The Hermés’ Birkin bag has long been a symbol of status and wealth. Rapper Cardi B recently showed fans her insane collection during an IG live tour of her closet. But with a price tag that comes in at more than most people’s monthly rent payment, owning one may be way out of reach for most of us.
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These days, Black designers are serving us just as much luxury with bags made of the highest quality materials and a whole lot of style.
Check out some of our favorite handbags from Black brands that will make you ask, Birkin, who?
Yvonne Koné
Handcrafted in Italy, The Boxy Filippo Bag from Yvonne Koné is a beautiful, buttery soft tote big enough to hold all of the essentials.
Florian London
Florian London founder Tola says she launched her brand in 2013 to create something extraordinary. And she did just that with her high-quality handbags that are – well, flawless. Dressed up or down, the Mini Vienna can go any and everywhere its stylish owner wants to take it.
Ree Projects
Designer Desiree Kleinen is the creative force behind Ree Projects, the Amsterdam-based luxury bag brand. Kleinen honed her skills as a design consultant at Karl Lagerfeld and Balmain before stepping out on her own in 2016. We love the Ann Tote, a simple yet oh so stylishly structured carryall made of 100 percent Italian soft calf leather.
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HOMAGE founder Antoine Manning launched his brand as a tribute to Black people and culture. “Every piece, accessory, and object we create is charged with sociopolitical intention,” their website reads.
Made of vegan leather, the HOMAGE OVA Manifestation is a bag that makes you look and feel good. We love the detachable strap that gives you the option of carrying it as a crossbody or a shoulder bag.
Silver & Riley
Lola Banjo launched Silver & Riley in 2019, a luxurious line of handbags made of premium leather and high-end accessories. The Classic New Yorker Bag is a modern take on a classic style. It says, I can get a table at any restaurant in Manhattan, but would rather stay in Brooklyn.
Telfar
Beyoncé and Oprah are just a few of the celebrity fans of Telfar Clemens’ Telfar brand. Nicknamed the “Bushwick Birkin,” Telfar’s Large Shopping Bag is the perfect work bag. With both top handles and a crossbody strap, you’ll show everyone you mean business.
Olori
Founded by Nigerian-born Tomide Awe, Olori (“queen”) is a brand on a mission to empower women. That’s why a portion of every sale helps provide tuition for girls in under-served African communities. A beautiful combination of leather and fabric hand-loomed by Nigerian artisans. the Tinuke Micro Tote is a bag that is sure to make a statement.
Anima Iris
With vibrant colors and bold designs, Anima Iris handbags always steal the show. Every piece in the collection is carefully handcrafted in Senegal, like the Zaza Grande, a 100 percent leather handbag with a uniquely twisted handle.
Agnes Baddoo
Sometimes the most stylish accessories are the simplest ones. Take it from Agness Baddoo. The Sac Petit is a beautiful bag that’s perfect for a business lunch or a weekend shopping trip.
Monazeni
Monazeni markets itself as a brand of luxury bags with attitude, and we couldn’t agree more. We love the Sienna Bag, made with premium vegan leather complemented by gold tone hardware.
Liselle Kiss
Liselle Kiss bags won’t just make you look good. You can feel good about your purchase too. A portion of the sales support the A21 Campaign, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking worldwide. The Melle Zebra bag is made with Italian repurposed leather. We can’t get enough of the brass chain, an accessory that adds a glam touch.
Brandon Blackwood
Without a doubt, Brandon Blackwood is turning classic handbag designs on their head, using edgy shapes and materials to set itself apart from everyone else in the game. One of our favorites is the Bamboo B Tote, made of 100 percent genuine ombré salvator lizard skin.
MAX + min
Tiarra Smallwood is the designer behind MAX + min handbags. We can’t get enough of the Emory Leather Tote. It’s a 100 percent leather tote with a classic design. But the metal handle is subtly chic accessory that makes a statement.
J2 Collection
Indianapolis-based designer Julian James II turns high-quality leather into beautiful leather goods for his brand, J2 Collection. Buttery soft green leather on the outside and smooth grey suede on the inside is what you get with the Emerald Green Signature Tote, a go-anywhere bag with a magnetic snap closure.
CISE
Look sharp and make a statement with the PBP Vegan Leather Bag from CISE. Made with high-quality vegan leather, the bag is embossed with an important message, “Protect Black People.”
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