Ricardo Hinojosa "I believe today's fashions require innovative and daring designs, and this is what I aim to do with my work." "Hola! I'm Ricardo from the state of Guanajuato, which is well known for quality leather work. I've always loved to design, even as a kid, but I decided to study Business Administration when I attended university. I took several jobs as a student, always related with leather products such as shoes and handbags. My job was in the promotions area, mainly in specialized fairs. "Being in contact with all the different customers gave me the opportunity to listen to their ideas, and work on new designs together with them. Eventually my passion for design resurfaced and I decided to venture on my own, creating my own lines. "That was 10 years ago, and now I have a little workshop and I have gained a lot of experience. I have developed an artistic sensibility for contemporary fashion trends, which I transmit through my designs. "I believe today's fashions require innovative and daring designs, and this is what I aim to do with my work. I have gathered a team of artists, experts in the field, and together we share old and new techniques while working. "I start by selecting the type of leather, either cow, goat or pigskin. Once I have settled on a particular design, I cut the leather as desired, and then proceed to sew it into shape. Sometimes I include a firm middle lining to help preserve the shape. I add the straps, zipper or button closure, and all the brass fixtures are made in Mexico. "I combine tradition and vanguard in my designs, creating practical accessories that are proudly made by Mexican hands." 2008 update from Ricardo: "I have been part of Novica's great family for more than three years now, and I remember well how, before I joined them, I went from door to door to boutiques and small businesses trying to convince owners that my leather creations were of a high value, because of their handcrafted nature. I often met people who did not value what handcrafted meant. Now, through Novica, I have been able to return to those same shops, demonstrating to them that my products are indeed valuable, and that they sell well in many countries! Thanks to Novica, I count on a steady income from my sales. In 2007 alone, my sales increased 200 percent. This enables me to organize myself better and plan ahead. It also helps me have a good working relationship with suppliers and the assistants who now work with me. We are all links in a chain built through time, experience, and the desire to do things well. Novica is like a window to the world, but it is also a home in which we artists and artisans can come together, breathe culture, and preserve our roots. I feel how my fellow Novica artisans influence me, and how such influence generates a synergy of creative ideas that inspire us all."

	Customer Reviews
		In searching for a leopard print bag I stumbled across this website. I ordered a suede handbag by Ricardo Hinojosa in Mexico. Three days later it arrived in the UK by DHL. My amazement continued as I unwrapped the several layers of beautiful packaging to reveal a most stunning and striking handbag. The design is incredibly original and the craftsmanship faultless. I feel priviliged to now own it. My heartfelt thanks to the artist and for the excellent service throughout. - T.K., UK I looked EVERYWHERE in the Dallas, TX, area for a black leather backpack that met my style, but could not find one anywhere. I ordered one from Novica made by Ricardo Hinojosa...received it approximately 10 days later (thru regular shipping) and absolutely LOVE IT!!! The packaging was superb (almost too pretty to open), the quality of the bag is excellent, and it is exactly what I couldn't find elsewhere. Thank you!!! - Cindy Cockrill, Prosper, TX, USA I just received my Christmas present to myself The Chocolate Rose handbag. I am so very pleased with the product and the timely way that it was received, I am so very glad that I ordered from Novica and will let my friends know about the website. Thanks again, Happy Holidays - Sheila Green, Theodore Al USA I love my musk wood bag. The green suede with the rustic brown leather are perfect together. Its original yet basic. Thank you. - casey mc, New York Received the petite blue butterfly bag . . . much nicer than picture. The inside and handles are soft blue suede. The leather dying is really nice. The bag has great workmanship. Thank you! And Novica - I ordered this late on the evening of 4/11. The order was shipped 4/15 and I was opening the package in the morning on 4/19. Well packaged and so fast. Thank you, too. - Peggy Brown, Arlington, Texas USA Ricardo, Your work is beautiful and functional. Please keep making bags with ROSES for "little" women! Ship time was incredible. Thank you! Tina - Tina Stewart, Grand Prairie, TX/USA I am picky, demanding, and oh-so-fussy about handbags, but when I opened my new bag from this artist I was immediately in love! The leather is a tactile delight: rich, sumptuous, substantial. Can't wait to carry this piece. Note to artist: please consider designing handbags with silver hardware for those of us who prefer white metals. - a s, san francisco Dear Mr. Hinojosa, The back pack arrived in perfect condition and I am so thrilled with it. It is expertly crafted and very comfortable to wear. I also am happy with the amount of cargo space it has. Thank you so much and I look forward to your new products in the future. Amy - AMY, Lenoir City Tennessee USA I received my Old West handbag yesterday and I was beyond happy when I opened the box. It is very well made and the leather is substantial. I truly think this bag could last forever and I am very hard on them. I would love to see this bag in a two tone with the background leather a lighter shade than the decorative trim. I would happily buy it. I examined the bag carefully and there was not a broken or missed stitch anywhere. I already have another bag made by Ricardo picked out for my next purchase (birthday), but for now I will enjoy this beauty I just received. I will be the envy of my cowgirl friends. Thank you so much Ricardo gracious! - Amanda I received my beautiful bag yesterday, the black "Urban Legend". It was beautifully presented and it is wonderfully made. I like it so much, that I just ordered another, the "Western Casual". Thank you, Ricardo! Cheryl - Cheryl The purse, Mocha Suprise, arrived today and I love it! It is beautifully crafted, so pretty and feminine. Thank you! - Amber I received my second Ricardo bag "Sporty Chic" today and I am pleased beyond belief. Once again it is a home-run and I love everything about it from the soft leather and superb construction to the interior pockets. I like it every bit as much as my "Wild West" bag. This could get addicting!! I love having something truly unique that I will not see all over the place, it is a true designer work of art! Thank you Ricardo!! I will be the envy of all my gal pals! Keep them coming! I already have another picked out ! - Amanda From the quick delivery to the beautiful packaging and wrapping I am impressed! My heart truly skipped when I opened the bag to find my new purse- Chocolate Rose. The picture shown here is beautiful but not near as beautiful as the real thing! Very nice, and the craftsmanship is very clean. A new treasure I add to my lifelong leather handbag collection. :) My heart smiles with the blessings shared by Ricardo. Peace, - Carol I just received my "Chocolate Rose" leather purse today. It is absolutely perfect. The beautiful packaging was an added bonus. I looked a long time before I stumbled upon the NOVICA site and Mr. Hinojosa. This was my first purchase. Mr. Hinojosa is definitely a talented artist and quality craftsman. - Lorilee I finally got the leather bag I mentioned as wanting in my profile!!! After years of looking longingly at the Novica bags I selected the "Trendsetter" by Ricardo Hinojosa. I could not be happier! It is impossible to describe how incredible this bag is in EVERY way. The leather is...is...I can't even tell you. The quality is amazing. Soft, beautiful and substantial. The detailing, interior organization, strap length, absolutely everything, is perfect. The packaging was even impressive! I love my new bag and can't believe after receiving it that it didn't cost 3 times more. Ricardo is indeed a very talented individual, and after all of the compliments I receive, I will gladly send more business his way! Thank you very much Ricardo! You made my birthday special. - Sherri, Southeastern Wisconsin, USA