Yellow 'Urban Safari' Handbag by Nanan for NOVICA $109.95

I found this handbag in of all places, my inbox, which is flooded with PR e mails on a daily basis, most of which end up in the trash. (For the record, I wholeheartedly believe in the integrity of content, and am certainly not going to write about something based solely on the fact that there is an incentive. I write about what I like, and what I believe in, period.) In association with National Geographic (love), NOVICA specializes in free trade artisan home decor, apparel, jewelry, and handbags from around the world, including West Africa, Brazil, India, and Thailand. Their philosophy is to create a ‘bridge’ between the buyer and talented artisans to whom you would not otherwise have access, and in doing so they are changing lives.

With each product listed, NOVICA provides the name, photograph, region, background, and mission statement of the artist who created it, allowing for a more personal experience and connection with the product’s origin and designer. The artist that spoke to me in particular, is Nanan, a Javanese designer now living in Bali, and the creator of this gorgeous ‘Urban Safari’ leather handbag (which, incidentally, retails for $249.95). I love the fact that it looks so refined and modern, and at the same time rustic in it’s simplistic yet beautiful artistry. Although I’m partial to this sunny yellow, it’s also available in dark brown, ivory, and white. Nanan also has other similar styles, in addition to a wide array of totes and handbags by artists from other regions. How better to support independent designers then by picking up a one-of-a-kind handbag that everyone else on the planet doesn’t have – literally?? The whole thing just makes me happy…