Women's Leather Accessories(39 items)
Welcome to NOVICA's Women's Leather Accessories Collection designed and crafted for you by talented artisans worldwide.
Member Zone
Log in
Log in to see your rewards

Log in or create a free account
to see your current rewards, artisan impact level and shipping discounts.
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Hand-washing and dry cleaning are the most common ways to care for and clean shawls. Many of our alpaca shawls specifically indicate dry-cleaning or hand-washing with cold water. Because shawls are delicate, a garment bag is a good way to prevent damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. As always, it is important to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric of your shawl.


The great thing about shawls is that they are versatile. One can find a shawl for every season. Warmth is often based on the tightness of the weave and the type of material used. Alpaca fiber is known for its thermal capacity and provides an optimal degree of warmth. Sheep wool also acts as an insulator, absorbing moisture and creating a feeling of coziness for the wearer. Shawls made of cashmere and pashmina are light and thin, yet still provide a high degree of warmth. In Mexico, shawls made from San Juan Chamula sheep keep one warm and comfortable.


Comfort is always a question of preference, but certain fabrics lend themselves to softness and warmth. Shawls from the Andes are made from super soft alpaca fibers, and provide wearers a high level of comfort. Similarly, in Thailand and Bali, silk shawls are always favorites. Depending on ones climate, particular shawls may be preferable. Central American shawls made from cotton and rayon keep wearers cool in warm climates, whereas bamboo and acrylic shawls are great for cold weather. During hot summers, Indian shawls made of modal, silk, and viscose are a perfect option, and merino wool and cashmere are ideal for winter. West Africa stands by the luxurious comfort of their 100% cotton shawls, and Mexico prioritizes comfort with their beautiful wool designs.


It depends on what you mean by handmade. We support artisans who work in the ancient traditions of their ancestors, crafting items by hand, with patience and love. But techniques vary among shawl makers. Embroidery, hand-painting, stitching, and sewing are often part of the process. Some artisans do use power looms when crafting their shawls, but even in those instances, there is no mega-factory or mass production line behind the garment. The beauty, creativity, and inspiration for each shawl comes from the artists own heart. Our product descriptions will always specify if an item is hand-woven, hand-knit, or otherwise.


The shawl comes to us full of history, culture, and heritage. Each region invests its shawls with different symbols, patterns, and designs. Some shawls, like those in West Africa and the Andes, feature linear and geometric shapes, clean lines and patterns that have been passed down through the centuries. In Bali, we find elaborate batik designs, a technique that makes use of alternating dye and wax to block color. In Central America, embroidered and woven shawls incorporate designs inspired by corn, butterflies, and birds. Floral patterns are very popular in Indian shawls, particularly in pashminas from Kashmir. Gujarati shawls often depict geometric shapes, and artisans increasingly incorporate contemporary designs through hand-painted fabric. Thailand also integrates floral patterning, often using the yok dok technique, a brocade style that leaves the fabric slightly raised. This emphasis on brocade is also evident in Mexican shawls, with lavish designs in the form of frets, flowers and geometric figures, all inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures.


Fibers, dyes, and fabrics come together in innovative, unique ways during the creation of a shawl. Different regions rely on resources that are readily available and have cultural significance. In West Africa, 100% cotton and rayon frequently make their appearances in shawls. In Bali and Thailand, soft silk lends a luxuriousness to the shawl. Central American artisans incorporate bamboo rayon, while India makes use of wool and silk. Mexico boasts an array of vibrant natural and cotton yarn dyes, and artisans from the Andes weave shawls out of soft alpaca fiber.


Throughout the world, the shawl is considered a venerated garment, made by hand from techniques passed down through generations. The methods for making traditional shawls vary as widely as the regions from which they come. But most employ some method of hand knitting or weaving on a loom. In the Andes, for example, crocheting and flat weaving on a treadle loom are common techniques. In Central America, backstrap and foot looms are popular with artisans. In Bali, one finds intricate sewing, in addition to weaving. And in India and Thailand, practices of hand-painting fabric, batik, and the use of natural dyes are intimately tied to the creation of shawls.
Featured Reviews on Women's Leather Accessories
Leather belt, 'Iron Edge'





By Jill
OUTSTANDING!!!
The workmanship in this belt is amazing. You just can t find that in the US. It can be worn straight or angled down, which I like. You will not be disappointed!
Cotton and leather hand fan, 'Ghana Breeze'





By Rochelle
BEAUTIFUL, ARTISAN MADE FAN
Dear Ali, I wanted to tell you and Novica customers how very pleased I am with this fan. It is so colorful and well made. I have a collection of Novica West African collectibles and I am displaying your fan as well. Thanks Novica for your excellent packaging.
Cotton and leather hand fan, 'Ray of Sunshine'





By Michele
I feel like the queen I am!
This fan is exactly what I thought it to be. It is beautifully crafted for the queen that I am. It is a statement, and it only comes from the motherland. Simply put I love it!
Popular Women's Leather Accessories
-
Leather Belt with Andean Wool Accents, "Cusco Heritage"
$49.99This beautiful belt is the design of Kathiana Quispe in Peru. Crafted from top-quality black leather, the belt features inset panels of hand-loomed wool with traditional Andean motifs. A polished silver-toned buckle completes the design.
-
Handcrafted Iron Studded Leather Belt with Contemporary Hook, "Iron Edge"
$74.99Tomomi combines warm toned leather with shiny industrial iron accents to create a truly unique belt. Two rows of leather straps are woven into the main part of the belt, which are surrounded by iron studs. A contemporary hook buckle provides an adjustable closure.
-
Handcrafted Men's Leather Belt in Onyx from India, "Classic Onyx"
$37.99Add a classic touch to your wardrobe with this men's belt from India. Designed by Anoop Rana, the belt is crafted from a single piece of leather in a solid onyx hue, decorated with stitched patterns along its length. A gleaming brass buckle completes this accessory.
-
Handcrafted Men's Leather Belt in Charcoal from India, "Timeless Appeal in Charcoal"
$39.99Adding a timeless appeal to your wardrobe, this men's belt from India is designed by Anoop Rana. He works with local artisans, crafting the belt from a single strip of leather in a solid charcoal hue. Stitched patterns decorate the length of this belt, closing with a gleaming brass buckle.