The cult of Cult Gaia

Just because Mansur Gavriel was so four years ago doesn’t mean I’m going to give up my bucket bags. I’ve got too much junk in the trunk (literally and figuratively) to bid that farewell. But, for a while now, I’ve had my eyes on a fashion girl clutch with a cult following you’ve probably seen all over Instagram – the Gaias Ark bag from Cult Gaia.

Starting at US$128 (depending on the size and variation you’re eyeing up), the OG bag that launched a thousand ships comes in natural and is made of bamboo. It’s inspired by a vintage Japanese bag, and considering the fact that it looks like an elaborate fish trap, the good news is you can’t actually see what’s inside when you have stuff in it.

Even though it’s constantly sold out on the site, Jasmin Larian, the brains behind Cult Gaia, said the brand actually struggled to sell the item when it first debuted back in 2013. It only took off last year when the designer sold a few of them to Clare Distenfeld of Fivestory, the buzzy lifestyle boutique in New York City, and the rest, as they say, is history.

This brilliant accessory may also be one of the reasons why wicker and straw bags are everywhere on Instagram too. We’ve picked some that may tickle your fancy, and are perfect to take with you on your next brunch date or long weekender.