Question 1

What is The Hold Label?

Accepted Answer

The Hold Label is an Australian slow fashion accessories brand specialising in handcrafted, ethically produced handbags. Founded in Melbourne, each piece is made by skilled artisans using traditional techniques — designed to be held onto for years, not seasons.

Question 2

Who founded The Hold Label?

Accepted Answer

The Hold was founded by Rae Pooley in 2021. With over a decade of experience in buying and design for some of Australia's most iconic fashion brands, Rae set out to create something of her own — handcrafted bags that hold more than just our belongings. Inspired by a lifelong love of vintage finds, artisanal markets, and one-of-a-kind pieces from around the world, The Hold was born from a desire to create pieces that carry the chapters of our lives with us.

Question 3

What is the ethos behind The Hold Label?

Accepted Answer

At the heart of The Hold Label is a belief that a bag should be more than an accessory — it should be a wearable piece of art, carried through both the most monumental occasions and everyday routines. The Hold strives to combat excess waste through small-run production, honouring the skills and craftsmanship of the makers behind every beaded handbag, metal bag, and crochet bag. It is our hope that each Hold bag remains with you for many years, loved and passed on, each time inscribing a new story.

Question 4

Are The Hold bags ethically made?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take our responsibility to our makers seriously. The Hold works with a manufacturing partner that has been successfully audited through SMETA — the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit — one of the most widely used ethical audit formats worldwide. This certification covers labour standards, health and safety, and environmental assessment. Our makers are also provided with social insurance and healthcare. We honour every set of hands our product passses through to get to you.

Question 5

Where are The Hold Label bags made?

Accepted Answer

Every Hold Label bag is handmade by skilled artisans in the North of India in a SMETA-certified facility, ensuring ethical working conditions and fair treatment throughout our supply chain. We work in small runs — deliberately — so that every piece receives the time and attention it deserves.

Question 6

What types of bags does The Hold Label offer?

Accepted Answer

The Hold Label offers a curated range of artisan-made bags including beaded handbags, beaded evening bags, beaded clutches, beaded pouches, beaded shoulder bags, metal bags, metal evening bags, metallic handbags, crochet handbags, top handle bags, tote bags, and bridal bags. Whether you're looking for a small beaded bag, a beaded bag in black, a brown beaded bag, a pearl beaded bag, or a sculptural metallic handbag silver, we hope you find it in our collection.

Question 7

What are your beaded bags made from?

Accepted Answer

Our beaded handbags are hand-threaded using glass beads and fine fibres by skilled artisans. Each beaded bag — whether a beaded clutch, beaded pouch, beaded shoulder bag, or beaded evening bag — is a wearable piece of art. Because they are handmade, every bead bag will have subtle variations in pattern and texture. We believe these differences are part of the beauty and individuality of each piece.

Question 8

What are your metal bags made from?

Accepted Answer

Our metal bags and metal purses are handcrafted from brass with silver-toned and gold toned plating metals. They hand-beaten by artisans to create a unique sculptural texture on each piece. Every metallic handbag — including our metallic handbag silver styles and metal evening bags — are finished entirely by hand, meaning no two are exactly alike. Over time, a natural patina will develop; we believe this is a beautiful reflection of your bag's journey with you.

Question 9

Are The Hold bags limited edition?

Accepted Answer

Yes — The Hold produces all bags in small runs. Our beaded bags, metal bags, crochet bags, and bridal handbags are made in limited quantities due to the time and skill required to craft each piece by hand. Once a style sells out it may not be restocked. We recommend purchasing your favourite beaded handbag, bead purse, or metal bag as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Question 10

Do you offer bridal bags?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our bridal bags and bridal handbags collection is designed for brides and wedding guests seeking something truly considered. From pearl beaded bags and beaded evening bags to sculptural metallic handbags and metal evening bags, our bridal range offers handcrafted options that complement both classic and contemporary wedding occasions. Each bridal bag arrives beautifully packaged, making it a meaningful gift as well.

Question 11

Will my bag look exactly like the one on the website?

Accepted Answer

Because every Hold Label bag is made by hand, slight variations in beading, texture, and finish are part of what you're receiving. No two pieces are identical. What you'll see on our website is a true representation of the style, colour, and scale of each piece; what arrives will carry the small, beautiful marks of the hands that made it.

Question 12

How do I care for my beaded bag or beaded handbag?

Accepted Answer

Our beaded bags are delicate, handcrafted pieces that deserve gentle care:

Clean with a soft, dry cloth only — do not use water or chemicals.

Avoid abrasive surfaces, as beads can scratch or lose colour against rough textures.

Keep away from moisture, humidity, and direct sunlight, which can weaken threads and fade detailing.

Avoid contact with perfume, lotions, and harsh chemicals.

Store flat or hang gently in the dust bag provided — avoid folding or stacking.

Some gentle fraying or natural bead movement may occur over time — this is part of your bag's natural evolution.

Question 13

How do I care for my metal bag or metallic handbag?

Accepted Answer

Our metal bags and metallic handbags are sculptural, hand-beaten pieces that deserve thoughtful handling:

Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Buff gently with a jewellery cloth to maintain shine.

Avoid abrasive products — metal can scratch or lose its finish if rubbed against rough textures.

Keep away from water, humidity, perfumes, lotions, and chemicals, which can cause oxidation or alter the finish.

Store in the dust bag provided, separate from other items to prevent scratches or dents.

Some patina will develop over time — we believe this is beautiful, creating markings of your story and the places you have carried your piece.

Question 14

What currencies do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We ship from Australia and accept multiple currencies including AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, NZD, CAD, JPY, SEK, and CHF. You can select your preferred currency at the top of the page before checkout.

Question 15

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, and AfterPay (available for Australian orders). AfterPay allows you to pay for your The Hold bag in four interest-free instalments — making it easy to take home your favourite beaded handbag, metal bag, or bridal bag right away.

Question 16

Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?

Accepted Answer

We begin processing orders promptly, so we cannot guarantee changes once an order is placed. If you need to make an urgent amendment, please contact us at info@theholdlabel.com as soon as possible. Once an order has been dispatched, we are unable to cancel or redirect it.

Question 17

Do you offer gift packaging?

Accepted Answer

All The Hold bags arrive beautifully presented, making them a wonderful gift — whether it's a beaded evening bag, a pearl beaded bag, a metallic handbag, or a bridal bag. If you'd like to include a personalised note with your order or request gift wrapping please contact us at info@theholdlabel.com and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Question 18

How long will my order take to arrive?

Accepted Answer

Orders are processed the following business day after purchase. We do not process orders on weekends or Victorian public holidays — these will be processed the next business day.

Australia standard: 3–6 business days — Free

Australia express: 3–4 business days — $10 AUD

International: 5–18 business days — $35 AUD flat rate

Please note that delivery may occasionally be delayed by circumstances beyond our control. You'll receive full tracking details via email once your order is on its way.

Question 19

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes — The Hold Label ships worldwide via Australia Post with a flat fee of $35 AUD. We ship to the US, UK, Europe, Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and more. You will receive tracking details via email once your Hold bag has been dispatched. International delivery times range from 5–18 business days depending on your location.

Question 20

Will I have to pay customs duties or import taxes?

Accepted Answer

International orders may be subject to import duties, tariffs, or taxes upon arrival in your country. These charges are set by local customs authorities and are the responsibility of the receiver, The Hold does not cover these costs. For USA orders, tariffs are included in the price, with no additional fees upon delivery.

Question 21

How do I track my order?

Accepted Answer

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with your full tracking details. If you have not received this within 3 business days of placing your order, please contact us at info@theholdlabel.com.

Question 22

What is your returns policy?

Accepted Answer

We want you to love your Hold bag. We accept returns of unused items in their original condition, with the original invoice, within 14 days of receiving your order. To begin a return, please contact us at info@theholdlabel.com to request a Return Authorisation Number. Items must be returned within 3 days of receiving that number. Please note:

Original shipping fees are non-refundable.

All return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

The Hold cannot be held liable for return parcels that are lost — we recommend using a registered postal service.

The Hold reserves the right to refuse any return that does not meet the above conditions.

Question 23

Can I exchange my bag for a different style or colour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, exchanges are offered subject to availability. Because our beaded bags, metal bags, and crochet bags are made in small runs, not all styles or colours may be available for exchange. Please contact us at info@theholdlabel.com within 14 days of receiving your order to discuss your options. Exchange shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is faulty or incorrectly supplied.

Question 24

What if my bag arrives damaged or faulty?

Accepted Answer

We take great care packaging every Hold bag for safe transit. In the unlikely event that your bag arrives damaged or is incorrectly supplied, please contact us immediately at info@theholdlabel.com with your order number and photos of the fault. We will cover the return shipping cost and arrange a replacement or refund promptly.

Question 25

Can I return a bag purchased through a stockist?

Accepted Answer

Any Hold bag purchased through one of our trusted stockists must be returned to the original point of purchase. The Hold online store can only process returns for orders placed directly through theholdlabel.com. Please contact the stockist directly for their individual returns policy.

Question 26

Are duties and taxes refundable on international returns?

Accepted Answer

No — import duties, tariffs, and taxes are government-imposed fees paid upon import and are non-refundable. This applies to all international orders including those shipped to the United States. The Hold does not cover return shipping costs or reimburse duties and taxes for international returns.

Collection: Shoulder Bags

Shoulder Bags - FAQs