Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Black designer bags are a timeless accessory to your wardrobe. The style can easily change from casual to formal with the right accessories.
Petit Kouraj, a Brooklyn-based brand, incorporates Haitian roots into its eco-friendly bags. It provides custom-made production with a living wage for artisans. Their woven style conveys the most elegantly chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines the minimalism of Danish design with a vibrant sensibility which is derived from her Ivory Coast lineage to create luxury Italian-made leather goods and cashmere accessories. With a minimalist and design-oriented approach to material, form and texture, her take-anywhere pieces uphold the past and tradition over trends and demonstrate a reverence for the traditional craft.
The bags made by the brand are black and feature a mix of classic shapes and striking hues, from sleek saddle styles to versatile bucket bags. The label's name is a go-to for fuss-free modern women who have an eye for timeless fashion.
A recipient of a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship, New York-based ASHYA makes useful, well-constructed bags for travel that blend luxury and utility. The genderless collection includes innovative designs such as their reversible Crossbody and around-the-neck Bolo bag, all of which are made in small batches with custom hardware.
Sarep + Rose
Founded by Robin Sirleaf, the lifestyle brand Sarep + Rose blends style with social responsibility. The founder travels around Africa to find materials and collaborate with makers for an elevated take on the casual everyday accessory. Her extensive line of artisan-made leather bags, footwear, and decorative home storage baskets change outdated narratives about the continent.
Her collections feature Sisal baskets and Fish Skin Leather (a texture created by drying pikefish skin). They are reminiscent of an African style. Add a fun flower or bow to a top handle silhouette to change up the look.
Nordstrom's flagship store in New York City will be hosting an in-store market featuring eight Black-owned businesses from February 14 to March 6. The market is curated and includes clothing, food and home 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
Established by fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Petit Kouraj is the Haitian Creole word for "little courage." After many years of styling and earning experience as an international fashion designer, she listened to her innate calling and created a line of luxury bags that blend knitwear sculpture, fashion, and cultural identity.
Jean-Baptiste collaborated with a group of women in Haiti to create her crochet bags. She made use of 100% cotton net, rayon fringe and leather handles. They can spend up to twelve hours working on one bag.
Vavvoune, a brand based in Brooklyn, is known for its distinctive shapes and maximalist color palette. This fringe crossbody is not an exception. You can also opt for a more sleek style with the label's Michelle tote, which features a beveled geometric pattern and a pouch that matches.
Valerie Blaise
Valerie Blaise, a self-taught designer/artisan, established the company in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav*une) is a leather-based accessories brand that is renowned for its use of cultured design. Moments of nostalgia, moods and practicality inject an element of inspiration into the design process and overall aesthetic of the brand.
It's no secret that Black designers are reworking classic shapes into contemporary essentials, but Valerie Blaise's brand name goes one step further with bags that are chic and elegant. With a design that is inspired by architecture Her collections are perfect for every occasion from work to dinner.
You've probably seen Anima Iris bags on the likes of Beyonce however, even if not these bags are worth a look. Each piece is created to celebrate and honor the tradition of African craftsmanship, from the woven handles to hexagon designs. This is a label that will always be in style.
Jevoni McAllister
The founder Jevoni McAllister launched 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 designed to be sported by women from all walks of existence, from the black bucket bag with rose gold accents to a sleek rucksack with hand-painted initials.
Homage Year, a line that is worth knowing, dedicates every drop to the memory and Black diaspora of designer Antoine Manning's late father. The coveted silhouettes of the label are available in a variety of designs, from top-handles with a structured design to saddle bags, and even a sleek cross-body that you can dress up with a bow or flower.
These seven Black-owned bag designers offer something for anyone If you're looking to bring some color to your outfit or find a new staple. From party-perfect bags to carry-anywhere satchels, they're worth adding to your shopping cart now.
Tola Adeagbo
Tola Adeagbo, a former finance professional, resorted to handbags and founded Florian London. The brand's AW19 collection is both spirited and refined, while embracing the chic librarian style. The sought-after mock croc bucket bag from last season has been transformed into a striking shade Terracotta. Also, look out for top-handles that are structured, saddle bags and top-handles with structured designs to help you get through your workday.
BN caught up with Tola to discuss the delicate line between being a defender and a defender in the face of a setback, the importance of passion in her work and what she believes makes her the Florian girl. Watch the full interview below!
Florian
Florian is best known for his hilarious antics on the TLC series Darcey & Stacey. He's also a model, and he makes use of his appearance to help him make an income. Recent dental work has left many wondering what impact it will affect his modeling career.
This Black-owned label is a must for fashion-conscious people. The leather products are ethically sourced and designed to ensure longevity. The company does not just create stylish bags, but also gives back to the 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 influenced by African cultures and have intricate details. Beyonce, Keke Palmer and other celebrities have been seen wearing them. Additionally, black designer bag promotes artisanal craftsmanship in Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen honed her skills at a variety of international fashion houses before founding her eponymous label in the year 2016. Her minimalist bags are stylish and functional with a nod to functional elegance. Styles such as the Julie Mini and Helene Large in Black are on-trend styles that will not go out of style.
Telfar's utilitarian leather bags with the TC logo are essential for any wardrobe. The brand was awarded the CFDA 2019 American Accessory Designer of the award and is available at Bergdorf Goodman and other top retailers, including Moda Operandi and Shopbop.
Petit Kouraj's rayon netting lace fringe is a contemporary take on cotton netting. Add a pearl brooch or a witty bow to elevate the basic design. Made in Haiti these bags will keep your style modern from day to night.
BruceGlen
When it comes to black handbags, the fashion industry has been blessed by Virgil Abloh's Off-White and a host of other designer labels that have changed our lifestyle. BruceGlen is a brand new name that has entered the scene.
The identical twins have created a line of handbags and accessories that is loved by the fashion elite because of its eye-catching colors and hardware. What makes BruceGlen truly stand out is their dedication to sustainability.
In fact, the brand has just launched its first runway collection at NYFW dedicated to their late mother and her legacy. The duo's Fall 2022 collection included a variety of looks that featured rainbows, glitter, and stained glass window prints. The brothers also collaborated with Resonance which is a transparent instrument that reveals data like carbon emissions and usage of fabric.
Anima Iris
If you're looking for a sleek, modern bag that speaks to your fashionable soul, look no further than Anima Iris. The luxury brand of purses is managed by Wilglory Tanjong, an all-time MBA student who launched the company in 2020.
The bags are handmade in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag is named after a close family member or a friend like Anima and Iris --Wilglory’s childhood besties.
While a lot of luxury brands focus on marketing European heritage, Anima Iris' designs center around African culture and history. In addition to their trendy bags, the company also gives a portion of its profits to charities that support women of color.