Over the course of the last two years, brands and publications have strived to make their workforce and content more diverse in the wake of the untimely killing of George Floyd. And although things have changed in some ways—in others, diversity was a ploy to gain traffic and traction (for example, Elon Musk laying off half of Twitter’s diversity initiatives team and Netflix beating Musk to the punch). But one thing that has gained a lot of traction, positively, is black-owned handbag brands.
In the summer of 2020, activists, employees, and creators called for businesses to diversify their entities to cause friction against the current racial turmoil taking place in the United States’ societal lexicon.
Here at Sitch, we love Black-owned handbag brands. The wealth of talent and skill that Black designers like Wilglory Tanjong or Antoine Manning portray in their work is something heralded by social media and the fashion industry alike.
Through that call to action, we’ve seen the flourishing of beloved brands like Anima Iris and Telfar—both donned by the likes of Beyoncé, who have both developed a cult following due to their sophisticated designs or their inventive advertising methods.
With brands like Brandon Blackwood, AAKS, and Homage Year receiving their flowers during some of the most tumultuous times of the pandemic, many more Black-owned handbag brands seek to forge their own narrative within the fashion world. From supple leather pieces to eye-catching printed crossbody bags, Black designers are making waves and creating their own communities around their signature iconoclast pieces.
Without further ado, we’ve rounded up 25 Black-owned handbag brands that are some of our favorites that will become some of your new besties.
Telfar
As we all know by now, Telfar, founded by Telfar Clemmens, has become a staple brand thanks to its signature shopper bag. The vegan leather handbag comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and a number of colors that align with whatever’s in your closet. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Gabrielle Union, and Lil Nas X have worn the bags. The brand is also known for its stylish athleisure pieces and footwear that showcase the label’s nongender and versatile ethos.
Anima Iris
Wilglory Tanjong founded Anima Iris in February 2020, and the brand has taken off quickly. Known for its signature Zaza and Zaya bags, the brand focuses on redefining what it means to be a “luxury” within the fashion landscape by providing top-notch leather designs.
Homage Year
Homage Year took the internet by storm thanks to smart social media marketing and the brand’s OVA Manifestation Bag getting included in the Black Fashion Fair, created by Antoine Bibby Gregory. The bag comes in a multitude of colors and in small and large sizes that incorporate vegan leather.
AAKS
Inspired by the weaving techniques of the women of Ghana, AAKS, created by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, seeks to increase awareness around ethical creation and consumption in fashion. The brand creates beautifully woven pieces in a variety of colors and styles that all have an African influence. (Our favorite is the Tia Blush tote bag!)
Cise
We’re pretty sure that you’ve seen the Cise “Protect Black Women” handbag on your Tik Tok or Instagram feed by now. Made with vegan suede, vegan leather, and 100% genuine leather, the shoulder bags come in a few colors and standard and mini sizes. Cise also sells backpacks and crossbody bags that are creative yet functional.
Ashya
Co-founded and co-creative-directed by American and Jamaican business duo Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, Ashya leads with the principles of being rooted in travel, cultural awareness, and unifying style with utility. The brand features sleek slingback bags made out of cow leather and includes a chic ring on the top for a truly luxurious piece.
NAYR Studio
Nayr Studio went viral on Instagram last year when Alaia Ryan, the brand’s creator, launched her heart tote bags. She then created the faux-fur-covered versions that have become every out-of-the-box fashion boy and girl’s coveted bag.
Yaito
Carlton Yaito established Yaito with his partner Tulie Yaito—who is a very stylish and sickening fashion girl if we do say so ourselves. The brand is known for its knot bags that have come in paisley prints, houndstooth, and many others. Yaito only opens its site during designated drops, so keep your eyes peeled!
Vavvoune
Based in New York City, Vavvoune, founded by self-taught designer Valerie Blaise, focuses on contemporary ideals. The brand aims to conceptualize a new tier of luxury and sustainability within the sartorial industry. Vavvoune’s best sellers are the Riya shoulder bag, the Efa top handle bag, and the Clarette Baguette bag.
Jumz
Okay, confession, we love bead bags. Jumz creates gorgeous bead bags that will definitely make someone ask you where you got them. The label focuses on creating for the contemporary woman, and it also gives back by collaborating with local NGOs. The Shakara bead bag comes in a few colors and gives a vintage yet chic vibe. It incorporates bead chandeliers all over that harken back to a time when you might’ve seen your grandmother carry a bag like it. Either way, we love the brand’s beaded selection.
Adolophine
Adolophine has one mission: “to bring African artisanal craftsmanship to the world through luxury goods while promoting the preservation of culture, economic sustainability, and charity.” CEO & founder Adolophine Lukabu Sheeley has always wanted to run her own business after growing up surrounded by and watching strong women do the same in her native Kinshasa. Her handbags are exciting, use effervescent prints and geometric shapes that align with your tastes.
Zashadu
This British/Nigerian sustainable luxury brand focuses on creating high-quality luxury pieces. Zainab Ashadu is the creative director at Zashadu and wanted to create the brand in order to explore the tension between quiet elegance and unabashed glamour. From mini bags to top-handle bags, Zashadu bolsters a timeless and stylish elegance that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Petit Kouraj
Petit Kouraj means “little courage” in Haitian Creole, and this label was exactly that for fashion stylist Nasrin Jean-Baptiste. Hailing from Haiti, Jean-Baptiste created Petit Kouraj after a visit to her native country in 2018. Now based in Brooklyn, the brand creates colorful fringe handbags that feel flirty and efficient.
Love Cortnie
Cortnie Hutchinson developed Love Cortnie in her grandmother’s kitchen, and she didn’t realize it at the time. Her grandmother taught her how to sew, and while playing around on her sewing machine, she created her first clutch bag. This bag has become a brand favorite and comes in a variety of prints and colors.
EDAS
Unusual home-goods? Check! Refurbished elements? Check! EDAS concentrates on providing bags that align with the every day, eclectic woman while also making sure that sustainability is a founding principle. Founded by Sade Mims, EDAS creates bags of many different proportions for any occasion.
AmanyZ
AmanyZ’s bags, crafted from reclaimed wood, are made by skilled artisans. AmanyZ creates bucket bags in multiple colors that help add a nice contrast to any outfit. On the brand’s about page, the creator, Amany Zama states, “I am devoted to creating unique pieces of art, that women and men from all walks of life could proudly wear and cherish.”
Ciriaco
Ciriaco sells really cute and fashion-forward handbags that are simple in design yet modern and fresh. The Ashley Baguette and Ciriaco TPU (the long baguette) have a Y2K feel that doesn’t feel overdone.
Brandon Blackwood
Brandon Blackwood has become a staple within Gen Z and late millennials due to the brand’s take on classic silhouettes. The eponymous brand focuses on selling trunks, shoulder bags, bucket bags, and carryalls that all have a stylish yet modern flair.
Mateo NY
Mateo NY specializes in creating bags that have an elegant air about themselves. It sells a multitude of leather handbags that each have their distinct style. The brand, started by Matthew Harris, first sold affordable jewelry before stepping into the handbag industry (a double doozy of a brand, are we right?).
Brother Vellies
Founder Aurora James established Brother Vellies with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also giving back to artisanal communities. Brother Vellies sells shoes, handbags, and even menswear pieces. As for handbags, there are many to choose from that’ll definitely pique your interest. From woven bags to buckets and even feathered bags, there’s something for everyone.
Want Les Essentiels
Want Les Essentiels offers streamlined silhouettes that take cues and notes from traditional styles and employ a modern twist. The brand sells bags for men and women and uses leather and nylon that add a nice sense of refinement to any look.
Bruce Glen
Bruce Glen, designed by twin brothers, brings fun, glamour, and whimsicality to the handbag space. Our favorites are the Papaya Grenade Bag and the Baby Baller Bag in Cream.
Cheyenne Kimora
The mini bags at Cheyenne Kimora are arguably one of our favorites in this listing. The bag comes in many colors and features a beaded, crystallized design that allows the small tote to pop. It also functions as the perfect cardholder, holding up to four cards.
Mowalola
Perhaps one of our favorite up-and-coming brands, Mowalola crafts otherworldly advertising, and chic accessories that have helped her grow a cult following over the last few years. Her Bundle Bag is a timeless and simple piece that comes in multiple colors for a fun, versatile option.
Mifland
Tobi Egberongbe founded Mifland in 2011 with an emphasis placed on form and function. Over the years, he has created many bags that live up to this reputation. The brand’s website features a variety of bags that’ll mesh well with anyone’s sartorial tastes. Our favorite is the Geo Mini.
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