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Black Designer Handbags Are a Timeless Addition to Any Wardrobe

Black designer bags will always be a classic accessory to your wardrobe. With the appropriate accessories, this style can easily be changed from formal to casual.

Brooklyn-based brand Petit Kouraj carries Haitian roots into its sustainable bags with custom-made production and livable wages for artisans. Their woven silhouette conveys the most elegantly chic vibes.

Yvonne Kone

Yvonne Kone combines minimalist Danish design with a colorful sensibility that she inherited from her Ivory Coast heritage to create luxurious Italian leather products and accessories. With a pared back design, a more geometric approach to form, materials and textures her take-anywhere pieces tell a the past and tradition over trends and demonstrate a reverence for the old-fashioned craftsmanship.

The bags made by the brand are black and feature a mix of classic designs and bold colors, ranging from sleek saddle styles to versatile bucket bags. The brand's name is a favorite among modern women who value timeless design.

A recipient of a 2019 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad Fellowship New York-based ASHYA produces functional, well-crafted bags for travel that blend luxury and utility. The collection is gender-neutral and includes unique designs such as their reversible Crossbody and around-the-neck Bolo bag, which are all constructed in small batches using customized hardware.

Sarep + Rose

Sarep + Rose, a lifestyle brand created by Robin Sirleaf combines style with social impact. The founder travels to Africa to procure materials, and then teams up with makers who create a more sophisticated version of the casual everyday accessory. Her selection of leather bags, footwear, and decorative storage boxes for homes are all made by hand in Africa.

Her collections use Fish Skin leather (a texture created by dried pike fish skin) and Sisal baskets that evoke a sense of the modern African style. Add a whimsical flower or bow to a handle with a top shape to make the appearance more interesting.

Nordstrom's NYC flagship store will showcase eight black-owned businesses at an in-store market from February 14, through March 6. The curated market features apparel food, home goods, and other items 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

Nasrin Jean Baptiste, a fashion stylist, founded Petit Kouraj, which is the Haitian Creole term for "little courage". After years of styling, she listened her instincts and came up with a luxury bag line that combines knitwear, sculpture and cultural identity.

Jean-Baptiste worked with a group of women in Haiti to create her crochet bags. She used 100 100% cotton net along with rayon fringe and leather handles. They spend as much as 12 hours making a single bag.

Brooklyn-based brand Vavvoune is all about uniquely shaped silhouettes with a maximalist color palette, like this fringe crossbody. You can also opt for a more sleek style with the label's Michelle tote, which has a an intricate geometric design and a pouch that matches.

Valerie Blaise

Created by self-taught designer handbags london/artisan Valerie Blaise in Brooklyn New York. VAVVOUNE (pronounced vav*une) is a leather-based accessories brand that is renowned for its use of its cultured design. The brand's innovative operation is influenced by moods nostalgia and functionality.

It's not a secret that Black designers are reworking classic shapes into trendy essentials, but Valerie's name-brand line goes one step further with bags that are chic and elegant. Her collections, which are designed with architecturally-inspired accents, are ideal for everything from work to a meal.

You've likely seen Anima Iris on celebrities like Beyonce. However, even you've not seen them, they're worth checking out. Each piece is designed to celebrate and honor the tradition of African craftsmanship, from the woven handles to hexagon designs. This is a brand that will never go out of style.

Jevoni McAllister

Founder Jevoni McAllister created 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 can be worn by women from all walks of life. From a black bucket with rose gold detailing to a rucksack that is hand-painted with initials Her designs are appropriate for anyone.

Homage Year Homage Year, a label that is worth knowing, dedicates every drop to the memory and Black diaspora of designer Antoine Manning’s late father. The label's coveted silhouettes come 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.

If you're looking to add some color or nearby a new staple item to your collection the seven black-owned handbag brands have something to provide. These seven Black-owned handbag designers have everything from party-perfect clutches and carry-everywhere bags to offer.

Tola Adeagbo

After a career in finance, Tola Adeagbo turned to handbag design and founded Florian London. This AW19, the label celebrates the elegant librarian aesthetic, with a collection bold yet refined. Look out for the popular mock-croc bucket bag, redesigned in an striking shade of terracotta as well as structured top-handles and saddle bags that can get you through the week.

BN interviewed Tola to discuss the delicate line between the two extremes of doubling down and retreating in the event of a setback, the role of passion in her business and what she considers to be the Florian girl. See the full interview below.

Florian

Florian is best known for his hilarious antics in the TLC series Darcey & Stacey. He is also a model and uses his looks to help him make money. Recent dental work has left many wondering what impact it will have on his modeling career.

This brand owned by Black is a must-have for fashion lovers. Its leather pieces are ethically sourced and designed to ensure long-term durability. The company doesn't just make stylish bags but also donates to the community. Its End Systemic Racism mini tote is a great illustration of its activist-inspired designs.

Anima Iris, another black-owned bag company, is also worth a look. The bags are inspired by African cultures and have intricate details. Beyonce, Keke Palmer and other celebrities have been seen wearing them. In addition, the company is committed to artisanal craftsmanship in Africa.

Ree Projects

Desiree Kleinen, a fashion designer who is based in Amsterdam, developed and improved her skills at international fashion houses before creating her own label in 2016. Her minimalist bags are utilitarian and sleek, with a touch of a functional smoot. Styles like the Julie Mini and Helene Large in black are trendy styles that will never fade away.

Telfar's utilitarian leather bags with the TC logo are essential for any wardrobe. Telfar was awarded the CFDA 2019 American Accessory Designer of the award and is available at Bergdorf Goodman and other top retailers, including Moda Operandi and Shopbop.

Petit Kouraj's rayon netting fringe is a modern interpretation of cotton nets. Pair with an elegant pearl brooch or a whimsical bow to elevate the simple form. Handmade in Haiti these bags will keep your style modern from day to night.

BruceGlen

Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and a variety of other designer labels have changed our culture in the field of black bags. However, a new name has entered the conversation: BruceGlen.

The identical twin designers have created a line of handbags and accessories that is loved by the fashion elite for its use of eye-popping colors and hardware. But what makes BruceGlen truly stand out is their dedication to sustainability.

In fact, the brand recently debuted its first-ever runway collection at NYFW dedicated to their late mother and her legacy. The collection of the duo's Fall 2022 included a range of styles that featured rainbows, glitter and stained glass window prints. The brothers also partnered up with Resonance which offers a transparency instrument that reveals data like carbon emissions and usage of fabric.

Anima Iris

If you're looking for a sleek, modern tote bag that speaks to your fashionable soul Look at Anima Iris. This brand of luxury purses is managed by Wilglory Tanjong who is who is a full-time MBA student who launched the company in 2020.

The bags of the brand are made by hand in Dakar, Senegal. Each one bears the name of an individual from the family or a close friend, such as Anima and Iris, one of Wilglory's best friends from childhood.

While a lot of luxury brands are focused on promoting their European heritage, Anima Iris centers African history and culture in its designs. In addition to their fashionable bags, the brand also donates a percentage of profits to organizations that help women of color.