When it comes to our fashion preferences, most of us fall into one of two categories: you’re either a shoe enthusiast or a handbag collector. I myself am usually inclined towards the former, especially when it involves a stylish yet comfortable pair of slingback heels—or, now that the weather is starting to warm up, a fantastic pair of sandals.
Recently, however, I’ve turned my attention to the other side, and I’m on the lookout for a new handbag to add to my collection. It turns out that I needn't look too far, as according to all the most stylish women, there’s only one handbag brand to be seen carrying this season (and every summer going forward, it would seem): a Dragon Diffusion basket bag.
I've noticed that with the arrival of warmer weather, each year chic influencers and tastemakers everywhere seem to swap out their designer handbags for one of Dragon Diffusion’s woven styles instead. It’s something you may not have noticed immediately, but once you've noticed, you will see the subtle swap time and time again.
Especially when you take into consideration that, unlike say Loewe’s logo beach bags or Jacquemus’ La Spiaggia raffia style, Dragon Diffusion’s basket bags aren’t just resigned to holiday wardrobes alone. The great thing about the Belgium-based brand's chic styles is that they look just as good paired with a simple T-shirt and denim for a day in the city as they do with a summer dress and sandals on the beach.
The brand's large, elevated totes even make for great work bags, as they're spacious enough for a laptop and everything else you may need to carry, while also giving your office look a stylish twist.
These are basket bags that aren’t limited to a few short weeks of use while you jet away somewhere sunny, but rather, thanks to their understated design, they lend themselves to an endless array of summer styling opportunities both at home and away.
Yet while Dragon Diffusion’s bags may be understated—you’ll find no shouty logos here—that’s not to say they’re ultra-minimalist either. Drawing on age-old artisan techniques, each Dragon Diffusion basket bag is created using strips of leather that are intricately hand-woven to create the brand’s now-signature styles. Alongside classic cross-hatch weaves, you’ll also find cut-out designs and two-tone dyed styles, which offer a fresh take on a timeless practice and style.
Take the brand's recent collaboration with insider-favourite brand Rixo, which brought together Dragon Diffusion’s trademark woven designs with Rixo’s love for vintage charm. The fact that the collection sold out within hours of launch is just further proof that Dragon Diffusion bags are the ultimate chic must-have right now. I've highlighted a few of my favourite styles below.
Shop the Best Dragon Diffusion Bags
The Nantucket tote is one of the brand's most iconic styles, offering a classic shape with a twist courtesy of its supersized handle.
Made with leather for a more polished finish, Dragon Diffusion's Japan tote is a failsafe option for those looking to invest in a new workwear bag.
Each bag is dyed using natural vegetable dyes which patinas over time for a lived-in look.
Part of the brand's collaboration with Rixo, this vintage-inspired bag comes as a similar, smaller version of Dragon Diffusion's viral Amoria handbag.
The Rosanna is Dragon Diffusion's interpretation of a shoulder bag. Perfect for carrying on your next night out or for summer events.
If you're looking for a unique bag to carry everyday, this is a great option.
