As with everyone in Hong Kong, I struggle with not being able to travel to my favourite destinations across the globe. But what if you could have a piece of Italian artistry delivered right to your doorstep? With MIRTA, you can easily browse the offerings of over 150 artisans from Italy.

MIRTA was kind enough to send me Capaf’s Fortuna bag as part of their spring edit. Capaf has been producing bags since the ’40s and is located in the Scandicci region of Florence. Its owner Giuliano Bonechi followed in his father’s footsteps, and along with his wife, creates beautiful wicker and braided raffia pieces.

As the unusual cold spell wore off Hong Kong and we suddenly find ourselves flung halfway into spring, I asked myself, what is it exactly that I love about plant-based materials? Maybe it’s their earthy qualities that remind me of long summer days and picnics under the warm glow of the afternoon sun. Of nibbling on cheese while watching dust clouds settle and form again, the scent mixed in with herbs and floral notes. It’s a giddying whoosh of freedom that reminds me fondly of better days.

Capaf Bags

Outfit Details

Capaf Fortuna Bag (c/o) | Cardigan (similar) | Camisole (similar) | Culottes (similar)

Aesthetics

The star of the show is, of course, the lower portion of the Fortuna done in a beautiful wicker weave. Contrary to popular belief, “wicker” is the technique of weaving pliable plants, rather than the material itself. Common plants include rattan, bamboo, willow and reed which can all be used to create natural wickered products. The Fortuna bag comes in a golden honey rattan that leans towards ochre, rather than the more common bone or white colours (as seen in the Rea bag).

The flap and top handle of the bag are made of a plush calfskin in a muted brown with reddish undertones. The bag’s inverted trapeze shape gives it an elevated look, nothing like the beach tote from the souvenir store around the corner (but hey not judging!) and extends its use far beyond Sunday markets and beachside walks.

Usability and Functionality

The Fortuna is roomy with dimensions of 20 cm L x 17 cm H x 9 cm D. I don’t prefer mini bags as I do carry quite a bit daily but I also don’t like oversized bags (unless it’s a backpack), so the Fortuna hits the sweet spot just right. I’m able to toss in my usual knick-knacks comfortably without having to rearrange items every time I put something back in. That includes an iPhone XR, AirPods, Kindle Paperwhite (books will not fit), card case, key bag, lip balm, and hand sanitiser.

The bag itself is lightweight, though its capacity does mean it packs on weight pretty quickly. While the top handle is not long enough to be worn as a shoulder bag, it comes with inner padding that helps it keep its shape without digging into your wrist. 

Even so, I love that there’s a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for those sweaty summer days when you just want to keep your hands free. If you take the shortest length, there’s an additional punch-hole to fixate the tail which stops it from moving about. For reference, I’m 5”6 and the shortest strap drop of 47 cm fits well.

Bonus to the hardware closure – it’s a breeze to manoeuvre even single-handedly and the flip-lock slots in easily without scratching the bag.

Bright Neutrals

Quality and Construction

The bag is crafted from calfskin leather that smells gorgeous and is plush to touch. The rattan is well woven, with no pesky glue bits or chipped rattan sticking out from the wicker, and the fabric lining adds a subtle but rustic touch. The bag also comes with matching gold-tone hardware for the flip-lock and protective feet.

Despite going in and out of the bag repeatedly over a month, the leather remains plush and uncreased on the back of the flap. The bag has shown very little signs of wear and has continued to hold up extremely well due to the stiff wicker shape. It’s not a bag that requires much babying, and you bet I much prefer bags I can use often without worry.

Staying Power

Wicker bags have come and gone throughout the decades before going on to grace catwalks as a summer staple. I love how the Fortuna gets creative by juxtaposing a more formal silhouette with a casual material. Its slightly urban feel looks great in white or black, but if you’re not as adventurous, the brown would be equally versatile to style as the leather blends in beautifully with the wicker.

The bag doesn't bear any overt branding, its name can only be found in subtle details alongside the hallmark “Made in Italy” on the flip-lock hardware as well as the leather tag on the inner fabric lining. The Fortuna is an effortless upgrade for summer broderie and denim alike and is made to last for many seasons to come.

Natural Textures

Want a discount on my MIRTA favourites?

Don’t forget the ongoing MIRTA discount on all their products and remember to join CASA MIRTA to get rewarded while you support your favourite artisans! From now until 31 March 2022, follow any of the links in this blog post and enter codes:

MIRTAxCARMEN15

for 15% off orders above US$350

MIRTAxCARMEN25

for 25% off orders above US$600

A special thank you to MIRTA for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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