Out of All the Basket Bags Out There, Fashion People Love This One the Most
There’s nothing quite like a basket bag to make any day feel like summer, no matter the weather. Not only are they great bags to throw everything into as you run out the door, but also they inevitably add that French je ne sais quoi to any outfit, whether that's a tracksuit or a wedding guest dress. A good basket bag is the marker of a polished summer look IMHO.
If you’ve opened Instagram in the last few years, you’ll probably be familiar with Loewe’s anagram raffia style, maybe even Celine’s Triomphe Panier. But there’s one, slightly more understated brand doing woven leather bags that all fashion people either own or want right now: Dragon Diffusion.
You won’t find any shouty logos here, just timeless totes, all handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques. These minimalist designs have been on our radar for a while now, as they’ve grown in popularity and exposure over the past couple of years, but it’s not just us crushing on these beautiful bags. A quick scroll through the brand’s Instagram feed shows they count celebrities such as Ashley Olsen (surely the holy grail of fashion people), Alexa Chung and even Killing Eve’s Villanelle as fans—along with countless stylish influencers and editors. Who What Wear UK’s editor in chief, Hannah Almassi, has been wearing her Triple Jump style to the office recently and regularly declares her love for its versatility.
The best part? The vast majority of Dragon Diffusion's bags come in under £400, even though they're made from beautiful woven leather instead of wicker or palm leaves (which can often wear away and sag). So while they’re still an investment to save for, you certainly get a lot more bang for your buck compared to some of the more premium styles out there, as well as the fashion seal of approval.
Whether you’re looking for a city style to pop to the farmers market with or a beach bag that will age gracefully, keep scrolling to see how fashion people have been wearing theirs, and shop my favourite Dragon Diffusion styles available for 2023.
See How Celebs, Influencers & Editors Are Wearing Their Dragon Diffusion Bags:
Ashley Olsen pairs hers with a relaxed coffee-run look.
The deep brown Dragon Diffusion bags work wonderfully with neutral outfits, like Rachael's fancy top-and-jeans combination.
Monikh Dale has said her Dragon Diffusion number is "the perfect trans-seasonal bag."
Marianne Smyth pieces together a chic and easy-going transitional outfit.
White cotton dresses and basket bags are a match made in fashion heaven.
Who What Wear UK's editor in chief, Hannah Almassi, wears hers with a beautiful Dôen sundress.
Chiara Perera incorporates the off-white style into a simple monochrome look.
Hannah shows how versatile her Triple Jump style can be.
Shop Dragon Diffusion Bags
Tie a silk scarf around the handle to give it a fresh feel.
This chartreus is a new colour for the brand.
If the nacy isn't your style opt this sweet tan design.
This contrast style is exclusive to Matches.
The Santa Croce is one of the brand's most iconic styles.
For those who prefer a lighter colour palette.
I think the classic Triple Jumper might be my all-time favourite...
The Grace is big enough for all your essentials, without being too bulky.
I just love this new bucket-bag style, which is fresh for 2023.
The search for your dream holiday tote is over.
You could definitely get away with wearing this for evening, too.
This is a new weave for the brand, and the whole WWW team is loving it.
A black basket bag will go with everything.
If you're more of a cross-body person, this is the Dragon Diffusion bag for you.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Up Next: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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