For the love of Toino Abel Bags

There's something about that bohemian summer aesthetic that is so fresh and nostalgic all at the same time to me. Think embroidered shirts, flowy maxi skirts, flower crowns and of course straw market bags. Growing up, my mother adorned herself in such attire during the summer season. I found it so pretty. Each piece was crafted with detail and love. 

I've grown to love that fashion sensibility and have incorporated that in my own wardrobe. When I saw market baskets coming back into style, I was excited. The basket bags of today didn't seem as flimsy as the ones in the past. I loved the dyed straw and how whimsical and pretty they looked against sundresses of marigold and turquoise.

I stumbled upon the amazing Toino Abel - a family preserving the tradition of weaving reed baskets in their village of Portugal. Each bag is made with experienced hands. That's powerful. The concept of someone making you something from their very own hands is a powerful, moving and intimate tradition. As mass production becomes more and more popular, our craftsmen and women are becoming less and less. I hope this craft, this art continues along with the tradition, the culture and the magic and love it brings.

Bag by: Toino Abel