Sézane’s summer raffia collection goes fast — like the gradient Justine, which sold out in the time between it appeared online and our newsletter about it went out. Here, you’ll find all 16 bags ranked. Spoiler: The June is tops, the perforated Justine is second-best, and the crossbody pouches are fascinating (derogatory). Also this site is generally a bucket bag-free space but the one immediately above — the Mini Farrow — is adorable. That is gonna sell out just as fast as the Justine gradient imho.
Raffia is a durable fiber harvested from palm trees, most inspired by the classic French market bag. To be sure: You can get a French market bag for less. Sézane’s versions are generally more polished — some as fitting for the office as the farmer’s market — with higher-end elements like leather straps and some really beautiful embroidery.
As always, you can find all of our Sézane stories here — along with the sign-up for our dedicated Sézane newsletter.
1. June Basket With Embroidery
These are like miniature paintings. Bigger (considerably bigger!) than they look. There’s a third option with small pink flowers but I prefer these. Embroidered June bag, $215
2. Justine Perforated Raffia
The sold-out gradient version of the Justine was a masterpiece, but the perforated one in natural raffia will have a better shelf life, I’m thinking. Also love the double handles. I wish it didn’t have that too-large label, like the Maia. Justine with perforated raffia, $315
3. Maia Basket
I had this in my cart for ages but ultimately went with the Justine — despite the label issue. This is such a sophisto bag, especially in this black-and-natural colorway. (Shout out to the Mini Maia seen in the picture at top, which is equally great.) Maia basket, $275
4. Gaston Crescent Bag
This was one of three bags — along with the June, above, and the Leonie, below — to make the cut for the best Sézane pieces from the April collection. This is a sharp-looking bag, with a gorgeous crescent shape, and leather to protect the high-traffic areas. Gaston crescent bag, $285
5. Rosie Basket Bag
This is one of those Sézane pieces that doesn’t look like much in the shop but you end up wearing 700 times before retiring it. A great bag for every single backyard party you’ll be invited to this summer. Also available in chocolate with a more restrained pattern. Rosie basket, $210
6. Brigitte Clutch Bag
These next two bags are squarely in the love them/hate them category — what an audacious, bauble-y, bracelet-y strap! And what a color! But it’s so fun. Brigitte clutch bag, $225
7. Isabelle Bag
A spiritual twin to the Brigitte bag above, but loses points for a less-exciting color, and the strap is slightly less fun. Isabelle bag, $250
8. Leonie Bag
Neutral shape, neutral vibe, nothing quite as whimsical and lovely as the June, but what a smart investment piece. Be smarter than me! Make a great investment! Leonie bag, $285
9. Marcia Basket Bag
Love that pattern but it’s unlined, which means small items can fall right out. The picture on the right is a little misleading — it wears much more like the one on the left. Marcia bag, $265
10. Farrow Bag
You might love bucket bags. They are not beloved here. Farrow bag, $180
11. Mini Farrow Bag
It was actually really hard to figure out which one should come first: This one is smaller — but with the much cuter embroidery — but it’s $10 more than the regular size. You be the judge! Mini Farrow bag, $190
12. Tasha Crossbody Pouch
These two crossbody pouches make me think they’re the Sézane equivalent of Lululemon’s Everywhere bags….meh. But this one, with the embroidery, wins by a nose. Tasha pouch, $110
13. Elise Crossbody Pouch
Lovely little curvaceous design there. Elise crossbody pouch, $110
14. Jeanne Purse
A little ho-hum for the price, and purple is quite heavy for such a summery material. Jeanne purse, $215
15. Cleo Basket
This is an exact replica of a specific style of French market bag — a beautiful shape but it’s done in by that very heavy strap. Cleo basket, $315
