18 Black-Owned Handbag Brands You Should Definitely Know About

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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

Yshaia Mini Bag

MAX + min

Born in Ohio, and currently living in New York City, the brand's designer Tiarra Smallwood created MAX+min in 2018 after a decade of designing for big corporate brands. MAX+min's ethos is not of a fleeting moment, but of sustainable, long-lasting designs that become trans-seasonal and timeless, with a twist.

Known for: Minimal details and curved silhouettes

Randi Hobo Bag

Silver & Riley

Silver & Riley, founded by Lola Banjo, 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

Convertible Executive Bag in Olive Green

Florian London

After a brief stint in finance, Florian's founder Tola started her label out of the 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 their 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

Vienna XL Bag

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

Mini Helene Leather Hobo Bag

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 its Ivory Coast lineage.

Known for: Architectural handbags

ilippo Leather Tote Bag

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

Mini Messenger Bag

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

Ashley Minimalist Denim Baguette

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

Mirey Teardrop Creme + Shearling Bag

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

Nia Croc-Embossed Suede Shoulder Bag

Anima Iris

Anima Iris designs colorful leather handbags that are, as stated in its Instagram bio, #BeyoncéApproved. Instantly recognized by the geometric silhouettes, each one of the brand's designs is hand-made entirely in Africa. However, the brand itself was founded in Philadelphia by Wilglory Tanjong. Some of its most popular silhouettes include the hexagon-shaped Zuri and the braid-detailed Zaya bags.

Known for: Eye-catching geometric shapes

Zaza Grande Croc-Embossed Leather Bag

Homage Year

Those who keep up with the latest brands to go viral on social media have more than likely come across Homage Year's colorful designs. Founded in 2014 by Antoine Manning, the brand is available in a rainbow assortment of colorways, with each ovular silhouette fit with two front bubble pockets and a cutout handle at the top. Each bag also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap for ease of carry. Exclusive colorways can be found at the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue and BlackFashionFair.com.

Known for: The Ova Bag

Ova Vegan Leather Top Handle Bag

Land'd

If you're in the market for new labels to add to your collection, emerging label Land'd should be on your radar. Based in Atlanta, it was founded by Devin Landers (hence the name) and offers a small-batch collection of rectangular leather shoulder bags that are defined by their slouchy '90s vibe and subtle kiss-lock fastening. Also on offer is the Didi Tote with long, curly Mongolian shearling. Each style is priced at just less than $300, making quality a bit more accessible.

Known for: Timeless silhouettes

Shelly-Black Bag

Petit Kouraj

Founder Nasrin Jean-Baptiste draws inspiration from her family's roots in Haiti to create a lineup of colorful netted shoppers. In an effort to provide lasting support to the Haitian community, all of Petit Kouraj's totes are produced locally. Detailed with fringe and beaded shells as accents, each style may have a distinct vibe that's great for vacation, but they all leverage elements of the country's rich culture.

Known for: Vacation-ready bags

Large Fringe Top Handle Bag

Telfar

At this point, designer Telfar Clemens's namesake label has become a household name. Its logo-stamped faux leather tote catapulted into popularity after it was so accurately dubbed the Bushwick Birkin. Today, the shopping bag is almost always sold out and has been reworked and reimagined, thanks to the help of brands like UGG and Moose Knuckles. It's also worth signing up for the brand's 24-hour all-access TV channel, which is just one example of its innovative marketing techniques.

Known for: The everyday tote bag

Telfar x Eastpack Debossed-logo Backpack

CISE

CISE first grabbed the attention of the masses with its Protect Black Women bags that were everywhere in 2020. Today, the L.A-based company is expanding its core lineup to include a selection of leather styles, including its Sterlo cross-body that features an obscure take on its logo. Not to mention, the brand has a long list of A-list fans, like singer Tinashe and Black-ish star Marsai Martin, who posted a picture on Instagram wearing one of CISE's designs.

Known for: Making a statement

Sterlo Statement Bag

Ashya

Brooklyn-based Ashya is the brand you look to for function-forward pieces that are also wildly stylish. Between its structured leather passport carriers and multi-compartment belt and body bags, each item is designed with wearability in mind.

It was announced earlier this month that the label would be partnering with iconic American designer Michael Kors to create a selection of limited-edition bags for the brand's 40th anniversary. "[The] partnership was so affirming that what we’re building is finally resonating with not only our current customer base, but seasoned icons like Mr. Kors and others," the Jamaican American designer tells Bazaar. "It's been an incredible learning experience and pivotal moment for our business," adding that the biggest takeaway was to be vocal about what you want and intentional in everything you do. "We have been consistent in our pursuit of building a unisex travel-adjacent accessories brand, through rejections and many nos."

Known for: Modern belt bags

Heritage Multi Pouch Leather Belt Bag

AAKS

Every well-dressed woman needs a woven straw tote in her wardrobe, and AAKS designs have more than enough options. Handcrafted by artisans in Africa with sustainable elements, the colorful carryalls are available for purchase at Nordstrom, too, for those hoping to snag one of the well-made pieces ahead of their next warm-weather vacation where the sturdy design will come in handy.

Known for: Sustainable straw and raffia bags

Tia Blush Top-Handle Bag

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