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You might say that £490 for a raffia beach bag is a little steep – and you would be right – but you could think of it another way: it’s the cheapest handbag we’re ever going to get from Celine.
Yes, raffia is having its moment in the sun. I know, I know, it comes out every year, but for summer 2025, it’s shed that holiday-only vibe and become incredibly sophisticated.
Big names like Loewe, Chloé and Prada have spearheaded this upgrade, and now raffia is being used for everything from sculptural handbags to refined footwear. And these aren’t just accessories – they’re statements. Pieces that show this is more than just a fleeting trend.
Harvested from the raffia palm, the fibre is biodegradable, breathable and endlessly versatile.
Reimagined through the lens of high fashion, it’s proving that sustainability and style aren’t mutually exclusive. And it’s also, obviously, cheaper than leather, so if you’re in the market for a designer handbag, this is your time.
Gone are the days when raffia was reserved for the beach. This season, these woven accessories look just as at home in the city – with a crisp shirt, straight-leg jeans and ballet flats – as they do by the seaside. We’ll see them all summer at events, parties and weddings, paired with maxi dresses and linen tailoring. Think of it as the chicest way to inject texture, and a touch of nonchalance, into your warm-weather wardrobe.
If you’ve been eyeing up Net-a-Porter’s raffia offerings, now is the time to invest.
As discussed, Celine’s bag is a serious commitment but, if you have the money, it’s one you won’t regret. You don’t need to spend a fortune, however.
The Princess of Wales carried a £28 raffia clutch from Australian brand Forever New to a Buckingham Palace garden party last month – unsurprisingly it has completely sold out.
Never mind – I love Matalan’s £28 pearl detail design. Oh, and French Connection’s colourful striped option (£59) is a smart purchase if you need an easy way to add a bit of excitement to your existing wardrobe.
Don’t be afraid to look beyond the raffia bag, though. I mean, it’s by far the most stylish way to carry your stuff around this summer, but there’s so much more: shoes, belts, hats…
H&M’s Mary Jane shoes, with their chic black trim, will look just as good in the office as they will on holiday, but it’s sandals where this material really shines. Top of my wish list? Arizona Love’s colourful stripe design from Harvey Nichols.
New York-based fashion brand Loeffler Randall’s raffia edit is second to none this season. It’s not the cheapest, but every item, including the bow-detail wedges, is a work of art.
And a woven belt is an easy way to add a little interest, and define your waist, on summer’s floaty floral dresses.
Finally, let’s not forget the hats. A fabulously practical fashion purchase: Me+Em’s black-trimmed design, which can be rolled and stored in your handbag. Genius.
Kate MiddletonBuckingham Palace
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I’m a fashion expert and here’s my guide to the top raffia accessories just like Kate Middleton’s sell-out £28 clutch