Black Accessory Designer Spotlight: Brandon Blackwood Handbags

So last week there was a debate online because it was suggested by a female rapper if your man doesn't buy you a Hermes ''Birkin'' bag then throw him back to the streets. Well we all know that everyone can't afford Birkin bags so I wanted to put the spotlight on another black accessory designer who is definitely worth the buy. BRANDON BLACKWOOD who is a Jamaican / Chinese born designer, founded his namesake label in 2015. When the collection first launched, it featured four pieces which caught the attention of Vogue, Elle and WWD to name a few. 

Blackwood has even caught the attention of celebs like Kim Kardashian who recently posted an image of her with the designer's bag. Brandon Blackwood's accessory collection has grown into a wide range line of handbags, small accessories, and coats. I love how classic, elegant and versatile the bags are. The pieces can easily be worn with dressy or casual looks. But the price points are also what I love about these bags. They range from $88 - $300 which in my opinion, won't break the bank. You are paying for a luxury bag at a great cost so who needs a Birkin when you can support a designer handbag brand like Brandon Blackwood. For more details and to shop the collection, visit BrandonBlackwood.com. 

Credit: Brandon Blackwood

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Black Accessory Designer Spotlight: AAKS Handcrafted Raffia Handbags

I love a great handbag and AAKS handcrafted bags which is a black owned accessory brand, offers up a great selection of raffia styles. Founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi with the goal in mind to introduce to the world her favorite weaving techniques done by the women of Ghana while also creating and igniting sustainable jobs within Africa. The uniquely designed bags tells different story's through its color and shape. Raffia bags are spring/summer essential pieces but people tend to take vacations in the off-seasons so these AAKS handbags are the perfect accessory. The quality of the raffia weaving combined with a leather finish to create these bags is what makes them next level. Also a signature tag is added to each of the handcrafted bags to confirm its authenticity. The ecologically harvested raffia from Ghana farmers are showcased in the beautiful design and silhouettes of each bags. For more details about this accessory brand and to shop the collection, visit AAKSonline.com.

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Black Accessory Designer Spotlight: Becki Coakley Shoes

 

There are so many shoes designers out there but if one stands out, you have to take notice. The unique style and design of BECKI COAKLEY shoes is how I came across the brand. The designer Becki Coakley is a native of Charleston, SC which is my hometown and she launched her namesake collection in 2015. Her shoe collection is inspired by her mother who guided her to her purpose as a shoe designer. The letter A in the logo is for her mother's name, Angie. The 3 horizontal lines represent the most important thing in her life –her 3 children. Becki's name is on the last line as her mother's 3rd child, and their last name, Coakley, runs along the outside of the logo(see below). Becki Coakley shoes are not only unique and stylish, but chic and sexy. They are perfect for the fashionista who wants to confidently make each step count. For more details about the designer and to shop the collection, visit BeckiCoakley.com. 

Founder Becki Coakley

Becki Coakley Logo

Credit: Becki Coakley

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Black Accessory Designer Spotlight Brand: Cut & Hang Jewelry

I love earrings because they are the perfect accessory that can take your look to the next level. I came across some really cute earrings from a black owned business called CUT & HANG. Launched in October 2019 by Olivia Graham in the UK, Cut & Hang earrings are made from handmade elements like resin or polymer clay. What makes Cut & Hang earrings standout is the combination of colors that she mixes together, along with the structure of each piece. The pieces are affordable and chic. For more details on this  brand, visit https://www.cutandhang.co.uk.

Founder Olivia Graham

Credit: Cut & Hang

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Black Accessory Designer Spotlight: Keeyahri Shoes

KEEYAHRI is a luxurious shoe line that was founded by Keya Martin. The pumps & sandals have a unique spiral heel but the overall shoe collection is chic, with a sultry appeal. The spiral heels is inspired by a spiral chapel located in Hiroshima, Japan. The details are what makes the shoes and gives it an effortless statement. Keya Martin aims to empower women with confidence and self-expression through her shoe collection and she is doing just that. The unique structural style and the craftsmanship, is what puts Keeyahri shoes in its own fashion lane. For more on the designer and her shoe collection, visit Keeyahri.com.

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Black Accessory Designer Spotlight: Ashaka Givens Hats

Strolling through instagram, I came across ASHAKA GIVENS, a milliner who designs some really cool, fashionable hats. However Ashaka does more than hats, she also designs RTW clothing and bridal wear. She also has a strong styling background working with celebs like Erykah Badu, Common, Outkast, Raphael Saadiq, The Roots, Mya and many more. Her hats are chic, stylish and sophisticated. If you love hats, you should definitely put Ashaka Givens on your radar. For more details on the designer and to shop her entire collection of hats & fashion wear, visit AshakaGivens.com. 

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Black Accessory Spotlight Brand: Helejané Handbags

I am always on the hunt for designer bags, so I was happy to discover HELEJANÉ handbags. Launched in 2008 by Nigerian born designer Dolapo Deji-Torey, Helejané luxury handbags are timeless and elegant. The bags are created in a careful selection of calf skin leather, and adorned with a polished brass, delicately plated in 24-carat fine gold. The luxurious collection of handbags are also available in fashion forward prints, and no matter the occasion, you are sure to find a piece to compliment your look. Also the bags are functional and there are colors & prints that can transition from season to season with ease. The sophisticated attitude of Helejané bags are for all women, whether you think that you are a fashionista or not. For more on this brand and to shop the collection, visit Helejane.com. 

Credit: Helejané

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Black Accessory Designer Spotlight Brand: Kendall Miles Designs

If you haven't heard of KENDALL MILES DESIGNS, then you have to check out her collection which is a black owned brand. The luxury shoe brand was founded by Kendall Galore in 2015 who was born and raised in the Southside of Chicago. While attending the University of Southern California, Kendall taught herself how to design footwear, then she received formal training at Ars Sutoria in Milan, Italy and her next stop would be NYC where she established a network in the fashion industry. Kendall Miles Designs are handcrafted in Florence, Italy and her shoe collection are fashion forward, with an unique approach. Kendall has a loyal celeb following which includes Rihanna, Cardi B, Lupita Nyong'o, Regina King, Vanessa Hudgens and more. For more details on this black owned accessory brand and to shop her collection, visit KendallMilesDesigns.com.

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