Get In Your Black-Owned Bag with These Gorgeous, Rising Brands Holding It Down

These days, there's a flurry of emerging handbag labels making their way into the limelight.

So much so that staying current with the newest and greatest might as well be a full-time job.

Many of these beautiful new designs and labels are Black-owned and there are more on the way. So, If you're ready for some new swag, here are some of the top Black-owned handbag brands on the rise and holding it down in 2022.

La Réunion

The Brooklyn-based company La Réunion was created as a result of the founder's inborn passion for textiles, Nigerian-American designer Sarah Nsikak.

The seasoned professional in the field, who holds a master's degree in art therapy, creates hand-quilted items entirely from recycled materials obtained from vintage and estate sales.

Ree Projects

Ree Projects is a luxury handbag company with an inclusive mission that was created by Amsterdam designer Desiree Kleinen in 2019. On the website for the brand, Kleinen stated, "I want to make items that authentically relate with who I am and the world around me. " she said.

Yvonne Koné

You simply must get acquainted with Yvonne Koné. She creates architectural handbag collections that are unified tributes to her African heritage.

The J2 Collection

Julian James II of Indianapolis-based bespoke firm The J2 Collection is an excellent place to start for people who are certain of what they want but haven't been successful in locating it. Although the small-batch label has a few orders waiting, the magic happens when James and you work together to make a unique piece.

Ciriaco

Based in New York, Ciriaco (pronounced "siri-ah-k") is redefining the form of the typical handbag. Ashley Ciriaco's well-loved designs are available in a selection of shapes, materials, and colors, including a supple cow pattern in gray, brown, and baby pink.

Only Made

Fans of BFF alum Only Made's quirky jewelry designs will adore the brand's first handbag design's understated elegance. The Rowe Mini is a skillfully made half-moon bag made of black leather with a modest braided pattern running over the shoulder strap.

Vavvoune

The tiny designs are constructed with touches of nostalgia, functionality, and energy in mind and were designed by Brooklyn-based designer Valérie Blaise. To assure top-notch quality, the business collaborates closely with regional artisans in New York City's Garment District.

Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood's self-titled label has soared to fame in a matter of years, and during a pandemic no less. The handbag designer whose trendy ESR (End Systemic Racism) totes went viral has recently broadened his selection to include a bit of everything.

Each new version is available in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials, from the iconic Kendrick Trunk to the '90s-inspired Syl Shoulder Bag. A-listers and other famous people have developed an interest in the company, with Winnie Harlow and Jessica Alba among their notable devotees.

Anima Iris

As stated in its Instagram bio, #BeyoncéApproved, Anima Iris creates vibrant leather purses. Each of the brand's creations is totally hand-made in Africa and instantly recognizable by the geometric outlines. The hexagon-shaped Zuri and the Zaya bags with braided details are some of its most well-known styles.

Homage Year

The vibrant designs of Homage Year have probably caught the attention of those who follow the newest businesses to become viral on social media.

Antoine Manning founded the company in 2014. It comes in a wide range of hues, with each ovular silhouette featuring two front bubble pockets and a cutout handle at the top. Saks Fifth Avenue and BlackFashionFair.com, for example, carry exclusive hues.

Landd

It is a small-batch line of rectangular leather shoulder bags that are characterized by its slouchy '90s attitude and delicate kiss-lock fastening. It is based in Atlanta and was founded by Devin Landers (thus the name). Each style costs just $300 or less.

Petit Kouraj

All of Petit Kouraj's totes are made in Haiti to support the local economy over the long run. The line-up of vibrant netted shoppers was designed by founder Nasrin Jean-Baptiste using inspiration from her family's history. Each style makes use of components of the country's rich culture and may have a distinctive vibe that's perfect for vacation. Accents include fringe and beaded shells.

CISE

With its Protect Black Women backpacks, which were widely available in 2020, CISE initially caught people's notice. The L.A.-based brand is currently introducing a number of leather models to complement its main collection, like as the Sterlo cross-body, which has a unique interpretation of its emblem.

Not to mention, CISE has a large following of A-list admirers, like the actress Marsai Martin from the TV show Black-ish and singer Tinashe.

Ashya

Brooklyn-based When you want functional clothing that is also extremely fashionable, Ashya is the brand you turn to. For the brand's 40th anniversary, it was revealed that the firm would collaborate with renowned American fashion designer Michael Kors to produce a number of limited-edition bags.

EDAS

The eclectic woman is considered when designing by EDAS. With a focus on creating your new everyday staple, entrepreneur Sade Mims creates each style in Brooklyn. But it's just a matter of time before EDAS becomes the next big It brand, given that luxury stores Farfetch and Selfridges have chosen to carry the line.

A.A.K.S

For anyone looking to acquire one of the well-made, bright carryalls before their upcoming warm-weather getaway where the durable construction would come in handy, the vibrant bags are also sold at Nordstrom and are handmade by artisans in Africa using sustainable materials.