Straw togs for the better dressed.

It is hardly possible to think of anything more "different" in the name of fashion: straw handbags combine colourful and funky designs with the latest trends for natural looks and environment-friendly statements, carrying a unique appeal to consumers.

The prime fashion element is "return-to-nature", which has in fact become the prevailing theme for handbags in Xian this summer. Characterised by a natural touch, trendy designs and chic styling, straw handbags have become not just the latest fad but one which designers can work on. It's not difficult to play the idea forward to other natural elements, embellishments or eye-catching extras in forthcoming summer seasons.

Most designs for straw handbags are practical, coming with a fabric bag sewn inside an exquisitely-woven straw exterior, but including layers of internal lining. Refined straw fabrics are delicate to the touch, even as they are wild to look at!

Building on Chinese traditional craftsmanship, the latest straw handbags embrace various fashionable elements with rich designs and colour combinations, turning straw handbags from a practical accessory to an eye-catching fashion icon.

The straw-woven handbags sold in boutiques are mainly fashioned from natural grass and decorated with leather, shells and other ornamental items.

Compared to the conventional leather and fabric handbags, they are much lighter. The use of natural grass also fits in with the trend for environmental protection, while many handbags even come as "natural" straw to accentuate their appeal - and probably even enhance health requirements for the product.

from Yoyo Yu, Xian Office

(Image courtesy of Xinhua News Agency)