No, not a chair, but look closely at your beach bag and you will notice a similarity. From patio furniture to picnic baskets, straw and rattan have long ruled summer. It's only natural that woven styles eventually worked their way into fashion.
Women used straw bags as early as the 1900s. More women carried them in the 20s, and again in the 40s, but it was in the 50s and 60s that the bags experienced widespread popularity. This was largely due to Jacqueline Kennedy carrying a straw bag - suddenly everyone had to have one.
In addition, the crafting movement of those decades had many women using seashells and other appliqués to decorate straw bags that often served as beach totes. Bags in bright colors and neutrals became a way to complement the lighter feeling of summer clothing.
Though interest waned in the 70s and 80s, there is again a new interest in straw and rattan bags.
At the end of the season, use a bit of soap and water to gently dab the bags to make sure oil from your hands doesn't stay on the straw. Oils could cause the straw to become discolored.
