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Handbags

2,040 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
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Featured Reviews

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Embellished sling bag, 'Elephant Chic'

Judith

Jan 17, 2025

A Lovely Holiday Gift

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I gave several of these as gifts--and kept one for myself, of course. I have loved elephants and elephant imagery most of my life. I have also worked with embroidery, sequins, beads, etc. So this delightful small bag is perfect for me! Thanks to the artist for inspired work!

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Hand woven cotton passport bag, 'Easy Traveler'

Pat

Feb 16, 2020

versatile bag

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This is a smallish but very versatile bag with a central opening and also a large zippered pocket. The long strap makes for a perfect cross body bag. The color goes with many outfits. It won't hold anything very heavy, but is perfect for carrying a few items from my big purse.

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Cotton sling bag, 'Geometric Pattu'

Holly

Nov 3, 2019

Help Support these Women!

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I have bought 3 of these slings. Two for myself and one as a gift which my daughter loved! They are well made and very nice details and artwork pattern. They are being made by Women who used to not be allowed to weave! Let's support these artisans!

Featured Artist

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More useful facts

More useful facts

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 Fall Catalog

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

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