Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe
Black designer bags are a timeless 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 eco-friendly bags, with custom-made production and livable wages for artisans. Their woven silhouette gives off the best nonchalantly chic vibes.
Yvonne Kone
Yvonne Kone combines minimalist Danish design with a colorful sensibility which she inherited from her Ivory Coast heritage to create luxury Italian leather accessories and goods. With a pared back design, a more architectural approach to material, form and texture her pieces that can be worn anywhere are a testament to the story of her lineage and heritage over fashion and demonstrate a reverence for traditional craftsmanship.
The bags made of black leather from the brand are a mix between classic shapes and bold colors, ranging from elegant saddle bags to versatile bucket bags. The eponymous brand is a favorite of fuss-free modern women who value timeless style.
A recipient of a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship New York-based ASHYA creates functional, well-crafted bags for travel that blend luxury and utility. The genderless collection includes innovative designs like their reversible crossbody and neck-to-shoulder Bolo bag, all made in small batches with custom hardware.
Sarep + Rose
Sarep + Rose, a lifestyle brand founded by Robin Sirleaf combines style with social impact. The founder travels across Africa to source materials and collaborate with makers for an elevated approach to the everyday item. Her extensive line of artisan-made leather bags, footwear and decorative storage baskets for your home change the stories about Africa.
Her collections employ Fish Skin leather (a texture made by dried pike fish skin) and Sisal baskets to evoke an impression of the contemporary African aesthetic. Add a fun flower or bow to a top handle shape to make the appearance more interesting.
Nordstrom's flagship store in New York City will be hosting an in-store market featuring eight Black-owned businesses from February 14 through March 6. The curated marketplace features apparel food and home products from Caribbean lifestyle inspired 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
Founded by fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste, Petit Kouraj is the Haitian Creole word for "little courage." After years of styling and amassing experience as an international fashion designer, she was able to recognize her instinctual calling and developed an assortment of luxury bags that combine knitwear, sculpture, and cultural identity.
Jean-Baptiste worked with a group of women in Haiti to create her crochet bags. She made use of 100 100% cotton net, rayon fringe and leather handles. They spend up to 12 hours on one bag.
Vavvoune, a brand based in Brooklyn is renowned for its distinctive shapes and a slick color palette. This fringe crossbody is no exception. You can also opt for a more sleek style with the brand's Michelle tote, with its an intricate geometric design and a pouch that matches.
Valerie Blaise
Created by self-taught designer/artisan Valerie Blaise in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav*une) is a leather accessories brand that is renowned for its use of its cultured design. Moments of nostalgia, moods and functionality bring ideas into the creative process and overall style of the brand.
Valerie Blaise, a designer of her own line, takes this trend to the next level by designing bags that are chic and sophisticated. Designed with architecturally inspired accents her collections are ideal for all occasions from office to dinner.
You've likely seen Anima Iris on celebrities like Beyonce. Even you've not seen them it's worth a look. Each piece is created to celebrate and honor traditional African craftsmanship, from the woven handles to hexagon designs. This is a label that will never go out of style.
Jevoni McAllister
The founder Jevoni McAllister launched her sustainable (and budget-friendly) collection after she got 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 an all-black bucket with rose gold detailing to an elegant rucksack hand-painted with initials her designs are suitable for all.
Homage Year is another line to be aware of, with each drop dedicated to the memory of designer Antoine Manning's late father and the Black diaspora. The label's most coveted silhouettes are available in a range of styles. From structured top-handles, to saddle bags, and even a sleek, cross-body bag which can be dressed with a bow or a flower.
Whether you're looking to add some color or add a new item to your collection, these seven black-owned handbag brands have something to provide. From party-perfect bags to carry-anywhere satchels, they're worth adding to your cart now.
Tola Adeagbo
Tola Adeagbo, who was a finance professional, resorted to bags and created Florian London. For AW19 collection, the brand celebrates the chic librarian style 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 also top-handles that are structured and saddle bags that can get you through the week.
BN met with Tola to discuss the fine line between doubling down and retreating in the face of a setback, the importance of passion in her work and what she considers to be the Florian girl. See the full interview below.
Florian
Florian is well-known for his hilarious antics on the TLC series Darcey & Stacey. He's also a model and uses his looks to earn an income. Recent dental work has left people wondering what effect it could have on his modeling career.
This label from Black owned is a must for those who love fashion. Its leather pieces have been ethically sourced, and are made to last. The company not only creates trendy bags but also contributes to the community. The End Systemic Racism Mini Tote is a great illustration of the company's activism-inspired designs.
Anima Iris, another black-owned bag manufacturer, is worth checking out. The bags are inspired by African cultures and have intricate details. Beyonce, Keke Palmer and other celebrities have been seen wearing them. The company also promotes artisanal craft in Africa.
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen worked on her craft at several international fashion houses before founding her eponymous label in 2016. Her minimalist bags are utilitarian and sleek, with a touch of practical elegance. Look to styles like the Julie Mini or Helene Large in black for an elegant look that will never go out of style.
Telfar's utilitarian leather bags with the TC logo are essential 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 netting lace fringe is a modern interpretation of cotton netting. Pair with an elegant pearl brooch or a whimsical bow to elevate the simple silhouette. Made in Haiti, these bags will keep your style modern from day to night.
BruceGlen
Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and a host other designer labels have revolutionized our society when it comes to black bags. BruceGlen is a brand new name that has entered the scene.
The identical twins have come up with a line of handbags and ready-to-wear that is loved by the fashion-conscious for its use of striking color and accessories. But what makes BruceGlen truly stand out is their dedication to sustainability.
In fact, the brand has just unveiled its first ever runway collection at NYFW dedicated to their mother's passing and her legacy. The fall 2022 collection included diverse looks that included glitter, rainbows and stained glass window patterns. The brothers also partnered with Resonance, which offers an instrument that lets you see information about carbon emissions and fabric water usage.
Anima Iris
If you're looking for a stylish modern and contemporary tote that appeals to your fashion-conscious spirit, Anima Iris is the brand for you. This luxury purse brand is helmed by Wilglory Tanjong who is who is a full-time MBA student who founded the company in the year 2020.
The bags of the brand are hand made in Dakar, Senegal. Each bag bears the name of an individual from the family or a close friend, such as Anima and Iris--Wilglory's childhood best friends.
While many luxury brands focus on promoting European heritage, Anima Iris' designs center around African culture and history. In addition to their fashionable bags, the brand also donates a percentage of profits to various charities that support women of color.