But it was upon arrival in St. Lucia the place this bag actually impressed. It transitioned seamlessly into resort life, holding its personal as a method assertion at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (which is a really fashionable place to be). Because the leather-based trim and minimalist branding give it such a tailor-made look, it did not really feel like a lazy seaside sack—I may carry it straight from a morning on a solar lounger to an informal lunch at the beachfront restaurant, after which onto night drinks with out feeling underdressed. It seems and looks like a premium piece, not simply one thing utilitarian.
Raffia can generally really feel brittle, however this weave could be very smooth, so it did not snag on high-quality silk attire or sundresses. The earthy tones of the pure raffia and wealthy leather-based trim felt totally at residence on the seaside, too—and it held a full-sized towel, sunscreen, and a water bottle with out shedding its form or bulging awkwardly.
Back residence, I’ve continued utilizing it—the extensive base signifies that it’s a terrific work tote (sure, raffia has formally left the shoreline this summer season), and might comfortably home my lunch field flat, so leftovers arrive in the workplace intact. If there’s any critique, it’s {that a} mild pure weave requires a modicum of mindfulness—you will not wish to place it immediately onto moist sand or damp poolside tiles. However, the leather-based piping on the base does supply a small buffer of safety. As the trolley sleeve is detachable, it did as soon as pop open after I trundled over a very bumpy pavement too, so watch out for those who’re lugging it in your suitcase away from the clean flooring of the airport.
Ultimately, Antler has designed a sensible but beautiful piece that eliminates the must pack a separate, cumbersome seaside bag in your carry-on. By doubling as a smooth airport private merchandise and a classy resort purse, the Raffia tote justifies its place in any curated summer capsule wardrobe. It’s fashionable, extremely hard-working, and the good companion for a beachy escape, wherever you’re headed.
A model of this text was initially printed on Condé Nast Traveller UK.