Black designer bags are timeless additions to any wardrobe. With the appropriate accessories, this style 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 silhouette emits the most casually chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines minimalist Danish design with a vibrant sensibility. which she inherited from her Ivory Coast heritage to create luxurious Italian leather products and accessories. With a minimalist design, a more architectural approach to form, materials and textures her take-anywhere pieces tell a story and heritage over trend and demonstrate a reverence for traditional craftsmanship.
The bags made of black leather from the brand feature a mix between classic shapes and bold colors, from elegant saddle bags to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous label is a must-have for easy-going, modern women with an eye for timeless fashion.
The recipient of a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship, New York-based ASHYA makes useful, well-constructed bags for travel that combine luxury and utility. The gender-neutral collection offers innovative styles such as their reverse-able Bolo bag and neck-worn Bolo bag. Each item is made in small quantities using custom hardware.
designer red handbags
Established by Robin Sirleaf, the lifestyle brand Sarep + Rose blends style with social impact. The founder travels to Africa in order to source materials, and teams up with artisans to make a more refined version of the commonplace accessory. Her leather bags shoes, attractive home storage boxes are all hand-crafted in Africa.
Her collections include Sisal baskets and Fish Skin Leather (a texture created from dried pikefish skin). They are reminiscent of an African aesthetic. Add a playful bow or a flower on a top-handle shape to change the look.
Nordstrom's NYC flagship store will showcase eight Black-owned businesses during an in-store marketplace from February 14, through 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
Founded by fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Petit Kouraj is the Haitian Creole word for "little courage." After years of styling and amassing experience as a world-class fashion designer, she recognized her innate calling and created an assortment of luxury bags that blend knitwear, sculpture, and cultural identity.
Jean-Baptiste collaborated with a group of women from Haiti to make her crochet bags. She used 100% cotton net, rayon fringe and leather handles. They can take up to twelve hours working on one bag.
Brooklyn-based brand Vavvoune is all about unique shaped silhouettes with a maximalist color scheme, like this fringe crossbody. Choose the Michelle tote from the brand that features a geometric pattern with a beveled edge and a matching pouch.
Valerie Blaise
Valerie Blaise, a self-taught designer/artisan, founded the company in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE is a leather accessory brand that is renowned for its cultured design. The brand's innovative operation is inspired by moods, nostalgia, and practicality.
It's not a secret that Black designers are reinventing classic shapes into trendy essentials, but Valerie Blaise's name-brand line goes one step further by offering bags that are stylish and sophisticated. The bags are designed with architecturally inspired accents her collections are ideal for everything from desk-to-dinner.
You've likely seen Anima Iris bags on the likes of Beyonce or even the Kardashians, but even if you've not, these bags are worth checking out. Each piece is made with a keen desire to celebrate and honor the traditional African craftsmanship from woven handles to hexagon designs. This is a label that will never fall out of style.
Jevoni McAllister
Founder Jevoni McAllister created her eco-friendly (and budget-friendly) collection after she became bored of scrolling on Instagram to find only designer bags for sale. Her vegan leather designs are intended to be worn by women of all walks of existence, from an all-black bucket bag with rose gold details to a sleek rucksack adorned with hand-painted initials.
Homage Year is another brand that you should be aware of, with every drop dedicated to the memory of designer Antoine Manning's late father and the Black diaspora. The coveted silhouettes of the label are available in a variety designs, from top-handles with a structured design to saddle bags and even a sleek cross-body can be dressed with a bow or flower.
If you're looking for an accent of color or add a new piece to your rotation, these seven black-owned handbag brands have something to provide. These seven handbag designers who are Black owned include everything from clutches that are party-ready and carry-all-day bags.
Tola Adeagbo
Tola Adeagbo, who was a finance professional, turned to bags and created Florian London. Florian London's AW19 collection is bold and refined, while also embracing the chic librarian style. Look out for last season's coveted mock-croc bucket bag, redesigned in an aggressive shade of terracotta as well as structured top-handles and saddle bags that will see you through the week.
BN interviewed Tola to discuss the fine line between being a defender and a defender in the case of a setback. We also discussed the role of passion in her business and what she thinks makes the Florian girl. Check out the full interview below!
Florian
Florian is well-known for his hilarious antics on the TLC show Darcey Stacey. He is also a professional model and makes use of his appearance to earn an income. Recent dental work has left viewers wondering what effect it could affect his modeling career.
This label owned by Black is a must-have for fashion enthusiasts. The leather items are responsibly sourced and made to last. In addition to making fashion-forward bags, the brand also gives back to its community. The End Systemic Racism Mini Tote is a perfect example of the company's activist-inspired designs.
Anima Iris, another black-owned bag manufacturer, is worth a look. The designer's bags are inspired by African culture and feature intricate details. They've been seen on celebrities like Beyonce and Keke Palmer. The company also helps support artisanal crafts in Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen honed her skills in a variety of fashion houses around the world before founding her eponymous label in 2016. Her minimalist bags are functional and sleek with a hint of functional elegance. Look to styles like the Julie Mini or Helene Large in black for an elegant look that will never go out of style.
The IT bag of the 2020s, Telfar's minimalist TC logo decorated leather utility styles are essentials for any closet. The brand received CFDA's 2019 American Accessory Designer of the Year award and has made its appearance at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Moda Operandi, Nordstrom and Shopbop.
Created to extend the style of your everyday carry Petit Kouraj's woven rayon fringe reinterprets cotton netting with a contemporary 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 chic from day to night.
BruceGlen
When it comes to black handbags, the fashion industry has been blessed by Virgil's Off-White and a variety of other designer labels that have transformed our society. However, a new name has entered the conversation: BruceGlen.
The identical twins who designed the line have created a line appreciated by fashionistas for its use of stunning colors and a variety of hardware. But what makes BruceGlen really stand out is their commitment to sustainability.
In fact, the brand recently unveiled its first ever runway collection at NYFW dedicated to their late mother and her legacy. The collection for Fall 2022 featured diverse looks that included glitter, rainbows and stained glass window designs. The brothers also partnered up with Resonance which is a transparent instrument that provides information such as carbon emissions and fabric usage.
Anima Iris
If you're looking for a sleek and modern tote bag that speaks to your fashionista soul then look no further than Anima Iris. Wilglory Tanjong is the founder of this brand of luxury purses. She is a full-time MBA student who launched it in the year 2020.
The bags are handmade in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag is named after a close family member or friend, like Anima and Iris --Wilglorys childhood besties.
While a lot of luxury brands are focused on advertising European heritage, Anima Iris' designs focus on African history and culture. The company donates a percentage of its profits to women of color, in addition to selling trendy bags.
