Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Black designer handbags will always be a classic addition to your wardrobe. With the right accessories, this style can easily be transformed 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 silhouette emits the most casually chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines minimalist Danish design with a vibrant and lively style. that she inherited from her Ivory Coast heritage to create exquisite Italian leather products and accessories. Her take-anywhere pieces are distinguished by an architectural and minimalist style in terms of form as well as material and texture. They focus on the story of their origins and are a tribute to traditional craftsmanship.
The bags made of black leather by the brand mix between classic shapes and bold colors, from stylish saddle bags to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous brand is a favorite for modern women who appreciate timeless style.
ASHYA is a New York-based company, was awarded a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship. They design and manufacture functional bags that are well-crafted and blend luxury and utility. The gender-neutral collection offers innovative designs like their reverse-able Bolo bag and around-the neck Bolo bag. All are produced 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 across Africa to source materials and collaborate with artisans to create an elevated take on the casual everyday item. Her collection of leather bags as well as footwear and decorative storage boxes for homes are all made by hand in Africa.
Her collections incorporate Fish Skin leather (a texture created by dried pike fish skin) and Sisal baskets to convey an evocative modern African style. Add a whimsical bow or flower embellishment to a top-handle silhouette to switch up the look.
Nordstrom's flagship store in New York City will host an in-store market that will feature eight Black-owned businesses from February 14 through March 6. The specially curated market features clothing food and home products from Caribbean lifestyle brand 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 who founded Petit Kouraj, the Haitian Creole term for "little courage". After many years of styling, she heard her instincts and came up with a line of luxury bags that fuses knitwear, sculpture and cultural identity.
Jean-Baptiste worked with a group of women from Haiti to create her crochet bags. She made use of 100 percent cotton net, rayon fringe and leather handles. They can spend up to 12 hours on a bag.
Vavvoune, a brand based in Brooklyn, is known for its distinctive shapes and maximalist color palette. This fringe crossbody is no exception. Or go for something sleeker with the label's Michelle tote, which features geometric patterns that are beveled 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 luxury leather accessory brand that is renowned for its distinctive design. The mood, the moments of nostalgia and practicality inject an element of inspiration into the design process and overall aesthetic of the brand.
It's not a secret that Black designers are reinventing classic shapes into modern essentials, but Valerie Blaise's namesake line takes it a step further with bags that are chic and sophisticated. Designed with architecturally inspired accents her collections are ideal for everything from desk-to-dinner.
You've probably seen Anima Iris bags on the likes of Beyonce, but even if you've not, these bags are worth checking out. Each bag is designed to honor and celebrate traditional African craftsmanship, from the handles made of woven to the hexagonal designs. This is a brand that will never go out of style.
Jevoni McAllister
Founder Jevoni McAllister launched her eco-friendly (and budget-friendly) collection after she was bored of scrolling on Instagram to find designer bags on sale. Her vegan leather designs are suitable for women from all walks of life. From a black bucket with rose gold details to a rucksack that is hand-painted with initials her designs are suitable for anyone.
Homage Year is another brand that you should be aware of, with every drop dedicated to the memory of designer Antoine Manning's deceased father and the Black diaspora. The label's coveted silhouettes come in a variety of shapes, from structured top-handles to saddle bags and even a sleek cross-body can be dressed with a bow or flower.
The seven designers of Black-owned bags have something for anyone, whether you're looking to add some color to your wardrobe or find a new essential. 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. This AW19, the label celebrates the elegant librarian aesthetic, with a collection that is bold yet refined. Check out last season's coveted mock-croc bucket bag reworked in an angular shade of terracotta, and top-handles with a structured design and saddle bags that will see you through the week.
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 thinks makes the Florian girl. See the full interview below.
Florian
Florian is well-known for his hilarious antics in the TLC series Darcey & Stacey. He's also a model and he uses his looks to earn an income. Recently, he received a new set of teeth, and people are wondering how that might affect his modeling career.
This Black-owned label is a must-have for fashion enthusiasts. The leather items are ethically sourced and designed to ensure long-term durability. The company not only creates trendy bags but also donates to the community. Its End Systemic Racism mini tote is a great example of its activism-inspired designs.
Anima Iris, another black-owned bag manufacturer, is worth a look. The bags are inspired by African culture and are adorned with 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
Desiree Kleinen, a fashion designer who is based in Amsterdam, developed and refined her skills at international fashion houses prior to launching her own label in the year 2016. designer handbags uk that are minimally designed are stylish and practical with a nod to functional elegance. Look to styles like the Julie Mini or Helene Large in black for a modern look that will never go out of style.
Telfar's utilitarian leather bags with TC-logo embellishments are a must-have for any wardrobe. Telfar 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 fringe is a modern interpretation of cotton netting. Add a pearl brooch or whimsical bow to elevate the basic design. Made in Haiti these bags will keep your style fresh from day to night.
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 influenced our society. But there is a new name that has popped up: BruceGlen.
The identical twin designers have created a line appreciated by fashionistas because of its striking colors and attractive hardware. BruceGlen's commitment towards sustainability is what 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 collection of the duo's Fall 2022 included a range of looks that included glitter, rainbows and stained glass window designs. The brothers also partnered up with Resonance that offers a transparency instrument that reveals data like carbon emissions and the use of fabrics.
Anima Iris
If you're looking for a sleek, modern tote bag that speaks to your fashion-conscious soul then look no further than Anima Iris. This luxury purse brand is helmed by Wilglory Tanjong, a full-time MBA student who launched the company in the year 2020.
The brand's bags are handmade in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag bears the name of a family member or close friend, like Anima and Iris, one of Wilglory's best friends from childhood.
While many luxury brands focus on promoting European heritage, Anima Iris' designs center around African culture and history. Alongside their stylish bags, the company also gives a portion of its profits to charities that help women of color.