Last year, the Prada Raffia Tote flooded our Instagram feeds as the summer accessory, photographed atop beach towels and in hundreds, if not thousands, of customary hotel mirror selfies. The ubiquitous £1,500 tote became the 'it' bag, but this season, it seems a new accessory is claiming that title.
The Dragon Diffusion tote bag, defined by its signature hand-woven and never-full capacity, has been around for a few years, but this summer, its popularity has reached new heights. The classic Santa Croce Tote Woven Bag is perhaps the most popular iteration, a labour of love, meticulously woven by artisanal experts, inspired by century-old techniques of weaving and braiding. The result? A minimal, timeless staple the fashion pack is already flocking to.
Unlike most so-called 'it' bags, the Dragon Diffusion tote falls under the £500 mark, which for a designer leather bag, is nearly unheard of. Members of the Dragon Diffusion fan club include Ashley Olsen, the prototype for effortless fashion, who was seen wearing the mini version of the Santa Croce tote, Alexa Chung, as well as countless influencers who have, too, pledged their allegiance to the Instagram viral tote.
But the Santa Croce Tote isn't the only Diffusion bag that has gained an immense amount of popularity, the Egola Tote is also receiving plenty of airtime, and fashion insiders are pairing there's with a white tee and baggy denim combo, as well as The Row's Ginza Sandals.
Fashion editor and influencer approved, shop the best Dragon Diffusion bags below.
Shop: Best Dragon Diffusion Bags
Harrodswww.harrods.com
The brand's signature bag, Dragon Diffusion's Santa Croce is roomy enough to fit all your belongings, and elegant enough to take just about everywhere - from the beach, to the restaurant.
FarFetchwww.farfetch.com
As far as basket bags go, the Triple Jump is a fashion-editor favourite. We particularly love the dark brown shade, versatile enough to go with everything in your wardrobe.
Net A Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
Made from calf leather, this bordeaux carry-all will be your spring/summer companion.
Harrodswww.harrods.com
The Nantucket tote bag from Dragon Diffusion is the ultimate basket bag, each leather strand naturally dyed before being carefully hand-woven.
Luisaviaromawww.luisaviaroma.com
The classic leather woven bag with an open-top compartment for effortless use, this time in a tan shade.
Net A PorterThe Egola tote bag comes with longer braided straps to sit comfortably on your shoulder for all-day wear.
Net A Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
A smaller Dragon Diffusion tote bag, the Rosanna is made with the same woven material, and comes in two classic colour ways: black and white.
Net A Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
The adorable Pom Pom bag is the ultimate bag style for summer trips, such as a city-escape, available in a warm, chocolate brown and dark tan.
Libertywww.libertylondon.com
We're sure you've seen plenty of moon-style bags this year, but the Nova Luna shoulder bag has to be the best one we've seen yet.
Selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
In a bright beachside colour way, the Eclipse bag is the ultimate seaside accessory from the affordable luxury brand. Alternatively, shop in dark brown or pearl - an off-white hue which looks incredibly chic.
Image credit: @mademoisellejaime @ninaleacaine @_katiepeake
Marina Avraam is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Grazia. Hobbies include (but not limited to) finding the best designer dupes, buying every iteration of the adidas gazelles and listening to celeb podcasts every hour of every day.