I can’t seem to get Alaïa accessories out of my mind. Those mesh flats, which turned out to be divisive in my DMs (some people hate it, some love it, and the last group think they’re too trendy), was just the start of things. I wrote the shoes off as something I’d probably have to forgo buying this summer because, as I’ve said ad nauseam, I was saving my shopping budget for the Dover Street Market sale. Of course, I happened to bump into my friend Emilia at said sale last week and immediately noticed she was carrying the brand’s heart bag as well as wearing her version of the flats. She’s had both pieces for awhile and it’s not the first time I’ve seen her wear them but this moment stuck out in my brain. I blame it on the fact that while waiting on line to get in, I happened to glance at an email from Alaïa’s PR team about a different bag launch, namely the black leather and straw Khaïma bag.
The image got me. Anna Ewers wearing nothing but the bag works a little too well to sell it to me. The creative direction is simple — no makeup makeup, hair pulled back leaving you with no distractions so you’re forced to focus on the bag. I would have probably glanced quickly and completely forgot this ad if the campaign had anything else styled into the look but instead I instantly remembered the swooping shapes and the combination of leather and straw. It was a visual antidote to the never ending array of extremely boring beach bags that have come to dominate my social media feeds. Sorry, I don’t care what designer label is slapped onto your beige and white straw bag, it’s basically the handbag equivalent of a floral Reformation dress to me — uninspired and does nothing for your outfit, even if you’re wearing on the Amalfi coast while staying in a $2,000 a night hotel.
Of course, as compelling as the image is, reality is less fun and more soul crushing for the sake of pragmatism. Is a black straw bag a good idea in the scorching heat? Probably not. Is it worth the $2,500 price tag? Also, probably not. Do I want it as my summer bag? Absolutely. Imagine it with a black one piece, sunglasses, and a black linen coverup like what Morticia Addams would wear on a tropical vacation. Maybe in this fantasy I’d also repurpose it by carrying it to the farmer’s market too, but only for leafy greens and root vegetables since I’d cry if a ripe tomato left its sticky juices in this bag. Yes, I realize that at 5’2” this would be a gigantic bag for my frame but it’s very much giving the Olsens with a giant Balenciaga in the crook of their arms circa 2005 energy in my mind.
Listen, if you have the money and need a beach bag that’s a moment, this is it. Nothing else is this good. Please, buy it on my behalf so I can live vicariously through you. Unfortunately $2,500 is a very bad use of my money, even though I actually do need a beach bag for an upcoming work trip to the Bahamas at the end of the month. And I genuinely want a black straw one that has a unique shape because I hate buying something out of sheer necessity that winds up be aesthetically mediocre. Generally I am not a dupe fan but this time around, given the price tag, this may be the only time I had to dig around for a suitable one. The result? It’s been challenging to find something that feels appropriately unique, but not impossible. Here are a few that I’m strongly considering:
This is the only one that even comes close to being as interesting as the Alaïa version. Size wise it’s smaller in scale and more manageable for someone my height. I just wish there were those similar arcing strips of leather across the top but overall, it’s a solid, non-basic beach bag.
Nothing about this resembles the Alaïa bag in the least but that’s ok. I think it’s the price tag coupled with the slouchy hobo silhouette that sucked me in. Size-wise, it’s obviously much smaller than the others but I tend to only carry the bare minimum so it’ll work on my frame.
Again, this has absolutely no correlation to the Alaïa one but the twisted tote straps coupled with the longer ones for slinging over the shoulder caught my eye. Also, it’s apparently made out of leather and only appears to be raffia, so it might be more worth the price tag.
I realize this is equally as unrealistic of a purchase BUT given how popular Loewe’s straw bags are, this is the one I’d go for if I had my heart set on the brand because it’s a different shape. I love how the straw bends and folds to create the petal like details. Just something to consider instead of their more ubiquitous style!
Normally, I’d never do fast fashion but this COS one isn’t bad for its price. It’s a little generic for my tastes but maybe I’m overthinking things?
If you have a suggestion, let me know because I only have a week-and-a-half before this work trip and I do need a beach bag. I’m leaning towards the Bimba y Lola hobo simply because it’s kinda cool and a decent price but truthfully, my heart wants the Alaïa. Don’t worry, I’m not fiscally irresponsible enough to get the Alaïa so stay tuned to see what winds up in the Bahamas with me!
On Sunday, I’m doing another reader-submitted question. The challenge? A week in Paris for a work trip but luckily, she gets to wear sneakers for the bulk of her trip so consider it more of outfits centered around cool Nikes. See you then and if you want to ask any questions, drop a comment below or shoot me an email!
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