SUNSHINE GETS BRIGHTER AND DAYS GET LONGER, and so, with the summer, there is a certain appeal to pulling off beachwear in the city. During these warmer months we tend to dress down, swapping intricate layering techniques and embroidered velvet jackets for Levi’s cut-off shorts and silky day dresses. Therein lies the endless appeal of the wicker and straw baskets every it-girl is carrying. The story started with Jane Birkin, who would carry her signature wicket basket everywhere en lieu of a handbag, even for elegant outings. Today, it continues with our favourite French girls– Louise Follain and Jeanne Damas–but there is more variety.

Take the handwoven round bag, for instance. One of the must-have items of the season, it can be found in the Ubud market in Bali for a couple of dollars, if one barters hard enough. If you can’t make it to Bali, though, the Aussie brand Posse has the perfect version. There is the large circular wicker tote, which is handwoven in certain villages of Morocco, and carries beach essentials as easily as a laptop and beauty bag for work. Of course, you may opt for the classic basket that every single Spanish family owns for family trips to the beach, and monogram it with chic colours. Regardless, the summer wicker basket adds that perfect touch of beachy nonchalance, for Londoners and New Yorkers stuck in the city.  — Victoria.

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