Anibal Majeski asked 2 months ago
Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Brooklyn-based brand Petit Kouraj carries Haitian roots into its sustainable bags with made-to-order production and liveable wages for artisans. Their woven silhouette emits the most casually chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines minimalist Danish design with a vibrant sensibility. derived her Ivory Coast heritage to create luxury Italian leather products and accessories. Her take-anywhere pieces are characterized by a minimalist, architectural approach in terms of form, material and texture. They focus on the importance of story and heritage, and show a respect for traditional craftsmanship.
The bags are black in color and come with a mix of classic designs and bold colors, ranging from sleek saddle designs to versatile bucket bags. The brand’s name is a favorite for stress-free modern women who have an eye for timeless fashion.
The recipient of a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship New York-based ASHYA makes useful, well-constructed travel bags that blend luxury and utility. The genderless collection features innovative designs like their reversible Bolo bag and neck-worn Bolo bag. All are made in small batches using a custom hardware.
Sarep + Rose
Founded by Robin Sirleaf, the lifestyle brand Sarep + Rose blends style with social impact. The founder travels around Africa to source materials and team up with artisans to create an elevated version of the everyday item. Her selection of leather bags as well as footwear and decorative home storage boxes are all crafted by hand in Africa.
Her collections incorporate Fish Skin leather (a texture created by dried pikefish skin) and Sisal baskets to evoke an evocative modern African aesthetic. Add a whimsical bow or flower to a top handle silhouette to change up the look.
Nordstrom’s NYC flagship store will highlight eight Black-owned businesses in an in-store marketplace from February 14, designer handbags black through March 6. The market will feature clothing as well as home and kitchen items from Caribbean lifestyle-inspired Chen Burkett New York; soulful clothing label Savant Studios; heavy metal jewelry brand Heavy Metals NYC; Modish Decor Pillows, and Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel.
Petit Kouraj
Nasrin Jean Baptiste, a fashion stylist who founded Petit Kouraj, the Haitian Creole term for “little courage”. After years of styling, she heard her instincts and came up with a luxurious bag line that blends knitwear, sculpture and cultural identity.
Jean-Baptiste collaborated with a women-only group in Haiti to make her crochet bags made of 100 cotton net, rayon fringe and leather handles. They can spend up to 12 hours on a bag.
Brooklyn-based brand Vavvoune is all about uniquely designed silhouettes that are adorned with a dazzling color scheme, like this fringe crossbody. Pick the Michelle tote from the label, which has a geometric pattern with an edge that is rounded and a pouch to match.
Valerie Blaise
Valerie Blaise, a self-taught designer and artisan, founded the company in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav*une) is a leather accessories brand that is renowned for its use of a cultured design. Moments of nostalgia, moods, and functionality introduce ideas into the creative process and overall design of the brand.
It’s no secret that Black designers are reworking classic shapes into modern must-haves, but Valerie Blaise’s namesake line goes one step further by offering bags that are stylish and sophisticated. Her collections, constructed with architecturally inspired accents, are perfect for anything from the desk to a dinner.
You’ve likely seen Anima Iris bags on the likes of Beyonce, but even if you haven’t these bags are worth a look. Each bag is created with the intention to celebrate and honor traditional African craftsmanship, from woven handles to hexagonal designs. This is one label that will never fall out of style.
Jevoni McAllister
Jevoni McAllister, who is the creator of the brand, created it after she got bored of scrolling through Instagram and finding only designer bags for sale. Her vegan leather designs are suitable for women from all walks of life. From a black bucket with rose gold details to a chic rucksack painted with initials her designs are suitable for all.
Homage Year is another brand that you should be aware of, with every drop dedicated to the memory of designer Antoine Manning’s deceased father and the Black diaspora. The label’s coveted silhouettes are available in a variety shapes, from structured top-handles to saddle bags, and even a sleek cross-body that you can dress up with a bow or a bouquet.
If you’re looking to add a pop of color or add a new item to your collection the seven black-owned handbag brands have something to offer. These seven Black-owned handbag designers have everything from party-perfect clutches and carry-all-day bags.
Tola Adeagbo
Tola Adeagbo was a former finance professional, turned her attention to handbags and founded Florian London. This AW19 collection, the brand celebrates the elegant librarian aesthetic, with a collection that is adventurous yet refined. Check out the coveted mock-croc bucket bag reworked in an striking shade of terracotta as well as structured top-handles and saddle bags that can get you through the week.
Tola was interviewed by BN to discuss the delicate balance between double-down or retreating when confronted with the possibility of a setback. She also discussed the importance of passion in her business and what makes her a Florian girl. Watch the full interview below!
Florian
Florian is most well-known for his hilarious antics on the TLC series Darcey & Stacey. He is also a professional model and makes use of his appearance to earn an income. Recent dental work has left many wondering what impact it will affect his modeling career.
This Black-owned brand is an essential for fashion-conscious people. Its leather pieces are ethically sourced and designed to ensure long-term durability. In addition to making fashion-forward bags, the company also contributes to its community. Its End Systemic Racism mini tote is a perfect illustration of its designs inspired by activism.
Anima Iris, another black-owned bag company, is also worth checking out. The bags of the designer are influenced by African culture and have intricate details. They’ve been seen on famous faces like Beyonce and Keke Palmer. Moreover, the company supports artisanal craftsmanship in Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen developed her skills in a variety of fashion houses around the world before founding her eponymous label in the year 2016. Her bags that are minimally designed are sleek and utilitarian with an emphasis on practical elegance. Consider styles such as the Julie Mini or Helene Large in black for on-trend style that will never go out of style.
Telfar’s utilitarian leather bags with TC-logo embellishments are a must-have for any wardrobe. The brand was awarded the CFDA 2019 American Accessory designer handbags and purses of the year award and is now available at Bergdorf Goodman and other top retailers such as Moda Operandi and Shopbop.
Created to increase the fashion quotient of your everyday bag, Petit Kouraj’s rayon fringe is a take on cotton netting with a modern twist. Wear it with a pearl brooch or a witty bow to elevate the basic form. The bags are handcrafted in Haiti and will keep you looking stylish from day to evening.
BruceGlen
Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and a variety of other designer Handbags black labels have revolutionized our lives when it comes to black bags. But there is a new name that has popped up: BruceGlen.
The identical twins of the designers have created a line of handbags and accessories that is loved by the fashion-conscious for its use of eye-popping colors and hardware. BruceGlen’s dedication to sustainability is what really makes them stand out.
In fact, the brand recently debuted its first-ever runway collection at NYFW dedicated to their mother’s passing and her legacy. The Fall 2022 collection featured a variety of looks featuring glitter, rainbows and glass window designs. The brothers also partnered with Resonance which provides the ability to see through transparent information like carbon emissions and the amount of water used by fabrics.
Anima Iris
If you’re looking for a sleek, modern bag that speaks to your fashion-conscious soul, look no further than Anima Iris. This luxury purse brand is managed by Wilglory Tanjong who is an all-time MBA student who founded the company in 2020.
The bags are made by hand made in Dakar, Senegal. Each one bears the name of a family member or close friend, such as Anima and Iris, one of Wilglory’s best friends from childhood.
While many luxury brands focus on marketing European heritage, Anima Iris’ designs focus on African culture and the past. Alongside their stylish bags, the company contributes a portion of their profits to charities that help women of color.