icon hand Over $135.3 million USD sent to artisans so far!
icon giftbox Artisan Subscription Box icon hand Passport Club
icon plus
icon cart icon close
Your cart is currently empty

Handbags

2,489 items

Explore NOVICA's Handbags Collection. Discover artisan designs, from handmade leather totes to beautifully embellished evening clutches. You will find unique styles in an array of traditional leathers, handwoven fabrics and contemporary recycled materials to bring a touch of global style to any outfit. There's a style for every season and reason.

Shoulder Bags
Totes
Slings
Handle Handbags
Cotton Handbags
Leather Handbags
Travel Bags & Accessories
Wallets
Scroll Left
Scroll Right
Featured Artist

Related Articles

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Mother’s Day Present

Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Mother’s Day Present

Buying gifts for my mother has often been a daunting task. I am fortunate to have a very close relationship... read more
The Perfect Fair Trade Purse

The Perfect Fair Trade Purse

Hello, my name is Connie and I am 100% addicted tohandbags. I am continually on the hunt for THE perfect one!... read more
Matching Accessories to your Outfit

Matching Accessories to your Outfit

An outfit is only as good as the accessories you add to complete the ensemble. You could say that an outfit is... read more
7 Handbag Trends You Need To Know For Fall

7 Handbag Trends You Need To Know For Fall

It's that time again. You know, when the fashion blogs start going crazy over this season's "it"... read more
Summer Fashion Essentials – What to Wear on Your Getaway

Summer Fashion Essentials – What to Wear on Your Getaway

Midsummer is the perfect season for a getaway. Whether youre planning to hit the beach or to burst from the... read more
Kente Cloth Black History Month

Kente Cloth Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month this February, were showcasing artisans and artifacts that celebrate West... read more
World Artisan Day Why does it matter?

World Artisan Day Why does it matter?

Art's Profound Impact The first-ever World Artisan Day is around the corner and its a really big deal. For... read more
How to Style a Graphic Envelope Clutch

How to Style a Graphic Envelope Clutch

.single.postid-3657 .entry-media { display: none; } This past weekend, I had a very important event to attend... read more
Does My Handbag HAVE to Match My Shoes?

Does My Handbag HAVE to Match My Shoes?

Do your shoes and handbag have to match? Of course not! Always feel free to express your individualism. Shake... read more
How to Care for Your Perfect Leather Bag

How to Care for Your Perfect Leather Bag

Youve got the perfect leather bag and as everyone knows, theres nothing quite like the look and feel of this... read more
Preserving Akha Culture A Noble Challenge!

Preserving Akha Culture A Noble Challenge!

Of all hill-tribes located in northern Thailand, the Akha are the most notably expressive and flamboyant with... read more
Hello Colombia! Were welcoming new artisans into the

Hello Colombia! Were welcoming new artisans into the

While the Zen artisans may be new to NOVICA, they are hardly new to the world. An indigenous people from... read more
Style: The Zapotec Rug Tote

Style: The Zapotec Rug Tote

.single.postid-3240 .entry-media { display: none; } We are delighted to introduce one of our very first NOVICA... read more
Embroidered Purse | Colorful Leather Accessories

Embroidered Purse | Colorful Leather Accessories

Winter has arrived and everything is white, grey and brown. Snow can be really beautiful when it first falls... read more
Journey of A Green Cotton Tote

Journey of A Green Cotton Tote

We're excited to introduce our latest Tastemaker, Maya McDonald. Mayais the voice behind the fashion and... read more
Handbags: Selecting The Perfect Style For Every Season

Handbags: Selecting The Perfect Style For Every Season

It can be said that a womans handbag is her most important accessory. A marriage between style and function... read more
Handmade Handbag Heaven

Handmade Handbag Heaven

I have always loved beautiful, handmade handbags. Some of us have a passion for shoes, while others, like... read more
Scroll Left
Scroll Right
More useful facts

More useful facts

Let us help you look smarter!

Handbags Through History

Prehistoric people used medicine bags, and Egyptian hieroglyphs show pouches carried around the waist. Drawstring coin bags were used by European men from the 12th to the 16th centuries, and the first written mention of handbags dates to the 1300s. In the 1500s, women began carrying bags of sachet. But pockets worn beneath the skirt remained more popular than purses until dresses began to hug the body in the late 18th century. During the Victorian period, a wide variety of purse styles came into vogue and the term "handbag" was coined in the early 1900s. By the first part of the 20th century, almost every woman carried a purse. Authentic handbags came into their own during the 1920s with all kinds of styles, colors and materials. From the 1930s to the 1960s, clutches were a favorite. Practical shoulder bags were introduced during World War II. Today hobos, totes and slings compete with classic leather handbags, mini briefcases and backpack bags. Among Novica's amazing array of styles and materials are sterling silver evening bags by Ploy Intha. Sending an ecological statement, totes of recycled materials make up Neide Ambrosio's soda pop-top collection and Evani Ribeiro's bags of distressed canvas.

The Holiday Catalog

Discover our unique collection of beautiful, handmade objects from around the world, inspired by more than a century of exploration.

SHOP THE CATALOG
Catalog Product Image Catalog Product Image Catalog Product Image Catalog Product Image Catalog Product Image Catalog Product Image
Catalog Cover Image
icon up