The Top 5 Hottest Black-Owned Bags of 2022
In honor of Black History Month, we acknowledge the businesses that are black-owned and fabulous. Take a look below at some hot new bags to carry around in the grocery store or even a fun girl’s night out!
Bruce Glen
LIME SPARKLE POUCHETTE WITH 'LOGO' HANDLE ($395)
The twins Bruce and Glen Proctor started off in a singing group in junior high. They were always drawing as their father was an artist, but did not realize that their drawings involving fashion would foreshadow what is yet to come. Their aunt in fact inspired them to do something with this talent and they then attended fashion school to pursue a career in fashion. They eventually established themselves as freelance designers and collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger and Nicki Minaj until they started building their own brand creating the beautiful, eccentric bags you see today. Each bag has its own unique personality ranging from fur accents, to animal print, to even multi-colored rhinestones covering the entire bag. Definitely take some time to scroll through some pages of never-before seen designs.
Brandon Blackwood
KUEI BAG IN METALLIC BLUE ($150)
This metallic bag can dress up any outfit. It comes with a long strap so you have the option to wear it as a crossbody with no worries of trying to remember where you last put it down. Straight out of Brooklyn, Brandon Blackwood began his company in 2015 soon after he graduated from Bard College. His collection attracted many celebrities. Kim Kardashian reposted the $70 “End Systemic Racism” tote grabbing even more attention especially in a time where black-owned businesses needed to be acknowledged and appreciated more. Of course the bag then sold out right away. Not only Kim, but if you haven’t seen the new spinoff of Sex and the City, “And Just Like That”, Kristin Davis was shown on set with the Kuei medium bag in a dark green color with crocodile textures. Other celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Winnie Harlow, and Halle Berry have been styling their Blackwood bag in their everyday ensembles and red carpet looks.
Telfar
SMALL AZALEA SHOPPING BAG ($150)
These bags sell out on every drop almost instantaneously. Follow @TelfarGlobal for updates or sign up for the email newsletters on their website because the Telfar bags are in high demand no matter what size or color you want. Typically, the bags come in small, medium, or large sizes, and absolutely every color of the rainbow. Telfar’s everyday bag is spacious enough for your entire makeup regime or a laptop to do work. Telfar Clemens’s launch in 2014 incorporated the slogan, “Not For You- For Everyone”, focusing on inclusivity. The bag has been referred to as the “Bushwick Birkin” due to its popularity in its homeland, Brooklyn. However, its popularity clearly spread more into different geographical locations with many celebs holding it on their arms walking down the street.
Silver and Riley
CONVERTIBLE EXECUTIVE LEATHER BAG IN NOIR CROCODILE BLACK ($795)
Silver and Riley’s travel bag is a staple. They have many shapes and sizes to choose from. The crocodile print definitely gives an edgier, sleek look that would add some spice to your outfit of the day (or night). This bag specifically can be worn as a backpack, top handle, a shoulder bag, or a crossbody. I mean, what more can you ask for? Lola Banjo was inspired by her mother who was an entrepreneur herself at a bake shop and other businesses. She would observe her mother’s every move and knew she wanted to do something with creating her own brand. It was until she started traveling and noticing how much of a struggle people had with their travel bags. Now she has a glamorous line of bags that are timeless and functional. 5% of the sales is given to women-led businesses as well as specifically black women-led businesses as grants to further support female entrepreneurs.
Anima Iris
BLUE JAGUAR ZAZA GRANDE ($580)
Now, I know you may think this is too much, but hey, getting out of your comfort zone is a good thing. Therefore, this is most definitely a statement piece, however, you can wear it with sweatpants or use for a fun night out in town. The top handle has a unique twist to it with soft fabric to sit amongst your arm or hold in your hands. Wilglory Tanjong quit her full-time job to launch her own business in handbags in February 2020. She wanted to change the narrative to women of color becoming more involved in luxury goods.
