Basket Bags: The Summer Essential Stealing the Spotlight from Celebrities to Street Style

From Red Carpet to Everyday Elegance: How Celebrity-Favorite Basket Bags Make Waves in Summer Fashion

Basket bags have emerged as the quintessential summer accessory, embodied by their iconic status in the wardrobes of celebrities through the decades. From classic stars like Brigitte Bardot to modern-day fashion icons such as Sienna Miller, these straw bags combine effortless charm and versatility, making them perfect for a variety of occasions—whether it’s lounging on the beach or enjoying a sunny picnic in the park. Many even take them for a fashionable spin in urban locales or on travel adventures.

A stand-out in the realm of basket bags is the Loewe version, considered by many as the "IT" bag of the moment. Known for its blend of high-quality craftsmanship and luxurious materials, Loewe—a Spanish luxury brand specializing in leather goods—elevates the traditional basket bag design with contemporary flair. The bag’s structural shape features an open top and is carefully crafted from handwoven raffia leaves sourced from Morocco, adorned with calfskin leather handles and a drawstring closure for secure storage. This coveted accessory has graced the arms of numerous celebrities, including Emily Ratajkowski and Claire Foy, capturing attention both on the red carpet and throughout social media feeds that are flooded with these stylish pieces during summer travels.

With a price point that can soar up to £495 for the largest size, affording a Loewe bag is a challenge for many fashion enthusiasts. The collection includes four sizes—the Mini retailing at £475, small at £395, medium at £450, and large priced at £495—which makes it a luxury investment. However, the desirability of Loewe’s basket bag has not gone unnoticed, prompting various high-street brands to roll out more budget-friendly alternatives that retain similar aesthetic appeal. Chains like H&M, Marks & Spencer, and New Look offer their takes on this nostalgic woven style, providing thoughtful options for consumers who admire the look without the hefty price tag.

Among such inspired designs, the Mango double-handle natural fibre basket stands out thanks to its striking similarities to the coveted Loewe bag. Like its designer counterpart, the Mango bag features the classic basket shape enhanced with an internal drawstring pouch for secure storage. Made from organic materials, it boasts a brown leather double handle with attractive contrast stitching—detail that adds a unique flair compared to the Loewe. The detachable shoulder strap makes this bag even more versatile, transitioning it from a handbag to a shoulder bag effortlessly. An added touch is the tan leather front pocket, resembling Loewe’s logo placement but adorned with gold studs for a more playful aesthetic. Priced at £49.99 for the small version and £59.99 for the large, the Mango bag offers a high-end feel without breaking the bank.

Shifting gears slightly, the H&M straw shoulder bag introduces a more contemporary interpretation of the woven trend. Despite sharing a similar classic shape and woven design with Loewe’s staple, this bag distinguishes itself with a combination of modern aesthetics and functionality. Made from lightweight paper straw, it features black coated fabric handles and a flap with contrast stitching, making it a chic option for casual outings. Additionally, this style is unlined and fastened with a concealed magnetic closure for ease, making it suitable for summer events where practicality meets style. Available in multiple colorways, this bag retails at £32.99, currently discounted to £28.05 for members, making it an accessible choice.

New Look has also entered the basket bag game with its woven tote bag—a relaxed yet stylish option that showcases a deeper body for ample storage. Crafted from woven fibers with cream handles featuring playful French writing, this tote is a wonderfully versatile pick for summer adventures. Its light handles against the woven straw create a balanced and airy aesthetic, perfect for a day out in the sun. With a price tag of just £27.99, the New Look woven tote proves to be a practical solution for budget-conscious shoppers in search of chic summer accessories.

In conclusion, the basket bag trend showcases how styles can transcend luxury, allowing fashion aficionados to embrace high-end looks at a variety of price points. Celebrities have undeniably influenced the rise of this accessory, as their love for the Loewe bag has trickled down into the offerings of accessible fashion brands. From the budget-friendly Mango and H&M options to the more luxurious Loewe designs, the world of basket bags invites everyone to participate in the summer style conversation. As these celebrities continue to flaunt their baskets on social media and the streets, the enduring appeal of this accessory is sure to remain, reminding us that style can—and should—be enjoyed by all. Whether lounging at the beach or exploring city streets, there’s a basket bag to suit every fashion fan's taste and budget, ensuring that this accessory continues to bask in the summer sun for years to come.