Prada has mastered the art of making something simple feel impossibly chic, and the Crochet Tote Bag is no exception. This open-weave style has been everywhere the last few summers, and on looks alone, it’s easy to see why: it’s elegant, lightweight, and sits beautifully on the shoulder, or you can hold it down by your side without it dragging along the ground (just*)

Durability

Here’s the real selling point: durability. Compared to other raffia-style bags on the market: think Loewe and Celine palm totes that are prone to splitting, Prada’s crochet weave is far superior. The construction feels solid, the yarn is tightly finished, and I genuinely believe this is one of the longest-lasting “raffia effect” bags out there. It’s the kind of tote you wouldn’t panic about scuffing or it shredding after a holiday or two.

What It Fits

This bag holds more than you’d expect, and the shoulder straps are impressively sturdy. Even when I loaded it up with a beach towel, laptop, book, and makeup bag, it carried everything with ease. The straps sit perfectly on the shoulder, don’t slip down and, importantly, they don’t dig in, even when the bag is heavy. Another big plus is the weave: the gaps are tight enough that nothing slips through. (Unless you were carrying something tiny like loose tweezers, loose earrings etc — then maybe!)

Colour

I have to say, the beige version of this bag is gorgeous — sadly it wasn’t available to rent, but at least the pink I chose did look great against the scenery. Prada has released the bag in a whole range of colours over time: yellow, pink, olive, beige, and white. At the moment, only the beige and olive are still listed on Prada’s website.

The Price Tag

But… and it’s a big but… the bag isn’t made from natural raffia at all. Prada’s version is actually viscose yarn. Yes, viscose. A very inexpensive material dressed up as a luxury must-have, with a price tag that made me wince: £1,500 at RRP. For context, Loewe’s palm totes and Celine’s raffia shoppers sit lower in price (£450 for Loewe and Celine £520), despite using actual palm and being hand woven. Even the more expensive Loewe Slit Raffia Tote sits at a price-point of £945 RRP.

Then there’s the over all look aesthetic. The open square weave means every single thing you carry is on display. Pop in your phone, wallet, a book, a lipstick — suddenly the bag’s clean, sculptural look is ruined by lumps and outlines of your belongings. Notice how in my photos - I only have a phone in the bag (and the phone is white!)

Resale vs Rental

Would I buy this bag at resale? Not for more than £500. And that’s the problem resale is well above that - sitting at £750 upwards. It means, realistically, I wouldn’t ever own this piece. Renting, however, feels like a perfect compromise. The bag is durable enough that you wouldn’t fear damaging it, and it makes a gorgeous seasonal statement without the financial sting.

Verdict

The Prada Crochet Tote is undeniably beautiful. It has a great silhouette, it hangs comfortably on the shoulder, and the craftsmanship is strong. But when you weigh up viscose yarn against a £1,500 price tag? It’s a no from me. Gorgeous to look at, lovely to rent, but not one I’d recommend investing in at full price or preloved, but maybe in a few years when the price comes down to around £500?

I’d rather buy the Loewe Slit Raffia Tote which sits at £945 RRP. So, you are looking at £700-£800 preloved (its still super popular, thats why its not lower)

Luxury for Less rating: Pretty, practical for a holiday, but not worth the splurge.

Prada Crochet Tote Bag Review | Luxury for Less (but not that much less)