Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Black designer bags are timeless additions to any wardrobe. The style can easily change from casual to formal with the right add-ons.
Brooklyn-based brand Petit Kouraj carries Haitian roots into its bags that are sustainable, featuring custom-made production and livable wages for artisans. Their woven design gives off the best nonchalantly chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines the minimalism of Danish design with a colorful sensibility that is derived from her Ivory Coast lineage to create luxurious Italian-made leather products and cashmere accessories. Her take-anywhere pieces are characterized by an architectural and minimalist style in terms of design as well as material and texture. They emphasize 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 vibrant colors, ranging from sleek saddle bags to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous label is a go-to for fuss-free modern women who have an eye for timeless style.
ASHYA, a New york-based company was awarded a prestigious 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship. They design and manufacture functional, well-crafted bags that blend luxury and utility. The gender-neutral collection offers innovative styles such as their reversible Bolo bag and around-the neck Bolo bag. Each item is made in small batches using a 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 team up with designers to create a modern take on the casual everyday item. Her full line of artisan-made leather bags, footwear and decorative storage baskets for your home change the stories about Africa.
Her collections include Sisal baskets and Fish Skin Leather (a texture created from dried pikefish skin). They have an African style. Add a fun bow or flower to a handle with a top shape to make the appearance more interesting.
Nordstrom's NYC flagship store will feature eight Black-owned businesses in 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 label 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 many years of styling and amassing experience as a world-class fashion designer, she recognized her instinctual calling and developed an assortment of luxury bags that combine knitwear sculpture, design, and identity.
Jean-Baptiste collaborated with a women-only group in Haiti to create her crochet bags using 100 rayon fringe, cotton net, and leather handles. They can spend up 12 hours on a bag.
Vavvoune is a Brooklyn-based brand is known for its unique shapes and maximalist color palette. This fringe crossbody is no exception. Or go for something sleeker with the brand's Michelle tote, which has a a beveled geometric pattern and a pouch that matches.
Valerie Blaise
Valerie Blaise, a self-taught designer and artisan, founded the company in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav*une) is a leather accessories brand recognized by way of a cultured design. Moments of nostalgia, moods, and functionality introduce inspiration into the creative operation and overall style of the brand.
Valerie Blaise, a designer of her own line is taking this trend one step further by designing bags that are stylish and elegant. Her collections, which are constructed with architecturally inspired accents, are ideal for everything from the desk to a meal.
You've probably seen Anima Iris on celebrities like Beyonce. But even if you've never heard of them, they're worth checking out. 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 fall out of 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 designer bags on sale. Her vegan leather designs are intended to be worn by women from all walks of life, from an all-black bucket bag with rose gold details to a sleek rucksack with hand-painted initials.
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 are available in a variety of designs, from top-handles with a structured design to saddle bags and even a sleek cross-body can be dressed up with a bow or flower.
These seven Black-owned bag designers have something for anyone, whether you're looking to bring some color to your wardrobe or to find a new staple. From sexy clutches for parties to carry-everywhere bags are worth adding to your cart now.
Tola Adeagbo
After a long career in finance, Tola Adeagbo turned to handbag design and created Florian London. This AW19, the label celebrates the chic librarian style with a collection bold yet refined. Check out the popular mock-croc bucket bag reworked in an angular shade of terracotta, and also top-handles that are structured and saddle bags that will see you through the week.
BN met with Tola to discuss the delicate line between doubling down and retreating 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 entire interview below!
Florian
Florian is famous for his hilarious antics on the TLC show Darcey & Stacey. He's also a model and he uses his looks to help him make money. Recently, he got new teeth, and fans are wondering how that might affect his modeling career.
This Black-owned label is a must for fashion enthusiasts. The leather items are ethically sourced and made to last. In addition to designing fashion-forward bags, the company also gives back to its community. The End Systemic Racism Mini Tote is a great illustration of the company's activism-inspired designs.
Anima Iris is another Black-owned bag brand worth checking out. The bags are inspired by African cultures and feature intricate details. Beyonce, Keke Palmer designer handbags for sale and others have been spotted wearing them. Moreover, the company supports the artisanal craft of Africa.
Ree Projects
Desiree Kleinen, a fashion designer who is based in Amsterdam, developed and improved her skills at international fashion houses prior to founding her own label in 2016. Her minimalist bags are stylish and practical with a nod to functional elegance. Styles such as the Julie Mini and Helene Large in Black are on-trend styles that will never go away.
The IT bag of the 2020s, Telfar's minimalist TC-logo embellished leather utility bags are essentials for every closet. The brand received CFDA's 2019 American Accessory Designer of the Award and has found its appearance at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Moda Operandi, Nordstrom and Shopbop.
Created to extend the fashion quotient of your everyday bag Petit Kouraj's woven rayon fringe is a take on cotton netting, but with a modern twist. Pair with a pearl brooch or whimsical bow to elevate the basic design. These bags are made in Haiti and will keep you looking chic all day long.
BruceGlen
Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and many other designer labels have revolutionized our society in the field of black bags. However, there is a new name that has entered the conversation: BruceGlen.
The identical twins of the designers have created a line of handbags and ready-to-wear that is loved by the fashion-conscious for its use of eye-popping colors and hardware. But what makes BruceGlen truly stand out is their dedication to sustainability.
The brand just launched their first collection ever on the runway at NYFW in honor of their late mother's legacy. The Fall 2022 collection featured diverse looks that included rainbows, glitter and stained glass window patterns. The duo also teamed up with Resonance that offers a transparency instrument that provides information such as carbon emissions and fabric usage.
Anima Iris
If you're looking for a stylish modern, contemporary bag that speaks to your style-conscious side, Anima Iris is the brand for you. Wilglory Tanjong is the creator of this luxury purse brand. She is a full-time MBA Student who founded it in 2020.
The brand's bags are made by hand in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag is named after a close family member or a friend such as Anima and Iris Wilglory's childhood besties.
While many luxury brands promote their European heritage, Anima Iris centers African culture and history in its designs. The company donates a percentage of its profits to help women of color, and also selling trendy bags.