Olivia Attwood has collaborated with Abbott Lyon on a summer collection and the standout piece is this raffia tote bag
Former Love Island star and podcast host Olivia Attwood has joined forces with accessories brand Abbott Lyon on a summer collection that had me dreaming of sandy toes, sunkissed skin and salty hair before I’d even got my hands on it. The extensive range features everything from tarnish-free jewellery to on-trend hats, but it’s the Personalised Raffia Bag that truly stole my heart.
When it comes to warm-weather accessories, nothing says summer quite like raffia, but this designer-inspired bag is so stunning that I’ll be carrying mine long after August. It comes in a gorgeous, light raffia shade that, when combined with the subtle gold hardware on the front, looks far more luxurious than its £65 price tag suggests.
It can be personalised (for an additional £5) with your name or initials, which is a brilliant touch. I opted for my own name, though it would also make a wonderfully thoughtful hen party gift – particularly for a bride-to-be who is taking a new surname.
In terms of practicality, the raffia bag is impressively spacious. I had no trouble fitting in a book, sunglasses, a water bottle, keys, my phone, purse and plenty more besides. It’s also not overly large, so it doesn’t feel cumbersome when slung over your shoulder, and I found it works just as well as an everyday handbag, reports OK!.
I’ve carried mine both over the shoulder and by hand, finding it comfortable either way for extended periods. Styled with a long brown midi dress, white tee and gold jewellery at a party, the personalised detailing earned me no end of compliments.
Personalised Raffia Bag
Personalise with a name, initials or any word in statement embroidery.
I also teamed the raffia bag with leopard print shorts and sandals for a casual daytime ensemble, and the Abbott Lyon piece really pulled the whole outfit together. The bag doesn’t fasten with a zip, which means it’s flexible enough to accommodate plenty of items, however, it’s not one I’d take into a crowd or anywhere I couldn’t keep a close watch on it.
For occasions like those when I still fancy the raffia aesthetic, this Marks and Spencer Raffia Bag (£38) could be an excellent alternative. It can be fully zipped shut and features an interior pocket.
I’m heading off to Spain in August and the Abbott Lyon bag is definitely coming along for the ride. It can serve as a beach or pool bag throughout the day and come the evening be smartened up for dinner. The brand states it shouldn’t get fully wet, so be careful near water to avoid damaging the material.
A raffia clutch is another stylish choice for an evening while away. At Next, this raffia clutch bag (£34) is available in two colours (natural and brown), and it also comes with a thin gold chain so it can be worn cross-shoulder.
Abbott Lyon’s raffia bag can easily be folded flat to tuck into a suitcase and thanks to the raffia construction, it won’t wrinkle or lose its form. This doesn’t mean it lacks structure, in fact, the bag arrives with a solid base so it can be set down and hold its shape.
What truly makes the Abbott Lyon Raffia Bag stand out from the competition, in my opinion, is the personalised touch. With yet another heatwave in the UK and several trips pencilled in, this raffia bag has quickly become my go-to accessory. Shoppers can explore the full Olivia Attwood x Abbott Lyon collection here.
