893, Perrin has only recently became known for bags which incorporated gloves into their design. While I was impressed with those pieces, I confess it was this Le Panier bag that caught my eye because of its unique shape and construction. The bag is very well-made, and can hold a little more than your bare essentials. Tightly woven raffia strips bordered with leather in the shape of a basket, the Le Panier looks just as good on the arm as it would as home décor for when not in use as a bag.
MLOUYE Wayfarer Tote
Because summer is all about colours, this no-fuss Wayfarer tote in mixed pastel shades really hits the spot. Light and easy to carry, this tote is made from woven raffia featuring double shoulder straps in leather. The Wayfarer also scores high in the versatility department. The back handle of the bag is actually detachable and turns the interior pocket into a separate mini leather purse. Whip out the smaller bag for summer evenings, or simply carry the tote throughout the day.
Editor
Ingrid Chua