The Story Behind Wicker Handbags
Before the legendary Birkin bag became synonymous with luxury, Jane Birkin reigned supreme as the queen of wicker baskets. The famous story behind the Birkin—when Jane's wicker bag spilled its contents on a plane next to the CEO of Hermes—may be well-known, but the truth is, Jane was already a longtime fan of the wicker basket long before that fateful encounter.
She first picked up her basket in Portugal, a piece originally intended as a fisherman’s carryall. But for Jane, it was the perfect fit—a bag that could hold everything she needed, reflecting her carefree, spontaneous lifestyle.
In recent years, Jane’s wicker basket—and her effortlessly cool, “it girl” vibe—has made a major comeback, especially among younger generations on social media. With her laid-back, iconic "French girl" style, Jane continues to captivate fashion lovers, inspiring a whole new wave of appreciation for the classic wicker bag she once made so iconic.
The humble wicker basket has inspired a range of designer brands, including Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, Loewe, and more, to create their own high-fashion interpretations of this timeless accessory. While Jane was pivotal in popularizing the wicker handbag, its practical, yet stylish roots stretch back centuries.
Wicker’s exact origins are hard to pinpoint, as it's been used by countless cultures worldwide. The versatility of woven baskets, made from natural, abundant materials, made them perfect for hauling goods—particularly crops and supplies—on foot. Over time, what began as a utilitarian item transitioned into functional furniture, and eventually evolved into the chic wicker handbags we know today.
The ancient Egyptians are the earliest recorded civilization to use wicker, but similar woven baskets have been seen in Native American and early Chinese cultures as well. This cross-cultural use of wicker set the stage for its versatility, adapting to the needs of different societies.
When you think of wicker, a picnic basket likely comes to mind, and for good reason. In the 1600s, Parisian society began to embrace the idea of picnicking, initially indoors, but by the 1800s, it had become an outdoor activity. This shift led to the creation of specialized wicker baskets to carry food, drink, and cutlery—an evolution that eventually paved the way for the wicker handbag.
However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the wicker handbag truly entered the world of high fashion. During this decade, brands like Los Dorados began to market wicker baskets as trendy beach totes, adorned with playful ribbons, fruits, flowers, and more. Wicker became the quintessential summer bag—both practical and fashionable. This rise in popularity was partly due to the rationing of luxury leather materials during WWII, pushing designers to explore alternatives like raffia and bamboo. In fact, Gucci launched its iconic bamboo bag in 1947, signaling a shift in handbag design.
The 1970s brought Jane into the picture again, where she introduced a new way to wear wicker—one that reflected her free-spirited, bohemian style. Jane’s wicker basket was a “catch-all” bag, the perfect blend of casual and functional. It quickly became the go-to accessory for women on the move, much like her laid-back lifestyle.
What made Jane’s wicker handbag unique was how it broke the norm. Whereas luxury leather handbags were often seen as a status symbol, Jane showed that you didn’t need an expensive Birkin bag or designer leather to embody the “it girl” look. In fact, her wicker basket, easily found at thrift stores, became a symbol of accessible fashion. With a little care and creativity, anyone could have their own version of this iconic bag—just as Jane did while attending the Cannes Film Festival, clubbing in Paris, and more.
The contrast between Jane’s wicker bag and the ultra-luxurious Hermes Birkin is a fascinating one. The Birkin, now synonymous with wealth and exclusivity, was originally meant to be a functional bag—just like Jane’s wicker basket, which had initially been designed as a practical carrying vessel. But while the Birkin has evolved into a symbol of high status, its origins have largely been forgotten by the public. In contrast, the wicker basket retains its charm as an affordable, stylish, and functional option for anyone, no matter their wealth.
Today, the wicker handbag endures as a fashion favorite, popularized by a woman who championed the idea of a big bag for the busy, on-the-go woman. Jane’s wicker basket is a symbol of effortless, carefree style—far removed from the small, impractical bags that dominate trends today.