Latin American Handbags, Leather and Accessories Labels to Know
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If you only bring home one thing from a trip through Latin America, make it an accessory. Bags, shoes and small leather goods carry the region’s craft traditions in a form you will use every day, and they travel far better than a dress. Here are the labels and crafts to know, with more designers in our Latin American fashion designers hub.
Colombia: Wayuu Mochilas
The Wayuu mochila is one of the most recognizable bags in the region. Crocheted by Wayuu women in La Guajira, on Colombia’s northern Caribbean tip, these bags carry geometric designs that hold cultural meaning, and the finest are worked with a single thread in a dense, tight stitch. A large, intricate mochila represents a serious investment of time and skill.
- Look for — tight, even stitching, a firm shape and a well-made strap
- Ask — whether it is single-thread or double-thread, and who made it
A Note on Molas
Molas, the layered reverse-appliqué panels you will see on many bags in Colombian and Panamanian design, are the textile art of the Guna people, whose communities are centered in Panama’s Guna Yala and also reach into northwestern Colombia. Mola-inspired prints are widespread; genuine hand-sewn molas are something else. If a bag claims to use real molas, ask whether they were made by Guna artisans. In Panama, you can often buy them closer to the source.
Colombia: Leather Houses
Colombia has a strong leather culture, and two names stand out. Mario Hernández is one of the country’s best-known leather-goods houses, recognized for structured handbags, briefcases, belts and wallets. Vélez, from Medellín, makes leather bags, shoes, jackets and accessories with a polished, contemporary feel. Both are reliable choices if you want something well-finished and easy to wear. For jewelry, Mercedes Salazar, featured in our hub, is known for whimsical, handcrafted pieces.
Argentina: Leather Done Well
Argentina’s leather reputation is deserved. Prüne, an Argentine label, is known for its leather handbags, shoes and accessories in clean, wearable shapes and a broad color range. Beyond the labels, Buenos Aires is a fine place to commission or buy a leather jacket: ask about the type of hide, check the lining and stitching, and try several sizes, since cuts vary widely.
Brazil: Straw, Raffia and Playful Shoes
Brazil brings color and humor to accessories. Serpui Marie is known for its straw and raffia bags, often embellished with whimsical details, the perfect summer clutch. Schutz makes fashion-forward shoes and bags with a confident, sexy edge. Melissa, famous for its molded plastic shoes, is a cult favorite, and Havaianas remain the definitive Brazilian flip-flop. In São Paulo, the Jardins district is the place to browse.
Ecuador and Peru: Straw, Nut and Silver
Ecuador’s toquilla straw goes far beyond hats. Sensi Studio, in our designer hub, uses it for sculptural bags and accessories, and you will also find tagua, the vegetable ivory nut, carved into jewelry and buttons. In Peru, look for silver filigree from Catacaos near Piura and alpaca accessories such as scarves and gloves, which pair well with any of the bags above.
Mexico: Silk, Silver and Sandals
Mexico’s accessories story runs from Pineda Covalin’s silk scarves, printed with motifs drawn from Mexican cultures and nature, to handmade leather huaraches and silver jewelry from Taxco. Huaraches range from rustic to refined; look for good stitching, a sturdy sole and a woven upper that feels supple rather than stiff.
Caring for Leather and Straw
A good bag deserves a little maintenance. Condition leather occasionally with a product suited to its finish, keep it away from prolonged direct sun and heat, and store it stuffed and in a dust bag rather than hanging by its strap. Light-colored leathers mark easily, so consider a protective treatment before a long trip.
Straw and raffia need different care. Avoid soaking them, brush off sand and dust gently, and let a damp bag dry naturally in the shade rather than near a heater. Crocheted cotton mochilas can usually be spot-cleaned with mild soap and cool water; ask the seller before washing one fully. Treated well, any of these pieces will look better with age, and that is the whole point of buying craft over fast fashion.
Hardware matters too. Wipe metal clasps and zips after beach days, since salt air can dull finishes, and replace a worn strap before it fails rather than after. Many leather workshops across the region will repair stitching, swap hardware or add a new strap for a fair price, extending a bag’s life by years.
How to Shop It
Inspect before you pay: check stitching, hardware, linings and edges, and ask what a bag is made of. Leather should smell like leather and feel consistent across the surface. For handmade pieces, ask who made them and favor cooperatives or makers selling their own work. Stuff bags with tissue or clothing so they keep their shape in your suitcase, and keep straw away from crushing weight. For more on where to shop, see our Latin America shopping guides.
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