Need to cart a whole lot for your working days or holidays? Consider a sturdy basket bag.
Baskets are plentiful in local opshops and vintage stores (Go Jo Recycled Store in New Lynn has a good selection in-store at the moment).
In this collection,
you’ll find bags with plenty of structure along with more relaxed totes. They all offer rich texture to a summer ensemble (think weaving, crochet and braiding), with plenty of room to pack all of your essentials.
Palarosa’s highly coveted carryalls, identifiable by their subtle diamond weave, have recently been added to Sully’s boutique’s considered offering. This shade, called strawberry, is sweet and summery (you might also consider a forest or bright green).
This cheery, stripy tote is dubbed the ‘Market Bag’ and it’s easy to imagine it carted for weekend wanders. If you’re not planning to pack it with produce, it will also accommodate laptops and other work gear (measuring a generous 45x42cm).
There are bright new colourways of Wynn Hamlyn’s popular basket bags. This one seems to buzz like a bumblebee.
It’s likely your favourite pair of jeans will have to be retired for the majority of the summer season (thermometers in Tāmaki Makaurau almost cracked 25 degrees on Wednesday, and we’re barely into November). This acid-wash denim tote offers an alternative for those who love the texture.
As you’re carrying this bag, the strings of wooden beads will give a satisfying crack. It’s a slightly smaller option, suitable for quick beach trips – you’ll need to sling a beach towel over your shoulder instead.
These fluorescent bags are woven from of mix of new and recycled pallet strapping. Pali promises that the vibrant baskets can also hold up to 10kg (there are also mini options for those that don’t pack the kitchen sink).
An investment to suit multiple occasions, this Deadly Ponies bag features a removable interior leather pouch. There’s also a luggage tag, to signal that your out-of-office is well and truly on.
This chocolate brown crochet bag is made in Te Whanganui-a-Tara from raffia. Woven by hand, with an accompanying charm, there’s only one bag of each style available.
A sunny yellow leaf is emblazoned on this simple tote, which also features an added braided Paracord strap (embellished with beads and cowrie shells). It’s made by Vasemaca Tavola, a visual and sculptural artist. Moana Fresh, based in Avondale, also stocks a collection of kete with slogans and contrast weaving.
This honey-toned bag is made from nylon, and will be a utilitarian option to thrash through work days and holidays. There are internal pockets to accommodate a laptop, or your chosen beach read.
Sophie Digard enjoys threading subtle colours through a natural palette, and this round-based basket is an excellent example. There are also options that make use of floral motifs.
If you prefer a more relaxed shape, this sisal weave will suit. Beyond this earthy olive tone, there are black and cream colourways.
More seasonal picks
From cosy layers to lighter jackets.