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Handbags

2,156 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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The Village Council

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

Featured Reviews

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Upcycled cosmetic bag, 'Peachy Keen'

Marylyn

May 9, 2025

Daughter loves it!

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She wonders where I find such unique items, and she thinks buying from overseas artists is a great idea. Thank you for designing such an attractive little bag.

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Rayon and cotton blend shoulder bag, 'Pleasing Corduroy in Blue'

Lisa

Jun 18, 2019

My Favorite Purse!

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I was delighted to receive this lovely purse. I"m very particular about the features that I want in a purse. This has them all! The straps are the right length, it has a top zipper for security, a small zip pocket on the inside, and a large deep pocket on the front of the purse with an adorable tassel. It feels wonderful to the touch -- so soft. Very roomy, too. The colors (blue and purple) are gorgeous. I used it for the first time today and got lots of compliments on it.

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Leather travel sling bag, 'Bon Voyage'

Jeannie

Dec 3, 2024

Love, love, love this little bag.

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The size is perfect! And the craftsmanship is wonderful. The leather is of good quality and inside pockets are lined with strong cloth. You can't buy anything like this in a large store. Artisans from Novica have again NOT disappointed me! Have purchases many things from Novica and will keep buying from people who take pride in what they make.

Featured Artist

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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 Summer 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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