The 26 Best Black-Owned Handbag Brands to Know in 2024
Check out Agnes Baddoo, Petit Kouraj, and more.
A new handbag may not always be a necessity, but pick the right one, and you’ll have it for life. In need of a new catch-all for commuting or a versatile option for your next vacation that won’t eat up all your carry-on space? Or, perhaps you’re seeking a statement piece that’ll work for multiple weddings and formal events on your calendar. There’s a lot to consider when shopping for the perfect purse, and our favorite Black-owned handbag brands have plenty worth perusing.
From sculptural shoulder bags and raffia styles that are essentially wearable art to roomy leather totes that are equal parts practical and beautiful, these 26 labels have it all. They also offer a range of price points, so your new investment accessory doesn’t have to break the bank, either. And thanks to the 15 Percent Pledge, many of these designs are available at your favorite retailers.
Ahead, shop our list of stellar Black-owned handbag brands that should be on your radar. And if you’re looking to expand your repertoire even further, check out our roundups of the best Black-owned shoe and jewelry brands as well.
Anima Iris
Wilglory Tanjong’s brand Anima Iris is all about vibrant designs with a sustainable ethos. Because every piece is handcrafted in Senegal using a zero-waste model, no two bags are exactly alike.
Price: $$$-$$$$
What we love it for: Eye-catching, sculptural silhouettes done in celestial patterns and vivid colors.
Petit Kouraj
Petit Kouraj founder Nasrin Jean-Baptiste worked as a fashion stylist for years before launching her brand in 2018. The result: colorful, handmade fringe bags inspired by Jean-Baptiste’s Haitian heritage.
Price: $$
What we love it for: This is your way into the crochet trend, one jellyfish-like bag at a time.
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MAX+min
Described as “minimalism redefined,” Tiara Smallwood’s brand shows us that high-quality materials and thoughtful attention to detail can transcend short-lived trends without sacrificing interesting design.
Price: $-$$$
What we love it for: From bucket bags to card holders, each product reflects understated opulence with minimalist silhouettes and a touch of metal detail, whether it be curb chain links or a gold bar closure.
Homage
Homage produces designs “charged with sociopolitical intention.” Each bag has its own poem written by creator Antoine Manning himself.
Price: $$-$$$
What we love it for: Unique shapes and bright, fluid tie dye patterns.
What people are saying: “I LOVE IT. It’s really sturdy and a great size. I can fit all of my essentials, and it matches everything.”
Brother Vellies
You might know Brother Vellies for its beautiful shoes, but the brand’s unique and stylish handbags are not to be missed. These luxury handbags are an industry favorite, crafted with the goal of continuing African design practices. Brother Vellies founder Aurora James is also notable for creating economic equity for Black brands with her 15 Percent Pledge, an organization that pushes retailers to reserve 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses.
Price: $$$-$$$$
What we love it for: From woven mesh to feather-embellished styles, these bags bring the vacation vibes to you.
What people are saying: “They have absolutely stunning designs! Their bags are on the pricier side, but they're luxurious.”
Yvonne Koné
Luxe doesn’t even begin to describe the Yvonne Koné aesthetic. Her supple leather goods are made in Italy, inspired by Danish minimalism, and infused with colors inspired by her Ivory Coast lineage.
Price: $$$-$$$$
What we love it for: Pebbled leather and thin strap design elements.
AAKS
Launched in 2014 by Ghana native Akosua Afriyie-Kumi’s, AAKS is a true labor of love that offers marvelously crafted basket bags (and home goods!). These woven beauties can be found in sixty stores worldwide, preserving traditional techniques while helping to create jobs in Africa.
Price: $-$$
What we love it for: Asymmetrical fringe detail and unexpected color combos.
What people are saying: “They are art. Beautiful motherland drip.”
Ashya
Pronounced “agh-shya”, ASHYA was established in 2017 by co-founders Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece. Their collection of unisex travel accessories exudes the brand’s motto: “Ode To Exploration.” Ultimately, ASHYA wants you to be your best self while navigating this world in its chic leather waist bags and accessories.
Price: $$$-$$$$
What we love it for: Circular handles with strap variations, including slingback and bolo.
What are people saying: “These are my dream bags! Love their brand.”
Liselle Kiss
Liselle Kiss graduated from Parsons and worked in couture and bridal styling before launching her eponymous label. The Brooklyn-based designer is known for her playful, sustainable silhouettes, including everything from spacious raffia totes to brightly-colored shoulder bags.
Price: $$-$$$
What we love it for: Joyous, feminine styles like structured, heart-shaped purses.
Silver & Riley
Founder Lola Banjo created styles that match her lifestyle, so her luxe travel and fashion bags are intended to be worn daily and last a lifetime.
Price: $$$-$$$$
What we love it for: Functional, travel-friendly designs made with luxe, high-quality materials.
What people are saying: “I simply love this bag! From its details to its design, it is amazing! The quality of the leather is beautiful, and the inside is quite spacious. This bag has become my favorite executive bag.”
Ree Projects
Luxury handbags don’t get much better than those from Amsterdam-based label Ree Projects. Handcrafted in Italy, designer Desiree Kleinen’s sculptural bags are the type you Instagram on equally chic furniture.
Price: $$$-$$$$
What we love it for: Elevated classics in sculptural leather with soft edges that will form to you.
What people are saying: “I really, really love this bag. First off, I love the smooth, durable leather. It’s the same high-quality leather used on the mini Helene, and that thing held up like a champ.”
Brandon Blackwood
Look to Brandon Blackwood if you want tight, clean, and boxy silhouettes, like our favorite style, the Arlen top handle. His bags continue to excite, with each design being better than the last.
Price: $$-$$$
What we love it for: Whether you’re looking for a shearling fur shoulder bag or a mini hard case vanity purse, there is a bag for your every mood.
What people are saying: “I love this bag! This bag is so beautiful and very premium! Definitely a great price point!”
Monazeni
Ciriaco
Designer Ashley Ciriaco cites New York-based TV shows like Sex and the City and Gossip Girl as part of the inspiration behind her creations. Equal parts eclectic and timeless, her asymmetrical baguettes come in both classic and bolder iterations—from versatile cognac and burgundy hues to splatter-painted neon finishes.
Price: $-$$
What we love it for: Modern minimalist, asymmetrical shoulder bags.
Edas
Edas seeks to accommodate the everyday eclectic. Designed by Sade Mims, the brand’s sleek and feminine handbags stand out amongst the rest.
Price: $$-$$$
What we love it for: Variations including bucket bags, belt bags, and sling-back eyewear cases, proving functionality can always be stylish.
What people are saying: “They make amazing bags in small batch designs. They're really cool looking.”
Vavvoune
Brooklyn-based Vavvoune, pronounced “vav-une,” is a whole mood. Behind these leather goods is Valerie Blaise, a self-taught designer convincing us that both lavender and pea green are neutrals.
Price: $$-$$$
What we love it for: Subtle geometric elements that add visual interest to everyday bags.
Off-White
Founded by the one and only Virgil Abloh in 2013, Off-White has since become a portfolio of concepts and creations. Abloh revolutionized streetwear and its relationship with luxury fashion. His creative vision continues to come to life through the mind of Ibrahim Kamara in the form of “curated looks and bold artistic direction.”
Price: $$$$
What we love it for: Every bag is like a wearable piece of art—playful yet chic.
Peryton
With a contrast of hard lines and soft materials, the undulating silhouettes of these handmade bags make them standout pieces. Invest in one and be prepared to not only own it for life, but also to be reeling in a lifetime of compliments.
Price: $$$$
What we love it for: Sharp lines and bold hues in variations fit for an it-girl’s every occasion.
Joanna Vanderpuije
The label’s designer and namesake, Joanna Vanderpuije, has an extensive resume of experience in the fashion industry. Based in London, Vanderpuije got her degree from Central Saint Martins in Screenprinted Textiles and Fashion. Before showing her first collection at London Fashion Week, she was awarded the Diane Von Furstenberg Print and Womenswear Design Award.
Price: $-$$
What we love it for: Accessories brought to life through vibrant, energized screenprints and mixed media textiles.
Olori
Olori translates to “Queen,” and each of the brand’s bags is a symbol of female empowerment. The label partners with women-owned businesses and local artisans in Africa, and each purchase gives back to the community by paying for girls’ tuition in under-served African communities.
Price: $$-$$$
What we love it for: Bold patterns in everything from belt bags to backpacks, and a purchase for the greater good.
What are people saying: “I love it! It looks great and I feel wonderful using it. I tell everyone about it being handmade and supporting the education of girls in Nigeria.”
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