Keep This from Your Raffia Bags—This Designer Tote Is the Must-Have for Stylish People This Summer

      Every summer, the intense heat and high temperatures consistently draw us back to a few essential design elements that capture the leisurely spirit of the season. Motifs such as crochet netting and raffia weave echo summer’s effortless charm and understated elegance, bringing to mind images of beachside fun and warm adventures, even if you’re simply navigating the city. Nonetheless, there are always a few trends that emerge and challenge these classic motifs. One such trend is the jelly "Birkin" bag, which I mention in parentheses to indicate that it's clearly an imitation of the Hermès original, similar to leather flip-flops like the A. Emery Kinto or the Havaianas x Isabel Marant collaboration. However, neither of these sought-after styles can compete with the soaring popularity of the beaded bag trend, particularly Saint Laurent’s line of wooden beaded bags.

      These bags, reminiscent of childhood crafts but executed in a remarkably sophisticated manner, have been seen adorning the shoulders of the most stylish individuals in Europe's fashionable hotspots. For example, British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones has frequently opted for Saint Laurent’s baguette style, both during her trip to the Côte d'Azur for the Cannes Film Festival and again earlier this season while in Puglia, Italy.

      For those unfamiliar, these designs are part of Saint Laurent’s signature shapes, ranging from the Le 5 À 7, a durable tote intended for everyday use named after the French New Wave film of the same title, to the Icare shopping bag, a luxuriously spacious carry-all favored by Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber. All of these bags feature the iconic gilded Cassandre logo, reimagining classic shapes in a fresh and innovative format for this time of year. The material itself is also quite timeless, as wooden beadwork has strong ties to traditional craftsmanship. While Saint Laurent has led the charge on this trend, other brands have also displayed remarkable artistry with their interpretations of beaded wood. The Byron Bay-based design studio St. Agni has introduced a top made entirely of wooden beads, called the ‘Taxi,’ which embraces minimalist silhouettes through a bohemian lens, resulting in a product that is both tactile and stylish. Additionally, the textile-centric brand Tanchen Studio creates functional art pieces like coffee cups and wine holders.

      Sculptural and chic, these styles can effortlessly whisk you away to a distant Mediterranean locale, such as Mallorca or Ischia, where local artistry is prominently showcased, even if you're simply carrying this bag over your elbow. So, without further delay, take a look at the best Saint Laurent beaded bags available this summer to wear throughout the season.

      Shop the Saint Laurent Beaded Bags:

      **Saint Laurent**

      Icare Medium in Wood Beads

      **Saint Laurent**

      Le 5 À 7 Large in Wood Beads

      This style is loved by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Laura Harrier, and I believe they’d equally adore this version.

      **Saint Laurent**

      Le 5 À 7 in Wood Beads

      This is the exact model owned by Daisy Edgar-Jones.

      **Saint Laurent**

      Panier Small in Wood Beads

      The ideal beach bag for your summer read or Missoni Home towel.

      **Saint Laurent**

      Cassandre Mini Bucket in Wood Beads

      Compact yet impactful, perfect for sunlit evenings out.

      Shop More Beaded Bags:

      **MANGO**

      Natural Fibre Handbag

      **Free People**

      Reynaldo Wood Bead Bag

      This style adds a luxurious touch to all your elevated essentials.

      This Polène model features 240 pebble-like pearls made from leather scraps. How sustainably chic!

      Wherever there’s a trend, you can often trace it back to Mrs. Prada.

      **STAUD**

      Timmy Wooden-Beaded Shoulder Bag

      If Carrie Bradshaw were vacationing in the Greek Islands, she would definitely bring this Staud bag.

      The contrasting colors of this tote add an instant upgrade.