A natural fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, known for its flexibility and water resistance, commonly used in hats, bags, and decorative trims.
From Malagasy 'rafia', referring to the Raphia palm genus. Madagascar remains the world's largest producer, where raffia weaving has been practiced for centuries in traditional crafts.
Raffia's natural waxy coating makes it incredibly water-resistant, which is why it became the go-to material for tropical and resort wear! Coco Chanel famously used raffia in her 1930s collections, elevating this humble craft material to high fashion status.
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