Itapuã Tote Handbag

$385.00

Grounded. Reliable. Timeless.

Itapuã Tote Handbag

Pronunciation: ee-tah-poo-AHN

The Itapuã Tote is your everyday essential, crafted for those who appreciate both beauty and utility. Made from a rich patchwork of hand-selected leather, this tote features a spacious main compartment perfect for daily carry—whether it's groceries, books, or your laptop. The soft leather exterior is durable yet supple, aging beautifully over time. Reinforced stitching throughout ensures this bag can handle weight and wear, while the comfortable shoulder straps make it easy to carry all day. A small exterior tab detail adds a touch of character, while the patchwork design means each bag is one-of-a-kind. This is the bag you reach for every morning—the one that just works.

The Name: Itapuã

"Itapuã" is Tupi for "erected stone" or "stone that snores"—named for the prominent rock formations on one of Salvador's most famous beaches. The word breaks down to itá (stone) and puã (round/erected), capturing the steadfast, grounded nature of the landmark. Itapuã is more than just a beach; it's a cultural icon, immortalized in music by Vinicius de Moraes and cherished by generations of Salvador residents. I chose this name for the tote because it embodies reliability—like the stone on the shore, it's always there, steady and dependable. This bag is your anchor in the daily rhythm of life.

Grounded. Reliable. Timeless.

Itapuã Tote Handbag

Pronunciation: ee-tah-poo-AHN

The Itapuã Tote is your everyday essential, crafted for those who appreciate both beauty and utility. Made from a rich patchwork of hand-selected leather, this tote features a spacious main compartment perfect for daily carry—whether it's groceries, books, or your laptop. The soft leather exterior is durable yet supple, aging beautifully over time. Reinforced stitching throughout ensures this bag can handle weight and wear, while the comfortable shoulder straps make it easy to carry all day. A small exterior tab detail adds a touch of character, while the patchwork design means each bag is one-of-a-kind. This is the bag you reach for every morning—the one that just works.

The Name: Itapuã

"Itapuã" is Tupi for "erected stone" or "stone that snores"—named for the prominent rock formations on one of Salvador's most famous beaches. The word breaks down to itá (stone) and puã (round/erected), capturing the steadfast, grounded nature of the landmark. Itapuã is more than just a beach; it's a cultural icon, immortalized in music by Vinicius de Moraes and cherished by generations of Salvador residents. I chose this name for the tote because it embodies reliability—like the stone on the shore, it's always there, steady and dependable. This bag is your anchor in the daily rhythm of life.

This item is part of the Itapagipe Couro Collection.

The Itapagipe Couro Collection was born from my travels to Salvador, Bahia—a city that pulses with color, music, and a deep sense of heritage. Walking through Salvador's cobblestone streets, I was struck by the layers of history woven into every corner: the rhythm of samba drifting through open windows, the vibrant markets, and the warmth of the people. This city is my partner's hometown, and spending time there gave me a profound appreciation for the blend of indigenous, African, and Portuguese cultures that define Bahia. I wanted to honor that spirit through this collection, giving each piece a name rooted in the region's Tupi heritage—the language of the land's first people.

Collection Name Pronunciation: ee-tah-pah-ZHEE-pay KOH-roh

Itapagipe: Meaning & Origin

"Itapagipe" comes from the Tupi words itá (stone), paba (flat/place), 'y (water/river), and -pe (in/at)—together meaning "flat stone in the river" or "stone place in the water." The Itapagipe Peninsula is one of Salvador's most significant geographical features, home to historic neighborhoods and landmarks that have shaped the city since its founding. Choosing this name for the collection felt right—it's a foundation, a base upon which so much of Salvador's identity rests. Just as the peninsula anchors the city, this collection anchors my commitment to craft, heritage, and storytelling through leather.