Light in touch and weight, items made in bamboo, straw and grass can make this hot season seem a bit cooler.
by LISA TUDOR
Bits of bamboo, pieces of grass and an expanse of strawpopulate the summer landscape of fashionable accessories. Artfully woven into hats, shades, shoes, placemats, bags and throws, thetextures and patterns mix easily to yield genius combinations.It’s a key element in the look that defines the classic NewOrleans approach to “summer dress” and almostsatisfies our hot weather cravings like a house on the Gulf. Teamedwith white, its mere presence inside or out hints at the possibility ofa breeze.
A Straw Poll
Clockwise from left: African sisal basket, GB Interiors; MoschinoCheapandChic patent and straw peep toe pumps, Saks Fifth Avenue, bamboostool, GB Interiors; Prada soleil patent and straw spectator pump andpink leather-trimmed basket-weave handbag, Saks Fifth Avenue; Zodaxbarware with basket sleeve, Belladonna; water-resistant natural teakfloormat to order in custom stains and sizes, Janet Molero HomeFurnishings.
On the Fringe
Clockwise from left: Raffia throw pillow at GB Interiors; chocolateegg lamp with woven shade tipped in white, Pied Nu; Juicy Couture totetrimmed in shamrock leather, Saks Fifth Avenue; Gucci short brim hatand grass suede driving loafer, Saks Fifth Avenue.
Dream Weavers
Clockwise from top left: Zodax wicker ice bucket, Belladonna; squarebasket-weave floor cushion, GB Interiors; Tracy Porter handpainteddinner plate, French tortoise-handled flatware, round raffia placemats,cotton napkins, napkin rings, Belladonna; R.J. Graziano natural wovencuff bracelets and Marc Jacobs Cottonpatch wedge sandal, Saks FifthAvenue. •
