Be On The Lookout For: How Designer Handbags Black Is Taking Over And How To Respond
Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Black designer bags are a timeless addition to your wardrobe. The style can easily change from formal to casual with the right add-ons.
Petit Kouraj, a Brooklyn-based brand, incorporates Haitian roots in its sustainable bags. It is a custom-made product with a living wage for artisans. Their woven style gives the most elegant and stylish, nonchalant style.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines minimalist Danish design with a vibrant and lively style. derived her Ivory Coast heritage to create luxurious Italian leather goods and accessories. With a minimalist design, a more architectural approach to form, materials and textures, her take-anywhere pieces uphold the story of her lineage and heritage over fashion and demonstrate a reverence for traditional craftsmanship.
The bags made by the brand are black and feature a mix of classic designs and bold colors, ranging from sleek saddle designs to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous brand is a favorite among modern women who love timeless style.
The recipient of a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship, New York-based ASHYA makes practical, well-crafted bags for travel that combine the best of both worlds. The collection is gender-neutral and features unique styles such as their Reversible Bolo bag and neck-worn Bolo bag. Each item is made in small batches using custom hardware.
Sarep + Rose
Founded by Robin Sirleaf, the lifestyle brand Sarep + Rose blends style with social impact. The founder makes frequent trips to Africa in order to source materials, and then teams up with designers to create a more sophisticated version of the casual everyday accessory. Her collection of leather bags, footwear, and decorative storage boxes for homes are all hand-crafted in Africa.
Her collections employ Fish Skin leather (a texture made by dried pike fish skin) and Sisal baskets to convey a sense of the modern African aesthetic. Add a playful bow or flower embellishment to a top-handle design to change the look.
Nordstrom's NYC flagship store will highlight eight black-owned businesses at an in-store market this February 14 through March 6. The curated marketplace features apparel, food and home goods from Caribbean lifestyle brand 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
Nasrin Jean Baptiste, a fashion stylist was the founder of Petit Kouraj, the Haitian Creole term for "little courage". After years of styling, she listened her inner voice and designed a luxurious bag line that fuses knitwear, sculpture and a sense of identity.
Jean-Baptiste partnered with an all-women-led group in Haiti to create her crochet bags made of 100% rayon fringe, cotton net, and leather handles. They spend up to 12 hours on one bag.
Vavvoune is a Brooklyn-based brand is known for its unique designs and vibrant color palette. This fringe crossbody is no exception. You can also opt for a more sleek style with the label's Michelle tote, which has a geometric patterns that are beveled and a matching pouch inside.
Valerie Blaise
Created by self-taught designer/artisan Valerie Blaise in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav*une) is a leather accessories brand recognized by way of a cultured design. The brand's innovative operation is influenced by moods, nostalgia, and practicality.
It's not a secret that Black designers are reworking classic shapes into modern essentials, but Valerie's namesake line goes one step further by offering bags that are both chic and elegant. With a design that is inspired by architecture her collections are ideal for everything from desk-to-dinner.
You've likely seen Anima Iris bags on the likes of Beyonce, but even if not they are definitely worth checking out. Each bag is created with a conscious effort to celebrate and honor traditional African handicrafts, from woven handles to hexagon designs. This is a label that will never go out of style.
Jevoni McAllister
Jevoni McAllister, the creator of the collection, started it after she became tired of scrolling Instagram and finding only designer bags on sale. designer handbags for sale can be worn by women from all walks of life. From a black bucket with rose gold accents to a chic rucksack painted with initials her designs are suitable for all.
Homage Year is another brand 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 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 a flower.
These seven Black-owned bag designers offer something for anyone, whether you're looking to bring some color to your wardrobe or find a new essential. From party-perfect bags to carry-anywhere satchels are worth adding to your shopping cart now.
Tola Adeagbo
After a successful career in finance, Tola Adeagbo turned to handbag design and created Florian London. The brand's AW19 collection is both spirited and refined, while embracing the chic librarian style. Check out last season's coveted mock-croc bucket bag, redesigned in an angular shade of terracotta, and top-handles with a structured design and saddle bags that will get you through the week.
BN caught up with Tola to discuss the delicate line between doubling down and retreating in the case of a setback. We also discussed the importance of passion in her work and what she considers to be the Florian girl. See the full interview below.
Florian
Florian is famous for his hilarious antics on the TLC show Darcey & Stacey. He is also a professional model who makes an income. Recent dental work has left people wondering what effect it will have on his modeling career.
This label owned by Black is a must-have for those who love fashion. The leather items are ethically sourced and designed to ensure longevity. In addition to making fashion-forward bags, the company also contributes to its community. The End Systemic Racism Mini Tote is a great illustration of the company's activism-inspired designs.
Anima Iris, another black-owned bag company, is also worth a look. The designer's bags are influenced by African culture and have intricate details. Beyonce, Keke Palmer and other stars have been seen wearing them. In addition, the company is committed to artisanal craftsmanship in Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen honed her skills at a variety of international fashion houses before launching her own label in the year 2016. Her minimally constructed bags are stylish and practical with an emphasis on practical elegance. Consider styles such as the Julie Mini or Helene Large in black for a modern look that will never go out of style.
Telfar's practical leather bags with TC-logo-inspired embellishments are essential for any wardrobe. 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.
Petit Kouraj's rayon fringe is a contemporary take on cotton netting. Pair with an elegant pearl brooch or a whimsical bow to elevate the basic form. These bags are handmade in Haiti and will keep you looking stylish from day to night.
BruceGlen
Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and a host other designer labels have changed our lives when it comes to black bags. BruceGlen is a new name that has entered the conversation.
The identical twins have created a line of bags and accessories that are loved by the fashion elite for its use of striking color and hardware. BruceGlen's commitment towards sustainability is what really makes them stand out.
In fact, the brand just unveiled its first ever runway collection at NYFW dedicated to their mother's passing and her legacy. The collection of the duo's Fall 2022 included a variety of looks that included glitter, rainbows, and stained glass window designs. The duo also teamed up with Resonance which is a transparent instrument that provides information such as carbon emissions and the use of fabrics.
Anima Iris
If you're looking for a sleek, modern bag that speaks to your fashionable soul then look at Anima Iris. Wilglory Tanjong is the creator of this premium purse brand. She is full-time MBA student who started the brand in 2020.
The brand's bags are handmade in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag is named after a close family member or 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 the past. In addition to their fashionable bags, the brand also contributes a portion of their profits to various organizations that help women of color.