Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Black designer bags will always be a classic accessory to your wardrobe. With the right accessories, this look can easily change from formal to casual.
Brooklyn-based brand Petit Kouraj carries Haitian roots into its sustainable bags with made-to-order production and liveable wages for artisans. Their woven design emits the most casually chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines the minimalism of Danish design with a colorful style that is derived from her Ivory Coast lineage to create exquisite Italian-made leather goods and cashmere accessories. With a minimalist and geometric approach to material, form and textures, her take-anywhere pieces uphold the past and tradition over trends and show respect for the traditional craft.
The bags made of black leather from the brand are a mix between classic shapes and bold colors, from elegant saddle bags to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous brand is a favorite among modern women who value timeless style.
ASHYA, a New york-based company was awarded a prestigious 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship. They make practical bags that are well-constructed and combine luxury and utility. The collection is gender-neutral and features unique designs like their reverse-able Bolo bag and neck-worn Bolo bag. Each item is made in small quantities using custom hardware.
Sarep + Rose
Sarep + Rose, a lifestyle brand founded by Robin Sirleaf combines style with social impact. The founder travels across Africa to find materials and team up with artisans to create an elevated take on the casual everyday item. Her extensive line of artisan-made leather bags, footwear, and decorative storage baskets for the home alter stories about Africa.
Her collections use Fish Skin leather (a texture created by dried pikefish skin) and Sisal baskets that evoke a sense of the modern African style. Add a whimsical bow or a flower on a top-handle shape to change the look.
Nordstrom's flagship store in New York City will be hosting an in-store market that will feature eight black-owned businesses starting February 14 through March 6. The market is curated and includes clothing food and home products 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, founded Petit Kouraj, the Haitian Creole term for "little courage". After many years of styling, she listened to her instincts and came up with a line of luxury bags that combines knitwear, sculpture and cultural identity.
Jean-Baptiste worked with a group of women in Haiti to design her crochet bags. She made use of 100 percent cotton net along with rayon fringe and leather handles. They spend up to 12 hours on one bag.
Vavvoune, a Brooklyn-based brand, is known for its unique shapes and vibrant color palette. This fringe crossbody is no exception. You can also go for a more sophisticated look with the label's Michelle tote, with its an intricate geometric design and a pouch that matches.
Valerie Blaise
The brand was founded by self-taught designer/artisan Valerie Blaise in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav*une) is a leather accessories brand that is renowned for its use of cultured design. Moments of nostalgia, moods and functionality bring ideas into the creative process and overall aesthetic of the brand.
It's not a secret that Black designers are reworking classic shapes into contemporary essentials, but Valerie Blaise's name-brand line takes it a step further with bags that are stylish and elegant. Her collections, which are designed with architecturally-inspired accents, are perfect for any occasion from the office to a meal.
You've likely seen Anima Iris bags on the likes of Beyonce, but even if not they are definitely worth checking out. Each bag is created with a conscious effort to celebrate and honor traditional African handicrafts, from woven handles to hexagonal designs. This is a brand that will always be in fashion.
Jevoni McAllister
Founder Jevoni McAllister launched her sustainable (and budget-friendly) collection after she was tired of scrolling through Instagram to find only designer bags for sale. Her vegan leather designs can be worn by women from all walks of life. From an all-black bucket with rose gold detailing to a rucksack that is hand-painted with initials her designs are suitable for anyone.
Homage Year is another brand to be aware of, with each drop dedicated to the memory of designer Antoine Manning's deceased father and the Black diaspora. The most sought-after silhouettes of the label are available in a variety of shapes. From structured top-handles, to saddle bags, or even a sleek, cross-body purse that can be dressed up with a flower or bow.
If you're looking to add some color or add a new piece to your rotation, these seven black-owned handbag brands have something to provide. The seven handbag brands owned by Black have everything from party-perfect clutches and carry-all-day bags to offer.
Tola Adeagbo
Tola Adeagbo was a former finance professional, resorted to handbags and founded Florian London. The brand's AW19 collection is both spirited and refined, while embracing the elegant librarian aesthetic. The coveted mock bucket bag with crocs from last season has been reworked into an angular shade terracotta. Also look out for structured top-handles, saddle bags and top-handles with structured designs to help you get through your workday.
BN met with Tola to discuss the fine line between the two extremes of doubling down and retreating in the face of a setback, the importance of passion in her work and what she thinks makes the Florian girl. Check out the full interview below!
Florian
Florian is best known for his hilarious antics in the TLC series Darcey & Stacey. He's also a model and he makes use of his appearance to help him make an income. Recently, he was given new teeth, and fans are wondering how that will affect his modeling career.
This Black-owned brand is an essential for fashion-conscious people. Its leather pieces have been ethically sourced and made to last. In addition to creating trend-forward bags, the company also gives back to its community. Its End Systemic Racism mini tote is a perfect illustration of its activist-inspired designs.
Anima Iris, another black-owned bag company, is also worth checking out. The bags are inspired by African cultures and feature intricate details. Beyonce, Keke Palmer and other celebrities have been seen wearing the bags. Moreover, the company supports the artisanal craft of Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen developed her skills at a variety of international fashion houses before founding her eponymous label in 2016. Her minimally constructed bags are sleek and utilitarian with a nod to practical elegance. Styles like the Julie Mini and Helene Large in Black are on-trend styles that will not go out of style.
The IT bag of the 2020s, Telfar's minimalist TC logo embellished leather utility bags are must-haves for any closet. The brand was awarded the CFDA 2019 American Accessory Designer of the award and is available at Bergdorf Goodman and other top retailers such as Moda Operandi and Shopbop.
Created to extend the style of your everyday carry Petit Kouraj's rayon fringe takes on cotton netting with a modern twist. Pair with a pearl brooch or a witty bow to elevate the basic silhouette. Made in Haiti These bags will keep your style modern from day to night.
BruceGlen
Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and a variety of other designer labels have revolutionized our lives in the field of black bags. But there is a new name that is now in the spotlight: BruceGlen.
The identical twins who designed the line have created a line loved by the fashion world for its use of stunning colors and a variety of hardware. But what makes BruceGlen really stand out is their dedication to sustainability.
The brand has just debuted their first-ever collection on the runway at NYFW which was dedicated to their late mother's legacy. The Fall 2022 collection featured various looks that featured glitter, rainbows and stained glass window patterns. The brothers also teamed up with Resonance, which offers the ability to see through transparent information like carbon emissions and the use of water in fabrics.
Anima Iris
If you are looking for a stylish, modern tote that speaks to your fashionista spirit, Anima Iris is the brand for you. Wilglory Tanjong is the creator of this luxury purse brand. She is full-time MBA student who launched it in the year 2020.
The bags of the brand are made by hand in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag is named after a close family member or friend, like Anima and Iris --Wilglory’s childhood besties.
While a lot of luxury brands are focused on marketing European heritage, Anima Iris' designs focus on African culture and history. The company donates a part of its profits to help women of color, as well as selling trendy bags.