Trust Us: If You Only Buy One Basket Bag This Summer, Make It This One
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 2024.
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
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 bucket-bag style, which is very 2024.
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.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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