A handbag can be our most prized possession, a piece of art, or the everyday tote you rely on.
The things we carry hold weight, both literally and emotionally, so make it a priority to diversify your closet. No matter your aesthetic, we’re confident there’s something that will pique your interest. Whether you’re on the hunt for an everyday neutral piece or something fun that’ll bring a pop of color to your look, the incredible brands below offer a ton of versatile (and super chic) options. There are so many talented and amazing designers out there—some you might have heard of, and others you should keep your eye on—so we rounded up a few of our favorites, with more to come, below.
Telfar
Affectionately known as the Bushwick Birkin, Telfar bags are not just for you, but for everyone. While Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens offers a wide-ranging fashion collection, he is undoubtedly most known for his handbags, which can be seen on the arms of everyone from trendsetters such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Megan Thee Stallion, and New York Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. These sell out quickly through limited drops, so you’ll want to strategize accordingly. Check out the brand’s bag security program to be able to secure a bag before it sells out.
Brandon Blackwood
Brandon Blackwood is an American fashion designer and businessman. He is the CEO and founder of Brandon Blackwood New York, a fashion company that specializes in handbags and accessories. The Jamaican-Chinese designer studied neuroscience, but he pursued a different path when he interned at fashion magazines while in college. You may have recently come across his creations on the arms of various celebs or seen his “End Systemic Racism” tote on Instagram when it went viral in 2020. Now the brand is easily recognizable for its cool mini totes and trunk bags in saturated hues.
Yvonne Koné
Founded in 2011, Yvonne Koné produces bags that blend muted minimalism and colorful African vitality. Yvonne Koné creates luxury Italian-made leather goods, cashmere accessories, and key wardrobe staples that are timeless, understated, and effortless. In addition to handbags, Koné offers matching wallets, bag charms, footwear, and leather insoles. Yvonne Koné created her namesake label in 2011. She is one of Denmark’s preeminent designers, and received the Elle Style Award in 2017. Yvonne Koné products are sold online, at select Nordstrom stores and at her flagship boutique at Store Strandstræde in Copenhagen.
Joanna Vanderpuije
London-based designer Joanna Vanderpuije has a number of fashion credits under her belt, having worked for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Jonathan Saunders, and Eley Kishimoto. She launched her label in late 2017, dropping a variety of playful, screen-printed apparel and accessories. Her accessories and clothing develop her vivid signature of fresh playful screen prints with strong tailoring, unexpected embellishments, and innovative design.
Tongoro
Favored by celebrities like Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Burna Boy, and Alicia Keys, Tongoro is a brand to watch. Launched in 2016 by Sarah Diouf, Tongoto is 100% made in Africa designer label and produced in Dakar, Senegal. Diouf was raised in Abidjan by parents of Senegalese, Congolese, and Central African descent. The brand is known for its beautiful ready-to-wear pieces, so it’s no question that its handbags are equally exquisite. “Tongoro’s aesthetic is somehow very regal, yet airy at the same time,” said Diouf. “I just try to tell an authentic African story that can resonate with most, from the way we produce the garments to the imagery.”
Anima Iris
Anima Iris founder Wilglory Tanjong is pretty cool. After earning a degree in African Development from Princeton, the Cameroonian-American creative traveled through Africa, where she drew inspiration from each country she visited. Transfixed by the innovative textiles she found there, she decided to celebrate her African heritage through design, coming out with the unique shapes, colors, and textures that Anima Iris is now known for. Her bags are also fair-trade (handcrafted in Senegal by artisans) and zero-waste. The Raspberry Zaza handbag broke the internet when Beyoncé featured it on her Instagram.
Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.
