8 Black-Owned Handbag Brands to Shop Now

Over the past few months, we’ve been continuing our outreach to retailers of all sizes and asking them to take the 15% Pledge by dedicating 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. We’ve had many retailers ask us to help point them in the right direction when it comes to seeking out new brands for their stores and as a result, we’ve compiled a series of Black-owned shopping guides. In this guide, you’ll learn more about 8 Black-owned handbag brands.

Our hope is that by helping to curate these lists, retailers will start the process of actively adding more Black-owned brands to their product mix. We have a lot of work to do when it comes to representation for Black-owned fashion brands and we hope that this list helps spark meaningful dialogue between retailers and brands.

A A K S was founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi in 2014 with the goal of introducing the world to weaving techniques done by the women of Ghana while also creating sustainable jobs in Africa. Each collection is unique and tells a different story through detail, color, and shape. AAKS bags can be found in over 60 stores worldwide including Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Bloomingdales. AAKS is also focused on giving back and recently launched a Weaving for Change campaign to create fair and dignified work for refugee artisans in Burkina Faso.

Established in 2017 by Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, ASHYA is a New York-based brand that makes gorgeous, unisex travel accessories. Dedicated to thoughtful design and utilitarian principles, ASHYA aims to diversify cultural perspectives and speak to the process of understanding a wide range of narratives. The line is designed and produced in small batches using responsibly sourced materials and custom hardware.

Brother Vellies was founded in 2013 by Aurora James with the goal of keeping traditional African design practices and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs. The Brother Vellies collection features luxury accessories that celebrate cultural histories. The line is produced across the globe in South Africa, Kenya, Mexico Morocco, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Italy, Haiti, and New York City.

Fun fact: Aurora James is also well-known for launching the 15% Pledge.

Seattle-based designer Kate Mensah creates luxury handbags that give strong women the ability to express their bold personal style without sacrificing functionality or practicality. Originally from Paris, Kate strives to design pieces that feature noticeably chic details with subtle textures, unique color combinations, and culturally-based fusions. The collection includes crossbody bags, clutch bags, and totes.

Kintu Handbags are designed in New York, co-developed with global artisans, and made in Italy. Launched in 2015 by Sarah Nakintu, the brand deeply believes in the importance of generational conservation of artistry and craftsmanship. 

Nuciano is an award-winning luxury handbag label based in Seattle US, that offers today's modern woman a freedom of expression of her taste in uncompromised high quality and luxury handbags without the exorbitant price. The brainchild of Joy Egbejimba, Nuciano is derived from the word "Nnukachiano" and resonates the freedom to BELIEVE & EXPRESS yourself as an independent woman. From desk-to-dinner, the selected curated collection features elegant designs with a variety of bold color options.

Telfar is a unisex line of bags established in 2005 by Telfar Clemens. In 2017, Telfar won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and was able to use the funds to produce his signature collection of Shopping Bags, made from vegan leather.

Founded by Valerie Blaise, VAVVOUNE is a leather accessories brand focused on wearable leather accessories that are functional for everyday life. Made in small batch production by a mindful team of craftsmen & women in NYC’s Garment District, VAVVOUNE recently partnered on a capsule collection with Christian Siriano.