If you have ever owned a pair of woven wedges it's time to reach in the back of your closet and permanently toss them after reading this. Some of our favorite designers have taken the weaving technique to a whole new level in shoes, handbags, and accessories. Using Raffia, a fiber material found in palms throughout Madagascar, Africa and South America, designers have produced styles that are quickly making this material one of the hottest trends of the summer. 

Wedges? That's so 2001.
Designers such as Michael Kors and JCREW, known for their seasonless casual chic collections and expertly designed resort wear, offer new alternatives this season to the iconic footwear. The wedge is quickly being replaced by the raffia heel often seen combined with leather and various metal accents.

Fashionista, Eco Conscious.
Kill two birds with one style this summer. Raffia is grown and mass produced in areas of South America and South Africa. While the process of producing most resources from the raffia palm are proven detrimental to the trees, the removal of the fiber (which becomes our coveted accessories) is done by hand from naturally fallen palm leaves. It's up-cycling at its best! From the palms to the runways, and into our favorite summer collections raffia makes a big, sustainable hit for summer. 

This Milly tote is woven from sand raffia and is the perfect addition to your island-style look, even if you're toting it around a concrete jungle. The green textured leather trim adds the ideal pop of color and the bamboo handles and gold plated details keep this casual piece super chic. Pair it with a breezy maxi-dress and your favorite sunnies and you're ready for a summer day on or off the beach.