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Raphia trend: how to adopt it?
What is raffia?
Raffia is a palm tree found mainly in Madagascar, whose pulp and fibers are woven into a natural, environmentally-friendly material. The branches are frayed after harvesting, then taken to be divided and dried, before being dyed and cleaned.
The harvested fibers are then woven and crocheted by our artisans, to create strong, durable items and accessories.
This material is central to Madagascar and is used for many purposes in everyday life: while accessories and clothing come to mind first, it is also used for decoration and even construction.
While raffia products are reminiscent of summer and rainforest escapades, they remain timeless. Raffia may be in vogue around the world these days, but it has been used for centuries by the Malagasy people, and goes beyond the simple summer period.
How to wear raffia?
There's more than one way to wear raffia. After all, it's used in a wide variety of accessories, hats and bags, reminiscent of summer, but suitable for any occasion. The bohemian style of raffia lends a bohemian edge to every outfit, while remaining chic and elegant.
Raffia hats
The advantage of raffia is its UV protection, making it perfect for summer and sunny days. Being very light, it can be taken anywhere, and many models can even be folded and slipped into a bag or suitcase. But raffia hats aren't just all the rage on the beach: they give a casual, bohemian look for a stroll around town or in the country, and can be worn with both a light dress and a city outfit, or with jeans and a t-shirt.
- The timeless raffia capeline is usually worn with a beach outfit or a light summer ensemble: the MIARO will be the ideal companion for all your summer outings.
- A panama will add a sophisticated touch to your outfit, while being very light: the LUBEMAN from the Ibeliv collection.
- Opt for the retro look of the raffia boater: you can choose to adorn it with ribbon, flowers, and even a glittering chain for added chic.
- A raffia cowboy hat looks lighter and more summery than its original big brother. Yet its style remains highly distinctive, lending a mysterious, sophisticated edge to the wearer: let yourself be tempted by the PLAYA by Ibeliv
Discover the entire collection of Ibeliv raffia hats.
Raffia bags
Here too, the lightness of raffia is an advantage over heavier materials such as leather, which can injure the shoulder when a bag is slung over the shoulder. It gives a country style to the wearer, while remaining very presentable and elegant.
- The tote bag, a familiar sight at the beach, benefits from the durability of raffia. It has a large capacity, to carry picnics, beach towels and anything else you might need for a summer afternoon: opt for RIOthe ideal Ibeliv bag for sandy beaches
- The classic handbag is often adorned with leather details and handles for added comfort and chic.
- A shoulder bag is as pretty as an ordinary handbag, but retains the practicality of a tote. Keep your hands free, and hit the streets on summer outings with the TIAKOalso convertible into a clutch bag
- Useful in all circumstances, from the school bench to a day in the great outdoors, the backpack is timeless. Its pockets and closures guarantee the safety of your belongings, so you won't lose anything along the way, even if the road is bumpy!
- A chic staple, the clutch is perfect for glamorous evenings and events. Give it a bohemian twist by choosing it in raffia: AMPY by Ibeliv combines chic, simplicity and functionality. But that doesn't mean giving up elegance. Some are decorated with pearls, braids and other refined additions.
Discover the entire collection of Ibeliv raffia bags.
Raffia shoes
Raffia can also be used for shoe soles, in the manner of rope soles. We therefore find wedge heels, sandals and other espadrilles in raffia, ideal for both day and night: for a casual look, choose a shoe with few details and lots of raffia, to match a long dress or linen shorts. If you're looking for something more chic, you can opt for models with a few shiny details added to the top of the shoe, which you can wear with your streetwear as well as with a summer evening dress.
Other raffia accessories
Take advantage of the versatility of raffia to wear accessories that match your outfit. Discreet and refined, they bring a certain harmony to your ensemble: pair your raffia hat or bag with a belt, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, or even hair clips embellished with lightweight raffia ornaments.
Raffia: a trendy, timeless material
Raffia dresses, hats and bags were featured on the catwalks of Dior and Dolce & Gabbana in 2020, in collections dedicated to the material, and more and more people are regularly sporting accessories along beaches, but also at work and in the evening.
Raffia is more than just a trend: it's become a true state of mind, a return to simpler, more sustainable, more respectful materials, and always with a touch of sophistication. Explore the Ibeliv website to find timeless, elegant creations to suit your taste.
