Woven leather is having a major moment – here are the key pieces for 2023

25th August 2023

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There’s something about woven textiles that gives an organic texture like no other – be it wicker, wool or even leather, the latter of which has been synonymous with entwined techniques for centuries.

Bottega Veneta is probably the most famous leather house associated with weaving, with its famed ‘intrecciato’ method – though these entangled techniques can also be associated with indigenous cultures such as pre-Columbian civilisations in Mexico, which gave us the still-popular huarache sandal.

Real Leather. Stay Different. commissioned a one-of-a-kind handbag made of leather and bamboo using centuries old weaving techniques.  The bag and master craftsman were feature here.

Woven leather is often a summer staple, and while you won’t be able to get your hands on our leather-bamboo bag, this season has seen a number of brands embrace texture with their accessories – from bags to footwear and plenty of pieces in between. Here are our picks…

Dragon Diffusion Woven Leather Tote, £265

Dragon Diffusion Woven Leather Tote

This mid-luxury brand is having something of a moment with its signature handbags, which are hand-crafted in vegetable-dyed leather and give a modern take on the traditional basket bag. The tote bags in particular are having a moment with fashion creators on TikTok, who are styling them with relaxed summer linens.

Tod’s T-Buckle Woven Leather Sandals, £416

Tod’s T-Buckle Woven Leather Sandals

Fisherman sandals remain popular this season, and Tod’s versions offer just enough chunk and some subtle(ish) luxury branding that’s bound to appeal to those in the know. A more affordable iteration of The Row’s cult sandals, they’re made in buttery calf leather that’s artfully criss-crossed.

Arket Woven Leather Slides, £135

Arket Woven Leather Slides

Over on the high street, Arket is offering square-soled woven slides made with soft, chrome-free tanned leather (available in sophisticated tan or black). Bottega on a budget.

Toteme Slim Braided Leather Belt, £280

Toteme Slim Braided Leather Belt

Quiet luxury label Toteme is also embracing woven textures with its braided leather belt featuring the brand’s signature oval buckle. The wraparound is available in both a slim and wide design, though we reckon the understated slim style is going to be popular with those that love the minimal aesthetic.

Le Monde Beryl Regency Slipper, £355

Le Monde Beryl Regency Slipper

Indie brand Le Monde Beryl’s classic Mary Jane pumps are having a moment right now, but don’t overlook its summery woven styles, crafted with luxe knotted goatskin. Available in a mule or a flat pump, and soon to be the signature MJs, if this recent Instagram sneak peek is anything to go by.

Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote, £5,550

Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote

At Bottega’s Spring/Summer 2023 show, roomier, more practical handbags were certainly in favour – and the Andiamo certainly offers that. Carried by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jacob Elordi and Michelle Yeoh, it’s the if-you-know-you-know ‘it’ bag, made in Bottega’s signature intrecciato lambskin, of course.

Loewe Small Fringes Bucket Bag, £1,300

Loewe Small Fringes Bucket Bag

Bottega aside, other high fashion houses are experimenting with new leather textures – Loewe, famous for its woven raffia basket bags, has reimagined some classic shapes in plaited lambskin. Inspired by Galician artisan Álvaro Leiro’s reed basket weaving technique, the fringed bag features criss-cross weaving and the brand’s classic logo stamp in leather. We can expect more leather basket bags in collaboration with Leiro in future seasons.