Leather Handbags for Women

Handcrafted Leather Shoulder Bags & Totes

Handcrafted leather handbags made in Kenya for everyday polish and practical style. From mini shoulder bags to leather totes, each piece combines premium leather, thoughtful construction and refined silhouettes for women who want bags that feel distinctive, functional and beautifully made.

Close-up of pull-up leather texture on a Miriam Bella leather handbag for women, handcrafted in Kenya

THE MATERIAL BEHIND EVERY BAG

Made From Pull-Up Leather

Every bag in this collection, from the Zuri mini shoulder bags to the Imani tote, is handcrafted from pull-up leather, a full-grain leather finished with natural oils and waxes.

  • Lightens where it's stretched or creased, then settles back as the leather relaxes
  • Develops a rich, individual patina the more it's worn. No two bags age the same way
  • Softens with time instead of cracking, so it improves with use rather than wearing out
  • Handcrafted in Kenya from ethically sourced hides using time-honoured techniques

It's why a Miriam Bella leather handbag tends to look better a year in than it did on day one.

OUR IMPACT

  • 20+ women employed

  • Illustration of a girl reading a book with the number 9 inside a circle.

    9 girls kept in school

  • Logo with a hand sewing, map of Kenya, and text '100% Handcrafted in Kenya' on a white background.

    100% handcrafted in Kenya

Everything You Need to Know

What sizes do your leather handbags come in?

Sizing varies by style.

  • The mini shoulder bag measures 24cm long x 15cm high, with a 3cm depth at both the top and bottom.
  • The medium shoulder bag is sized up at 28cm long x 25.5cm high, with a 3cm depth at the top widening to 6.5cm at the bottom.
  • The Imani tote is our roomiest piece, structured to fit a laptop and daily essentials.

What fits inside a leather handbag from this collection?

The mini shoulder bags comfortably hold a phone, cards, keys and a few essentials. The shoulder bag fits a bit more for everyday use, and the Imani tote is roomy enough for a laptop, notebook or daily work items.

How do I care for my leather handbag?

Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after use and condition the leather every few months to keep it supple. Avoid prolonged direct sun, which can dry and fade the leather over time.

Can my leather handbag get wet?

No, genuine leather should not get wet. Moisture can stain, warp or damage the leather over time, so keep your bag away from rain and spills. If it does get splashed, blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth and let it air dry naturally, away from direct heat.

What's the difference between the mini shoulder bag and the shoulder bag?


Same pull-up leather and construction. The mini shoulder bags are our most compact, hands-free style, while the Zuri Red Leather Shoulder Bag is sized up for carrying more day to day.

Is pull-up leather durable?

Yes. It's a full-grain leather that's built to age well rather than wear out. See "Made From Pull-Up Leather" above for what makes it different.

Does my leather handbag order include free shipping?

Yes. All orders ship free, dispatched from Melbourne within 24 hours.

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THREE LEATHER STYLES, ONE STANDARD OF CRAFTSMANSHIP.

How to Choose Your Leather Handbag

1. Start with size and use

2. Then choose your colour

Moss, black and red are available across the mini shoulder bag. Black is also available in the tote, and red in the full-size shoulder bag. Neutral tones (black, moss) hide everyday wear best; red makes more of a statement.

3. Match the occasion

  • Everyday errands, going out: mini shoulder bag
  • Work, travel, daily carry: Imani tote
  • Day-to-night versatility: Zuri Red Leather Shoulder Bag

4. Still Deciding?

Curious how these bags are actually made? Read our leather handbag making-of guide →


Curious how these mini purses are actually made? Read our Mini Purse making-of guide →

Jepchumba, a Kenya artisan at Miriam Bella, helping create handmade leather sandals and shoes.

JEPCHUMBA - QUALITY CONTROL

Jepchumba has worked in our Kenya workshop for three years. She's now head of quality control — the last set of eyes on every sandal before it ships. Her earnings helped fund her daughter's university fees. Her daughter is studying nursing.


When you buy a pair of Safari sandals, this is the chain of impact your purchase creates.