Surely Perfect
The Mini Shirley raffia tote bag by Staud goes from day to night in one fell square handle. $330, holtrenfrew.com
Round Up
Circle up with the 100-percent straw-paper circular bag with fringe and crossbody straps by Montreal-based Melanie Lyne. $58, melanielyne.com
Palm Pilot
Handwoven with sustainable palm leaves by Obakki’s design collective from the Sierra de Guerrero region of Mexico, this large structured palm tote generates initiatives for artisans from over 80 families in the region. $115, obakki.com
Green with Envy
Women in rural Kenya supplement their family income by handweaving Kiondo baskets in sisal fibre, like the extra-large Simba tote. It’s sourced at fair trade prices and takes up to three weeks to craft before arriving at Granville Island’s Boostani. $189, boostani.ca
In the Bucket
Carry all the essentials (and a few non-essentials) in Michael by Michael Kors’s Townsend straw messenger bag with its bucket shape, silver hardware and leather strap and base. $284, michaelkors.ca
Black Beauty
Paris-based Petite Mendigote’s lined Serion purse in black raffia has a detachable gold chain, so you can choose between a clutch or carefree crossbody. $148, muchandlittle.com
Sand Story
From the 2024 Coco Beach collection, Chanel’s woven raffia-effect tote with white leather and gold chain straps moves the humble beach bag from basic to beautiful. Price upon request, chanel.ca
