artistic handbags

Show off your sophisticated sense of style with this elegant shoulder bag from Kathiana Quispe in Peru. The bag is crafted from supple deep brown leather and a handloomed wool panel inspired by ancient Inca textiles. A generous complement of convenient pockets and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap complete the design.

Patiently handwoven on the backstrap loom, ancient motifs recall the splendor of the Inca empire, when such textiles were more highly prized than gold. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco craft a handbag of timeless beauty, combining blue and with two shades of red on a dark blue background. They name their design for Chinchero, where time seems to have stood still for centuries and the Quechua language is spoken and seek to keep the old textile traditions alive.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each textile a unique piece of handcrafted art. The bag is fully lined and opens to reveal a convenient zipper pocket.

Classic Andean details compose an antique portrait of a river full of fish, transforming this sling bag into a treasure of the region's textile artistry. Peru's Gerardo Fernandez weaves this convenient accessory from wool yarns in natural navy, green and ivory hues, evoking the Andes' stunning forests. An adjustable strap and zipper closure finish the piece, while an interior pocket allows for handy use.

Experience the captivating craftsmanship of Peruvian artisan Kathiana Quispe with this exceptional tote bag, meticulously crafted from espresso leather and ginger suede. The intricately hand-tooled leather showcases embossed Inca motifs on the back complemented by a vibrant ayahuasca-inspired cotton accent adorning the front, skillfully hand-embroidered in the traditional style of the Shipibo-Conibo people. Practical yet stylish, this tote offers adjustable leather straps, a secure zippered closure, a fully lined interior and an inner zippered pocket, making it the perfect blend of functionality and artistic elegance for your everyday needs.