15 Must-Have Bags for the Summer
Whether functionality is your main concern, whether you seek a specific size, whether you're looking for neutral or vivid tones, there is a summer bag for all tastes. Thanks to the designer and the story behind the brands, each piece is special in its own way.
ALIENINA
This brand was born in 2008 with the intention of creating hand-woven pieces using traditional Italian craft techniques. Interestingly, the ropes used are most commonly seen in climbing expeditions or on boats—with 90% of the materials being recycled, washable and non-toxic. (@_alienina_)
CATZORANGE
It was in 2017 that Coco and Johnny Mannix founded this brand in their Brooklyn studio. Theirs was a project born with the purpose of celebrating simplicity and the minimalist aesthetics through hand-made bags. (@catzorange)
CULT GAIA
After working for Narciso Rodriguez and Jason Wu, designer Jasmin Laria decided to found her own brand in 2013 in her native city of Los Angeles. This brand was launched with the Gaia Ark Bag—the first design to be released because of its original firm and unique selection of natural materials. Almost immediately, the bag went viral on social networks. (@cultgaia)
DUO DE MAR
Born in Tulum in 2012, this brand is focused on creating clothes and accessories that pay homage to nature. Each piece uses artisanal hand-weaving techniques and traditional Mexican materials, such as straw and palm. (@duodemar)
HULE STUDIO
Mexican designer, Paulina Aguado, is a creator of skin care products and beach bags. While she finds inspiration in geometric patterns and the use of noble materials, artisans Félix and Daniel are in charge of manufacturing the creations from their hometowns in Mexico. (@hule_studio)
HUNTING SEASON
It was in Sandona, a town located in the mountains of southern Colombia, that designer Danielle Corona found the most symmetrical fabric she had ever seen and decided to create bags from it. Today, the label maintains its fascination with symmetry but uses additional materials such as leather and suede. (@huntingseasonnyc)
GIMAGUAS
According to the Spanish twins, Sayana and Claudia, their passion for craft started after a trip they made together around the world. In 2016, they founded Gimaguasa: a clothing, purse and jewelry brand that is inspired by the traditional designs of Seychelles, Mexico, India and Morocco. (@gimaguas)
STAUD
Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto founded Staud in 2015 with the goal of producing clothing and accessories with an innovative design, good quality but affordable prices. Although its base is in Los Angeles, its main point of sale is its online portal and on pages such as Net-A-Porter and MatchesFashion. (@ staud.clothing)
TOULO ABEL
These handmade baskets have a unique feature: they represent a technique that Abel pioneered in the dyeing of cane material. The brand emerged in a town in the interior of Portugal in 2010, when Tonio Abel made it his mission to preserve the special craftsmanship of this region. (@toino_abel)
SIMON MILLER
A mix of Japanese aesthetics and the versatility of American manufacturing, this brand began in 2008 with denim products for men. From 2014 onwards, it evolved into clothing and leather accessories for both men and women. (@simonmillerusa)
ANGELA DUMMAN
Since 2012, Angela Dumman has worked directly with artisans from the Yucatan region to create textiles and luxury products made of native Mexican fibers and plants. (@angeladammanyucatan)
NANNACAY
Marcia Kemp's world travels are what inspired her to create this social project. More than just a brand, she describes her work as a sisterhood among the women artisans of Peruvian communities to whom she provides job opportunities. (@nannacay)
ZAAVIA
A brand of Mexican origin, these palm leaf pieces are hand-made by artisans who work in a model of fair, inclusive and sustainable trade. (@zaavia_)
WAIWAI
Leo Neves began selling his handmade designs in Rio de Janeiro in 2015. These summer-attitude pieces are made by hand using a fusion of materials from broken wood, leather and silk, to acrylic and metal. (@ waiwai.rio)
TUZA
These bags, designed by Suzzan Atala and made by artisan Arturo in a Mexico City workshop, take half a day to be woven using a special technique that the artisan's mother taught him. This Mexican brand has a jewelry line that is also sold at its flagship store in Colima 129 in Colonia Roma, as well as in stores like Opening Ceremony. (@tuzajewelry)
