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18 Black-Owned Handbag Brands You Should Definitely Know About
There’s a bag here for every personal style
As professional shoppers—I’ve dedicated this name to market writers everywhere, okay?—we’re constantly on the hunt for the most splendid discoveries. Whether we’re uncovering a slouchy new boot from Loewe or Aisling Camp’s Kapok Dress, we have to be on the quest for newness. And while we often hear about the biggest names in the game, it’s clear that several Black-owned emerging handbag brands are holding their own: dominating social media, appearing in campaigns, and being touted on commutes and beyond by loyal fans. That’s what will skyrocket Black-owned brands: loyalty and invariant support. Solidarity is not a one-time deal.
Support is crucial to brands’ longevity. Stanford University’s 2017 study remains true: Black business owners have less access to capital than do their non-Black counterparts. And Black-owned brands don’t have the same safety net (social and capital) as big-dog designer empires. In this system, it is crucial to recognize the power held in a single wallet. A purchase goes a long way for Black-owned brands, and things won’t change until these designers are part of a global brand-to-know Rolodex, organically—to shop now, tomorrow, and perpetually, beyond a holiday or breaking point.
Ah-Niyah Gold, the Olivia Pope of PR and champion of Black-owned fashion through her company, A Gold Consulting, spoke with Bazaar about the importance of shopping Black-owned brands. “There are a plethora of talented Black designer handbag brands that deserve more credit for their creativity and craftsmanship. It’s important to not only support, amplify, and highlight these designers, but also share their talent,” she said.
Most fashion lovers have no shortage of handbags in their collections. So the next time you’re searching for a chic, unique, and well-made option, why not opt for a Black-owned brand? “I think your handbag says a lot about your character. Do you appreciate a bag that stands out—a mini bag—that is endless in quality and style? I think that’s the pose of these brands,” Gold said. “Supporting the natural talent that these brands bring to the table should not go unnoticed. On other words, we should make conscious efforts to shine a spotlight on Black-owned brands.”
To continue our support, we’ve updated our curation of Black-owned handbag brands to carry in 2023 ahead. “Keep an eye out for these brands, as they are continuously pushing the boundaries in the fashion industry,” Gold said. Shop them below.
Edas
Edas designs with the eclectic woman in mind. From leather aprons meant to be worn over your outfit for added dimension to brightly colored shoulder bags with complementary accents, the brand has a lot to offer. Each style is created by founder Sade Mims in Brooklyn, with a focus on crafting your new everyday staple. Considering that Edas has already been picked up by luxury retailers Farfetch and Selfridges, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes the next big It brand.
Known for: Eclectic accessories
MAX+min
Born in Ohio and currently living in New York City, MAX+min designer Tiarra Smallwood created the brand in 2018, after a decade of designing for big corporations. MAX+min’s ethos is not about a fleeting moment, but rather sustainable, long-lasting designs that become trans-seasonal and timeless, with a twist.
Known for: Minimal details and curved silhouettes
Silver & Riley
Founded by Lola Banjo, Silver & Riley offers luxury travel accessories made from premium full-grain leather, including messenger bags and carryall duffles. Ideal for work, weekend trips, and workout classes, each bag has enough space (and more) for daily must-haves. Three words to describe this brand? Elegant, lavish, and practical.
Known for: Upgraded commuter bags
Florian London
After a brief stint in finance, Florian founder Tola started her label out of a desire to champion and celebrate women. Handcrafted ethically in a third-generation family-owned atelier, each handbag from Florian is made sustainably, with quality, care, and expert craftsmanship at an affordable price. (Win-win.) All of the brand’s collections are made in limited runs, so you can add a unique statement piece to your wardrobe that can last a lifetime.
Known for: A family-owned atelier, pops of bold color
Ree Projects
Amsterdam-based designer Desiree Kleinen founded Ree Projects in 2019 as a global luxury handbag brand with inclusivity at the fore. “I want to create pieces that resonate with who I am and the world around me in a genuine way,” Kleinen shared on the brand’s website. “I love to empower and inspire all the women around the globe to be herself and emphasize her strength, her pure beauty and personality.”
Known for: Contemporary silhouettes
Yvonne Koné
If you’re not yet familiar with Yvonne Koné, the designer pays homage to her African roots through cohesive collections of architectural handbags. They’re skillfully created with Danish design elements and sensible yet exciting color stories that are a nod to the brand’s Ivory Coast lineage.
Known for: Architectural handbags
The J2 Collection
For those who know exactly what they want but haven’t been able to find it, Julian James II of Indianapolis-based bespoke brand the J2 Collection is a great place to start. Though the small-batch label has a handful of orders on hand, the magic lies in creating a one-of-a-kind piece alongside James. One of the benefits of the brand using quality materials is that it will last in your personal collection for years to come.
Known for: Messenger bags
Ciriaco
Ciriaco (pronounced siri-ah-kō) is a New York–based brand reinventing the shape of the everyday handbag. Founded by Ashley Ciriaco, its editor- and influencer-approved designs come in a handful of shapes, materials, and colorways, such as a supple cow print in gray, brown, and baby pink. Each style is meant to stand out in your closet. The bags are available at KITH, both online and at select locations for your shopping perusal.
Known for: Playful shapes and fabrics
Vavvoune
If you have yet to be introduced to Vavvoune’s (pronounced vav-une) sleek handbags, then it’s time to get acquainted. The compact styles on offer were created by Brooklyn-based designer Valérie Blaise and are made with hints of nostalgia, functionality, and energy in mind. The brand works closely with local craftsmen and women in New York’s Garment District to ensure top-notch quality.
Known for: Elevated everyday bags
Brandon Blackwood
In just a few short years, and in the middle of a pandemic no less, Brandon Blackwood’s eponymous label has skyrocketed to notoriety. The handbag designer who went viral for his buzzy ESR (End Systemic Racism) totes has since expanded his offering to include a little bit of everything. From the signature Kendrick Trunk to the ’90s-inspired Syl Shoulder Bag, each new style comes in a range of sizes, colorways, and materials. Celebrities and other A-listers have also taken an interest in the brand, with names like Jessica Alba and Winnie Harlow as famous fans.
Known for: Modern designs with a New York edge
