Reflecting the trend towards highly individual artisan products, the biggest brands are now once again producing a selection of handbags in workshops where hand-crafting takes centre stage. These bags – many of which are limited in number – are testament to the weaving, embroidering and embossing carried out by skilled craftspeople. Take a look at these marvellous creations that also fit in the jewellery category – they could be shrewd investments too.

Bottega Veneta Known for its fine strips of leather, this brand has expanded its Knot range: the Olimpia Knot is the standout, featuring an antiqued metal clasp and karung-leather skin. Visit bottegaveneta.com

Paula Cademartori A great example of inlaying, these editions showcase the technique behind jigsaw designs of delicate florals (such as on Rachel) and animals in different skins and finishes. Visit paulacademartori.com

Rachel by Paula Cademartori

Loewe British designer JW Anderson has instigated the use of needle-punching at Loewe – its Spanish staff now needle-punch wool into leather to create an ombré effect of various coloured layers of fine piping. Check out the Barcelona Knit. Visit loewe.com

Fendi The Peekaboo bag features a regular pattern in intarsia, shaved mink and appliquéd water snake. Visit fendi.com

Valextra A go-to for impeccable leather carriers, its Passepartout style now boasts individual trims, as seen on the detachable clutch bag adorned with a range of furs from mink to Mongolian lamb. Visit valextra.com

Gucci Broche – this exquisite example of Alessandro Michele’s maximalist style incorporates a jewel-eyed fox head for a clasp plus an engraved metal bee and ornate gold-leaf borders. Visit gucci.com

Louis Vuitton The new Twist is a mix of the Vuitton logo-patterned canvas with leather and a hand-punched brogue-style trim. Visit us.louisvuitton.com

Dior With a nod to designer Maria Grazia Chiuri’s views on women, Addict features an allegorical, ethereal design mixing hand-painting, beading and embroidery. Visit dior.com

Addict by Dior
 
Gladstone The artisan brand employs customised designs on its Como-made understated travel bags, such as Ocean. Visit gladstonelondon.com

Bulgari Serpenti Forever X Nicholas Kirkwood is a carefully crafted effort that exhibits the shoe designer’s forte and skill via zigzag studs, resembling a mythical snakeskin. Visit bulgari.com

Moynat With echoes of an antique treasure trunk, the cube-shaped Mini Vanity Clouté features studs or hand-set perforations. Visit moynat.com

Delvaux Perhaps inspired by Game of Thrones, the Belgian brand’s latest collection boasts Madame Mini, Iron Shield, which is adorned with lightweight leather plates overlain with a shiny layer to give an armour effect. Visit delvaux.com