Black designer bags are a timeless addition to your wardrobe. With the right accessories, this style can easily be changed from formal to casual.
Brooklyn-based brand Petit Kouraj carries Haitian roots into its bags that are sustainable, featuring custom-made designs and living wages for artisans. Their woven style gives the most elegant and stylish, nonchalant style.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines minimalist Danish design with a colorful sensibility which she inherited from her Ivory Coast heritage to create exquisite Italian leather products and accessories. Her take-anywhere pieces are distinguished by an architectural, minimalist approach in terms of shape and material as well as texture. They emphasize story and heritage, and are a tribute to traditional craftsmanship.
The brand's black leather bags feature a mix of classic designs and bold hues, from sleek saddle designs to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous brand is a favorite among modern women who appreciate timeless design.
A recipient of the 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship, New York-based ASHYA makes useful, well-constructed travel bags that blend functionality and luxury. The genderless collection features innovative styles like their reversible crossbody and around-the-neck Bolo bag, all made in small batches using customized 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 take on the casual everyday item. Her leather bags, footwear, and attractive home storage boxes are all hand-crafted in Africa.
Her collections feature Sisal baskets and Fish Skin Leather (a texture made from dried pikefish skin). They are reminiscent of an African style. Add a whimsical flower or bow to a handle with a top shape to make the appearance more interesting.
Nordstrom's flagship store in New York City will be hosting an in-store marketplace featuring eight Black-owned businesses beginning February 14 to March 6. The specially curated market features clothing, food and home goods from Caribbean lifestyle inspired Chen Burkett New York, soulful clothing brand Savant Studios, heavy metal jewelry brand Heavy Metals NYC, Modish Decor Pillows and Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel.
Petit Kouraj
Fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Petit Kouraj is the Haitian Creole word for "little courage." After many years of styling and amassing experience as a world-class fashion designer, she was able to recognize her innate calling and created an assortment of luxury bags that combine knitwear, sculpture, and cultural identity.
Jean-Baptiste worked with a group of women from Haiti to make her crochet bags. She made use of 100% cotton net along with rayon fringe and leather handles. They can take up to twelve hours on one bag.
Vavvoune, a Brooklyn-based brand is renowned for its distinctive shapes and a slick color palette. This fringe crossbody is no exception. Or go for designer silver bag with the label's Michelle tote, which has a an intricate geometric design and a matching pouch inside.
Valerie Blaise
Valerie Blaise, a self-taught designer and artisan, founded the company in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE is a leather accessory brand that is renowned for its edgy design. The brand's innovative operation is influenced by moods nostalgia, and practicality.
It's not a secret that Black designers are reinventing classic shapes into contemporary essentials, but Valerie's brand name takes it a step further by offering bags that are stylish and elegant. Her collections, designed with architecturally-inspired accents, are perfect for any occasion from the desk to a dinner.
You've probably seen Anima Iris on celebrities like Beyonce. However, even if you've never heard of them, they're worth checking out. Each bag is designed to celebrate and honor the traditional African craftsmanship from the woven handles to hexagon designs. This is one label that will never go out of style.
Jevoni McAllister
Jevoni McAllister, the creator of the collection, started it after she got exhausted of scrolling 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 detailing to an elegant rucksack hand-painted with initials, her designs are for anyone.
Homage Year is another brand to know, with each drop dedicated to the memory of designer Antoine Manning's late father and the Black diaspora. The most sought-after silhouettes of the label are available in a range of shapes. From structured top-handles to saddle bags, or a sleek, cross-body purse that can be dressed up with a flower or bow.
If you're looking for a pop of color or add a new piece to your collection These seven Black-owned handbag designers 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, a former finance professional, resorted to bags and created Florian London. The brand's AW19 collection is both spirited and refined, while also embracing the sophisticated librarian look. Check out the coveted mock-croc bucket bag reworked in an striking shade of terracotta and also top-handles that are structured and saddle bags that can get you through the week.
BN met with Tola to discuss the fine line between the two extremes of doubling down and retreating in the case of a setback. We also discussed the role of passion in her work and what she believes makes her the Florian girl. See the full interview below.
Florian
Florian is best known for his hilarious antics on the TLC series Darcey Stacey. He is also a professional model, and makes money. Recent dental work has left many wondering what effect it will have on his modeling career.
This Black-owned label is a must for those who love fashion. The leather items are ethically sourced, and are designed to last. The company doesn't just make fashionable bags but also donates to the community. Its End Systemic Racism mini tote is a perfect example of its activism-inspired designs.
Anima Iris is another Black-owned brand of bags that is worth checking out. The bags are influenced by African cultures and feature intricate detailing. They've been seen on famous faces such as Beyonce and Keke Palmer. Additionally, the company promotes artisanal craftsmanship in Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen worked on her craft at a variety of international fashion houses before launching her own label in 2016. Her minimalist bags are stylish and practical with an emphasis on practical elegance. Styles such as the Julie Mini and Helene Large in Black are on-trend styles that will never go away.
The bag that will be the most fashionable of the 2020s, Telfar's minimalist TC logo adorned leather utility styles are essentials for every closet. The brand was awarded the CFDA 2019 American Accessory Designer of the year award and is now available at Bergdorf Goodman and other top retailers such as Moda Operandi and Shopbop.
Petit Kouraj's rayon netting lace fringe is a contemporary take on cotton netting. Pair with an elegant pearl brooch or a whimsical bow to elevate the simple design. These bags are handmade in Haiti and will keep you looking chic all day long.
BruceGlen
When it comes to black handbags, the fashion community has been blessed by Virgil Abloh's Off-White and a host of other designer labels that have transformed our society. BruceGlen is a brand new brand that has entered the conversation.
The identical twins who designed the line created a line that is loved by the fashion world for its use of striking colors and attractive hardware. BruceGlen's dedication to sustainability is what really makes them stand out.
In fact, the brand has just unveiled its first ever runway collection at NYFW devoted to their mother's passing and her legacy. The collection of the duo's Fall 2022 included a range of styles that included glitter, rainbows and stained glass window prints. The brothers also partnered with Resonance, which offers a transparency tool that reveals details about carbon emissions as well as the amount of water used by fabrics.
Anima Iris
If you're looking for a sleek, modern bag that speaks to your fashionable soul then look at Anima Iris. Wilglory Tanjong is the Founder of this luxury purse brand. She is an all-time MBA Student who founded it in 2020.
The bags are handmade in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag bears the name of an individual from the family or a close friend, like Anima and Iris, one of Wilglory's best friends from childhood.
While many luxury brands focus on promoting their European heritage, Anima Iris centers African tradition and history in its designs. Alongside their stylish bags, the brand also donates a percentage of profits to organizations that help women of color.
