Exploring Textures & Patterns this Spring & Summer

Spring and summer are seasons of renewal and vibrancy, not just in nature but in fashion as well. These seasons are a time to explore the diverse textures and patterns these warmer months bring to the forefront. This year, we're seeing a fascinating blend of materials that promise to add depth and character to any outfit. Let's delve into the textures and patterns defining this season and our newest bag collections that embody these trends.

Textures play a pivotal role in defining styles and trends, bringing out the best in colours. The interplay of different textures can transform a simple bag into a statement piece that can finish your ensemble. In spring and summer, textures such as straw, denim, raffia, and canvas bring a sense of lightness, warmth, and vibrancy that resonates with the lively atmosphere of these months. They add depth and interest to an outfit, allowing for a tactile experience that enhances the visual appeal.

Similarly, patterns inject a dynamic visual element into the design of bags, making them more than just functional items but expressions of creativity, whether it's the intricate weaves of jacquard, the playful motifs of a brand logo, or the structured designs found in braided pieces. They act as a visual language that communicates personality, style, and mood, complementing the textures to create accessories that are captivating and unique.

The quintessential summer material, straw brings a light, airy feel to any accessory. Its natural, woven texture offers a rustic charm that evokes images of sunny beach days and leisurely picnics in the park.

Similar to straw but with a distinctively rich texture, raffia adds an exotic touch to accessories. Its flexibility and strength make it an excellent choice for both structured and slouchy designs.

Denim, a timeless favourite for its durability and versatility, adopts a lighter, playful vibe this spring and summer. The Y2K classic is also making a comeback this season in full force, channelling the early 2000s nostalgia.

Canvas is another favourite this season and has the ability to hold vibrant colours and intricate patterns that further enhance its appeal. Styles that utilise canvas a lot include tote bags, duffel bags and satchel bags.

Jacquard, with its intricate patterns woven directly into the fabric, brings an element of luxury and sophistication. The raised designs and textures allow for a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, adding depth and intrigue to the pieces.

Braid, whether crafted from luxurious leather or the natural touch of raffia, introduces an element of intricate craftsmanship and texture to spring and summer bags. It embodies a blend of tradition and modernity, weaving together strands to create visually compelling pieces.

This season, Laura Jones introduces a collection that seamlessly blends the natural charm of straw with the elegance of modern work bags. By weaving in chic tan accents, these bags strike a harmonious balance between practicality and style, making them perfect for the professional woman on the go.

The Aria collection from Evity stands out with its twisted strap detail, adding an unexpected twist across various bag silhouettes. This feature not only enhances the bag's aesthetic but also serves as a focal point in the design. The beautifully braided strap provides a unique element to the bags that’s both sophisticated and sleek while providing a comfortable grip.

Guess has always had a knack for combining practicality with style, and their latest collection is no exception. The timeless charm of canvas enriched with sophisticated tan accents exudes an air of chic elegance. The collection showcases a refined aesthetic, where the classic durability of canvas meets the luxurious warmth of tan leather details.

AYA's new collection is a celebration of materials, featuring bags made from denim, canvas, and jacquard. The denim pieces exude a laid-back yet sophisticated charm, with their soft, washed textures and subtle hues. The jacquard bags weave a tale of elegance and complexity, their richly patterned fabric showcasing the brand name. The new canvas bags captivate with their robust structure and artistic flair for the spring and summer seasons.

Incorporating these bags into your spring and summer wardrobe can add a layer of interest and sophistication to your outfits. Here are some styling tips to consider.

1. Straw Bags: Perfect for beach days or brunches, pair your straw bag with a flowing maxi dress or a linen suit for a chic, effortless look. Consider a straw tote for carrying all your essentials in style or a smaller straw crossbody or clutch for a more refined, lightweight option that keeps your hands free.

2. Denim Bags: Denim bags work well with both casual and dressy outfits. Try matching a denim clutch with a summer dress for an evening out or a denim tote or sling with shorts and a tee for a day of errands.

3. Raffia Bags: Raffia bags are versatile enough to complement a wide range of outfits. They look particularly stunning when paired with tropical prints or bold, solid colours. A raffia bucket bag is a stylish yet practical accessory that can hold all your essentials, or opt for a smaller raffia mini bag for a touch of elegance to your evening attire.

4. Canvas Bags: Given their durability and casual vibe, canvas bags are ideal for day trips and outdoor activities. Match them with your favourite jeans and a comfortable top, or use them to add a pop of colour to a neutral outfit. Canvas bags, such as spacious totes or practical backpacks, are not only functional but also serve as a canvas for showcasing vibrant patterns and hues.

5. Jacquard Bags: The rich textures and detailed designs make jacquard bags ideal companions for silk dresses or tailored suits, ensuring your outfit stands out with a refined aesthetic. Opt for a jacquard clutch to accessorise a gala outfit or a jacquard shoulder bag to elevate a sophisticated day look.

6. Braided Bags: For a laid-back yet stylish look, pair a braided tote with a simple sundress and sandals, showcasing the bag's craftsmanship as the focal point of your ensemble. Alternatively, a braided clutch can elevate an evening outfit, blending traditional artistry with modern elegance.

Let your accessories do the talking this spring and summer by embracing the rich textures and patterns of the season. Whether you're headed to the office, enjoying a weekend getaway, or simply running errands, there's a perfect bag out there to complete your look.

Explore these new collections at Strand and find your ideal match.