Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Black designer bags will always be a classic addition to your wardrobe. With the right accessories, this style can easily be transformed from formal to casual.
Petit Kouraj, a Brooklyn-based brand is a Brooklyn-based brand that incorporates Haitian roots into its eco-friendly bags. It offers made-to-order production with living wages for artisans. Their woven silhouette conveys the most elegantly chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines the minimalism of Danish design with a vibrant sensibility derived from her Ivory Coast lineage to create luxury Italian-made leather goods and cashmere accessories. With a minimalist and design-oriented approach to the design, materials and texture her take-anywhere pieces tell a the past and tradition over trends and show respect for the old-fashioned craftsmanship.
The bags made of black leather from the brand feature a mix between classic shapes and vibrant colors, ranging from stylish saddle bags to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous label is a favorite for stress-free modern women with an eye for timeless style.
ASHYA, a New york-based company, was awarded a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship. They make functional bags that are well-crafted and 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 custom hardware.
Sarep + Rose
Established by Robin Sirleaf, the lifestyle brand Sarep + Rose blends style with social impact. The founder travels around Africa to source materials and collaborate with makers for an elevated version of the everyday accessory. Her leather bags shoes, decorative home storage boxes are all hand-crafted in Africa.
Her collections incorporate Fish Skin leather (a texture created by dried pikefish skin) and Sisal baskets to convey an evocative modern African aesthetic. Add a playful bow or flower decoration to a top-handle design to switch up 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 curated market features apparel, home goods and food 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
Fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Petit Kouraj is the Haitian Creole word for "little courage." After years of experimenting with styling and accumulating experience as an international fashion designer, she listened to her innate calling and created a line of luxury bags that fuse knitwear sculpture, design, and identity.
Jean-Baptiste collaborated with a group of women in Haiti to make her crochet bags. She made use of 100% cotton net as well as rayon fringe, and leather handles. They can take up to twelve hours on one bag.
Brooklyn-based brand Vavvoune is all about uniquely cut silhouettes and a striking color palette, like this fringe crossbody. You can also go for a more sophisticated look with the label's Michelle tote, with its geometric patterns that are beveled and a pouch that matches.
Valerie Blaise
Created by self-taught designer/artisan Valerie Blaise in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE is a leather accessory brand that is renowned for its cultured design. The brand's design and production process is influenced by moods nostalgia and functionality.
It's no secret that Black designers are transforming classic shapes into trendy must-haves, but Valerie Blaise's name-brand line takes it a step further with bags that are both chic and elegant. Her collections, made with architecturally-inspired accents are perfect for any occasion from the desk to a dinner.
You've probably seen Anima Iris bags on the likes of Beyonce however, even if you haven't, these bags are worth a look. Each bag is created to celebrate and honor the tradition of African craftsmanship, from the handles made of woven to the hexagon designs. This is one label that will never go out of style.
Jevoni McAllister
Jevoni McAllister, the founder of the collection, started it after becoming bored of scrolling Instagram and finding 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 for all.
Homage Year is another line to know, with each drop dedicated to the memory of designer Antoine Manning's deceased father and the Black diaspora. The coveted silhouettes of the label come in a variety of shapes, from structured top-handles to saddle bags, and even a sleek cross-body that can be dressed with a bow or flower.
If you're looking to add an accent of color or add a new item to your collection the seven Black-owned handbag designers have something to provide. These seven handbag designers who are Black owned have everything from party-perfect clutches and carry-all-day bags.
Tola Adeagbo
Tola Adeagbo, a former finance professional, resorted to bags and created Florian London. For AW19 collection, the brand is celebrating the chic librarian style with a collection that's intrepid yet refined. Check out the popular mock-croc bucket bag, redesigned in an angular shade of terracotta, and also top-handles that are structured and saddle bags that can get you through the week.
BN caught up with Tola to discuss the delicate line between the two extremes of doubling down and retreating in the event of a setback, the role of passion in her work and what she considers to be the Florian girl. Watch the full interview below!
Florian
Florian is famous for his hilarious humor on the TLC show Darcey & Stacey. He is also a professional model and uses his looks to make money. Recently, he was given new teeth, and fans are wondering how that might impact his modeling career.
This Black-owned brand is an essential purchase for fashion-conscious individuals. The leather products are made from sustainable materials and are designed for long-term durability. The company does not just create stylish bags but also contributes to the community. The End Systemic Racism Mini Tote is a great example of the company's activism-inspired designs.
Anima Iris is another Black-owned bag brand that's worth checking out. The bags are inspired by African culture and feature intricate details. They've been seen on famous faces such as Beyonce and Keke Palmer. The company also helps support artisanal crafts in Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen developed her skills at several international designer handbags beige fashion houses before launching her own label in the year 2016. Her minimalist bags are utilitarian and sleek with a hint of practical elegance. Check out styles like the Julie Mini or Helene Large in black for a modern look that will never go out of style.
The bag that will be the most fashionable of the 2020s, Telfar's minimalist TC logo adorned leather utility styles are essentials for any closet. The brand was awarded the CFDA's 2019 American Accessory Designer of the Award and has made its appearance at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Moda Operandi, Nordstrom and Shopbop.
Petit Kouraj's rayon netting lace fringe is a contemporary take on cotton nets. Add a pearl or whimsical bow to the basic design. Made in Haiti these bags will keep your style stylish from day to night.
BruceGlen
Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and a variety of other designer labels have revolutionized our culture in the field of black bags. BruceGlen is a brand new name that has popped up in the scene.
The identical twins have created a line that includes handbags and ready-to-wear that is adored by the fashion set for its use of striking colors and hardware. BruceGlen's commitment towards sustainability is what really makes them stand out.
The brand has just debuted their first ever collection on the runway at NYFW which was dedicated to their late mother's legacy. The duo's Fall 2022 collection included a range of looks that featured rainbows, glitter and stained glass window designs. The duo also teamed up with Resonance that offers a transparency instrument that can reveal information like carbon emissions and fabric usage.
Anima Iris
If you are seeking a chic, modern tote that speaks to your fashionista spirit, Anima Iris is the brand for you. Wilglory Tanjong is the creator of this brand of luxury purses. She is full-time MBA student who started the brand in 2020.
The bags are made in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag bears the name of a family member or close friend, like Anima and Iris--Wilglory's childhood best friends.
While a lot of luxury brands are focused on advertising European heritage, Anima Iris' designs are based on African culture and the past. The company donates a part of its profits to women of color, in addition to selling fashionable bags.