The Soulhaus

Summer Style: Discover 10 Artful Handbag Brands By Black Designers

Crafted from leather with poetic narratives woven into every stitch, these handbag brands by Black designers and artisans are more than just accessories; they are storytellers. It’s a testament that fashion is truly anything you want it to be, and standing out these days should be nothing less than extraordinary. We’ve come a long way from the traditional hobo bag and your classic envelope clutch, witnessing a bag evolution that embraces a play on structures, shapes, textures, and functionality. Fashion brands are now making their mark by distinctively designing and developing carry on’s and cross-bodies that make a statement. Whether you’re jet-setting on vacation this summer, making a grand entrance at an event, or simply running errands at your local grocery store, these handbags will make an artsy addition to your ensemble, so that you’ll never leave the house without a touch of allure. 

Whether you’re jet-setting on vacation, making a grand entrance at an event, or simply running errands at your local grocery store, this roundup of handbags will ensure that you never leave the house without a touch of allure. 


HOMAGE YEAR

With a profound socio-political purpose Homage Year’s handbags are crafted with an oath and ode to our people, our culture and environment since its launch in 2014. Designed to last, the brand’s collection offers a wide range of vibrant neons, multi-colored designs, and captivating tie-dye patterns. Each piece is meticulously designed with an oval silhouette that commands attention, blending urban flair with a refined, contemporary aesthetic. The brand’s 2023 collaboration with Black Fashion Fair and The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat includes works from the iconic Jean-Michel Basquiat, resulting in artful handbags that are a true symphony of Basquait’s powerful strokes and Homage Year’s distinguishable shape.


PETIT KOURAJ

Ideal for jet-setters and adventurers alike, the Brooklyn, New York based brand, stands out as the quintessential companion for all things travel, elevating your vacation with a resort aesthetic. The Petit Kouraj handbag collection comprises fringe-textured totes that evoke opulence and artistry inspired by the island of Haiti’s rich cultural tapestry while incorporating a Western influences. This style is perfect for sandy destinations or inviting beach energy to the everyday. The collection is designed with a range of personalities in mind, spanning from neutral to bright and multi-colored ombre tones.


MAISON DETTA

Strongly defined by its sophistication and signature shape, these handbags exude complete joy. Maison Detta is  made by hand in Senegal from locally collected leather scraps, each piece narrates a tale of next-level craftsmanship and sustainability. The unique shape makes these handbags the perfect addition to your corporate wardrobe, next summer wedding, or resort getaway. In the brand’s exclusive special edition collection, the inclusion of gold accents introduces an extra layer of refinement that accentuates the bag’s elegance. With its spacious interior, it effortlessly accommodates daily essentials, blending both practically and stylishly.  


ASHYA

Inspired by travel, cultural awareness, and the harmonious marriage of style and utility, ASHYA was co-founded and co-creatively directed by the dynamic American-Jamaican duo, Ashley Cimone & Moya Annece. The rich heritage of global Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities are reflected through each handbag and influenced by the fluidity of movement, prioritizing an effortless mobility and essentialism in their design philosophy. The lustrous Slingback Mini Bag, is a truly versatile yet artful accessory designed for everyday essentials like your phone, cards, keys, and more.  


REE PROJECTS

There’s no better way to empower women and highlight their individual style and strength than with this exquisite Italian-made masterpiece. Smooth sculptural elements take center stage, perfectly balanced with a functional interior that exudes a subtle origami effect. At Ree Projects, luxury is synonymous with the time, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to quality invested in every creation. The Riva Mini Bag, crafted with soft calf leather, lined with cotton material, and painted in neutral tones is the ultimate accessory for work and beyond.  


MONAZENI

Luxury bags with attitude, Monazeni delves into the intricate relationship between human activity and heritage. Each season, an array of colors and textures come together in a vibrant mix of brights and pastels, embodying the brand’s essence. More than just a label, Monazeni represents classic fashion and enduring charm, distinguished by its innovative structural designs. The brand is celebrated for its impeccable craftsmanship using genuine calfskin leather andalso known for its captivating fashion campaigns. The Onike Bag takes inspiration from various glyphic patterns found in the Ogbunike caves, a revered world heritage site. Through reinterpretation of tradition, Monazeni seamlessly blends echoes of the past with aspirations for the future, crafting timeless pieces that resonate across generations.  


VAVVOUNE

Hailing from Brooklyn, Vavvoune, a brand deeply rooted in personal style, has collaborated with renowned designers such as Christian Siriano. Their bucket-style bags, sophisticated and sleek, not only showcase exceptional artistry but also practical functionality. The brand name “Vavvoune” originates from a cherished childhood nickname of the founder, Valerie Blaise, from her upbringing in Haiti. Whether your bag of choice is  the Efa, Mirey, or Mishe Short Bag, each design invites you to reassess your relationship with sustainability. Each bag is crafted with premium Italian leather, repurposed from discarded materials of ultra-luxury brands.


BROTHER VELLIES

With a commitment to preserving traditional African design methods and supporting artisanal employment, Brother Vellies crafts high-end accessories worldwide. The accessories brand is produced across the globe – South Africa, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Italy, Haiti and its home base in New York City. The Lijadu Bird Bag blends cultural heritage with timeless elegance, featuring playful details and vibrant colors. Perfect for evenings  out, it adds a sophisticated yet exciting flair that’ll instantly turn heads. 


MURWAY

If you’re looking to experience luxury at an exceptional level with a hardcore edge, Murway is designed for the rebel at heart and crafted by highly skilled artisans, with no compromises on quality. The Joystick Bag is indeed a top seller with a strikingly bold double-faced yet playful structure reminiscent of a gamepad and available in bright hues. Versatile enough to add an air of urban chic to any outfit, it sets the tone for any party, whether dressed up or down, the Joystick is an unforgettable statement. 


AAKS

Embrace the essence of Ghanaian charm, this resort-style bag is an exquisite accessory, no matter what destinations your travel plans take you. When wearing AAKS, it’s truly perfect for any global getaway, and blends traditional African heritage with a touch of modern sophistication. Crafted with next-level attention to detail, using a woven raffia technique and a sophisticated dyeing process, it’s not just a bag but a story—one that celebrates cultural preservation and timeless elegance. 

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