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Handbags

2,062 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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Embroidered cotton blend shoulder bag, 'Tropical Paradise'

Laura

Jun 16, 2016

I love this bag!!!!!

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I bought this bag over the summer of 2015 and it has served me well. I don't carry a lot around with me and have always hated not having a small enough bag for just a few things. This bag is the perfect size for me and the embroidery on the front is beautiful. I get compliments about it all the time. It's the perfect size for someone who is looking to carry a little bag instead of a purse but not a huge travel bag.

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Cotton shoulder bag, 'Royal Thai Elephant'

Luika

Oct 14, 2021

Bright blue fun!

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Colors on this bag are vibrant! The cotton is thick enough to feel secure but still soft. I’ve had so many compliments when carrying it!

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Appliqué pencil case, 'Mountain Home'

Marnie

Aug 22, 2021

A woman enjoying her garden and the beauty of where she lives.

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First, I must say that this is one of many items I have purchased from Ms. Sanchez. She is an extremely talented and imaginative artisan. I truly love everything I have gotten from her. This pencil case is very colorful and peaceful and the applique work is excellent.

Featured Artist

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More useful facts

More useful facts

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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 Spring 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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