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This SS12 season designers got a bit over excited about accessories. After a couple of years of the non-It Bag, non-fussy and non-descript, fashion houses have mixed it up this season. The hottest in ‘hi-lo’ accessories combine raffia, leather and snakeskin for the ultimate tactile piece.
At Burberry Prorsum, raffia is mixed with leather for a tribal luxe look. I adore the craftwork inspired crochet silk blend scarf (pictured), available from net-a-porter for £325. In a retro seventies inspired colourway of navy, mustard and purple with bead embellishment, it has a cool homespun look, but presumably was made in a factory. Wear it with neutral colours; perhaps some flared denim jeans and wedges. Burberry also has patent leather and raffia ballet shoes and sandals, as well as the African inspired raffia effect wristlet clutch which is the ultimate in new season luxury.
For those with more money than sense, Bottega Veneta, has an oddly captivating one-season wonder in the shape of the striped python and velvet tote, £2,250. First seen on the runway, it is made from yellow, beige and black painted Indonesian python and rust and orange acid-effect velvet. A real collector’s piece, I can’t imagine how anyone could actually use it day to day.
At Lanvin you will find a softer, beach inspired look with candy colours, straw and raffia. The two-tone espadrille wedges are perfect for sun-soaked summer days. At £450, they come in bright coral and orange luxury leather, but you will find similar looks on the high street. Lanvin also has cute straw bags embellished with medal style charms for a traveller chic look.
Get the look on the high street with the Ash Parasol suede platform wedges, with raffia heel (£145) or the Office Conga gold snake-effect strappy flat (£28). River Island has the best range of tribal craft inspired bags and purses with the designer look.
