Who Needs a Birkin When There Are So Many Dope Handbags By Black Designers?
The Hermés’ Birkin bag has long been a symbol of status and wealth. But with a price tag that comes in at more than most folks’ monthly rent payment, owning one may be way out of reach unless your last name is Kardashian.
But you don’t have to empty your savings account to show off your style. These days, Black designers are serving us luxury with bags made of the highest quality materials and a whole lot of style.
Check out some of our favorite handbags from Black brands that will make you ask, “Birkin, who?”
Mateo
Born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Matthew Harris is a self-taught designer. He launched his brand, Mateo, in March 2009, starting with men’s jewelry and growing to include women’s jewelry and a collection of classically chic handbags.
Mifland
Mifland is an Atlanta-based brand featuring apparel and leather accessories. The handbag collection is a cool mixture of simple style and vibrant colors.
Ashya
Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece are the co-founders and co-creative directors of ASHYA, a collection of handcrafted leather bags that look more like works of art than a place to keep your lipstick and cell phone.
Ree Projects
Designer Desiree Kleinen is the creative force behind Ree Projects, the Amsterdam-based luxury bag brand. Kleinen honed her skills as a design consultant at Karl Lagerfeld and Balmain before stepping out on her own in 2016. We love the Ann Tote, a simple yet oh-so-stylishly structured carryall made of 100 percent Italian soft calf leather.
Silver & Riley
Lola Banjo launched Silver & Riley, a luxurious line of handbags made of premium leather and high-end accessories, in 2019. The Classic New Yorker Bag is a modern take on a classic style. It says, “I can get a table at any restaurant in Manhattan, but would rather stay in Brooklyn.”
Telfar
Beyoncé and Oprah are just a few of the celebrity fans of Telfar Clemens’ Telfar brand. Nicknamed the “Bushwick Birkin,” Telfar’s Large Shopping Bag is the perfect work bag. With both top handles and a crossbody strap, you’ll show everyone you mean business.
Olori
Founded by Nigerian-born Tomide Awe, Olori (“queen”) is a brand on a mission to empower women. That’s why a portion of every sale helps provide tuition for girls in underserved African communities. A beautiful combination of leather and fabric hand-loomed by Nigerian artisans. the Adunni Micro Tote is a bag that is sure to make a statement.
Anima Iris
With vibrant colors and bold designs, Anima Iris handbags always steal the show. Every piece in the collection is carefully handcrafted in Senegal, like the Zaza Grande, a 100 percent leather handbag with a uniquely twisted handle.
Agnes Baddoo
Sometimes the most stylish accessories are the simplest ones. Take it from Agness Baddoo. The Sac Petit is a beautiful bag that’s perfect for a business lunch or a weekend shopping trip.
Monazeni
Monazeni markets itself as a brand of luxury bags with attitude, and we couldn’t agree more. We love the Sienna Bag, made with premium vegan leather complemented by gold tone hardware.
Liselle Kiss
Liselle Kiss bags won’t just make you look good. You can feel good about your purchase too. A portion of the sales support the A21 Campaign, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking worldwide. The Melle Zebra bag is made with Italian repurposed leather. We can’t get enough of the brass chain, an accessory that adds a glam touch.
Brandon Blackwood
Without a doubt, Brandon Blackwood is turning classic handbag designs on their head, using edgy shapes and materials to set itself apart from everyone else in the game. One of our favorites is the Bamboo B Tote, made of 100 percent genuine ombré salvator lizard skin.
MAX + min
Tiarra Smallwood is the designer behind MAX + min handbags. We can’t get enough of the Emory Leather Tote. It’s a 100 percent leather tote with a classic design. But the metal handle is subtly chic accessory that makes a statement.
EDAS
New York-based Sadie Mims created EDAS, a line of handbags known for their bold colors and playful shapes. Yshaia Mini is a leather mini with an adjustable strap and a unique buckle accessory.
Florian London
Florian London founder Tola says she launched her brand in 2013 to create something extraordinary. And she did just that with her high-quality handbags that are – well — flawless. Dressed up or down, the Isla Rounded Micro Bag can go any and everywhere its stylish owner wants to take it.
J2 Collection
Indianapolis-based designer Julian James II turns high-quality leather into beautiful leather goods for his brand, J2 Collection. Buttery soft green leather on the outside and smooth grey suede on the inside is what you get with the Emerald Green Signature Tote, a go-anywhere bag with a magnetic snap closure.
CISE
Look sharp and make a statement with the PBP Vegan Leather Bag from CISE. Made with high-quality vegan leather, the bag is embossed with an important message: “Protect Black People.”
