How “diverse” luxury handbag brands are dominating the industry
It is not secret that diversity in luxury has grown, and continues to do so for many people of color. Diversity was a term used to describe the “possibility” of an outcome, something that was seen as intangible. Today we see that “possibility” as a victory, a platform and recognition of talent and hardwork. For many years luxury handbag brands were dominated by companies such as Louis Vuitton , Birkin, Chanel, and Gucci with their rich history and brand loyalty until today. “Hard work outweighs competition”, a few designers can say dominating in this field measured by their success.
Courtesy of The Art Gorgeous
ASHYA, a Brooklyn based label that shares the value of pared-down luxury, collaborated with Michael Kors. The design of the bag was made sleek, distinctive, still looking sophisticated, with a heritage style of pragmatic details made for modern movement being easy and effective. “Weave some magic”, ASHYA was founded by designers Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece. The motive behind their handbag designs was to share a cultural experience through their designs. The bags depict a cultural narrative through their use of pattern and color. Their signature pattern is called Saga Signature inspired by West African woven textiles. Their perspective is seen out to be singular in comparison to the Michael Kors logo print.
Courtesy of Ashya
The Bushwick Birkin”, aka Telfar. A luxury handbag brand that has been dominating the industry since 2014.
Telfar’s brand recognition has grown over a span of two years rapidly, but the real question is who is the person behind our favorite bag? “It's not for you, it's for everyone” designer goes by the name of Telfar Clemens.
Sue Kwon
As he may not be the newest designer of the century, he is definitely one designer in conversation amongst prestigious fashion moguls such as Anna Wimtour, chief editor of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and so forth . Telfar has stood its time as a diverse brand being a “black owned, non-gendered fashion project” Clemens described. The aim and mission of the brand is to be accessible and about community. Telfar has made leeway for young designers to establish their brand identity in the luxury brand industry. With the brand continuing to make its way more established, the bags are also 100% vegan leather which tie into the trend of sustainable fashion, which the company will continue to grow a bigger following.
Black is luxury, which is why consumers have resonated with brands such as Telfar and ASHYA. These brands have centered the African Diaspora and dismantled the industry’s status quo. They have made accessibility by disrupting an industry that creates an inequitable price of entry in fashion. These brands thrive while creating an extraordinary, accessible environment within the fashion industry that speaks against the binaries of gender and center the comfort and style of everyone. Brands like these have shifted the industry to prioritize impact over performative alignment. With their brands gaining much popularity within a racial reckoning of 2020, companies have tried to implement the importance of giving minorities a voice within their brands.
