These are the best handbag brands you should be shopping for in 2024.

Legacy is fundamental to being human. To pass down our stories, to rise against all odds to leave behind something beneficial to those who outlive us and may not ever know us—through this we can experience a semblance of eternity. Actively investing in brands owned by people of color (POC) and intentionally fostering inclusive corporate environments, is to build a continued legacy for POC-creators and communities, so in honor of legacy, we’ve curated a list of our favorite POC-owned handbag brands. Shop to support these Asian, Middle Eastern, and Black-owned handbag designers, and be sure to keep your eye on them as they continue to make waves in 2024.

Telfar 

Visionary New York-based designer Telfar Clemens cofounded Telfar with his business partner, artist Babak Radboy in 2005. Since then, the duo have showcased their multi-faceted design prowess and cultural influence, from producing athletic wear for the Liberian team in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to introducing a line of luxury durags. However, it’s their iconic Telfar bags that have become one of the most celebrated items in the fashion world. These bags sell out within minutes, every time.

Charles & Keith

The dynasty that is Charles & Keith began in a humble shoe store in the suburbs of Singapore. Brothers Charles and Keith Wong helped their parents run the family business before shifting from wholesale partnerships to producing custom designs. After expanding Charles & Keith beyond Singapore and making history as the first company in Singapore to launch an e-commerce website, it introduced its first handbag collection in 2005. Since then, the brand continues to solidify itself as a trailblazing force in the fashion industry with its affordable, high-quality handbags.

Clara Chu 

When it comes to Clara Chu bags, you style your fit around them, not the other way around. Clara Chu’s design acumen is what we consider a rare brilliance that emerges once in a generation. Her attention to detail and penchant for vibrant designs manifests into works of art we previously deemed unimaginable. The London-based womenswear accessories designer seamlessly combines her innate design flair with her impressive technical processes, setting her bag-making technique as unparalleled in its excellence. With each bag’s meticulous details, it’s no surprise that Chu is currently crafting exclusive custom pieces.

Brandon Blackwood New York

Now you know we had to include Brandon Blackwood on this list. The Brooklyn-based designer made fashion history with his impactful “End Systematic Racism” tote bags, created at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. The iconic bags served as a poignant symbol of the turbulent times in America. Blackwood’s latest collections are a nostalgic reverie for ‘90s fashion lovers, with its bamboo hardware, tweed textiles, and rattan handles that pay homage to his Jamaican heritage. These energetic and expressive bags are a must-have.

Shiatzy Chen

When it comes to our luxury statement handbags, it’s time to break free from the routine of spending two bands on the usual Chanel and Dior bags, and make it a habit to invest in pieces with real details, such as the intricately embroidered jade handle bags crafted by Madame Wang, aka the visionary of Shiatzy Chen. This Taiwanese brand is the first to introduce neo-Chinese chic to the fashion world—modernizing the famous Chinese aesthetic without abandoning traditional design elements. Jade has been revered as the stone of the heavens throughout dynasties until the present day, and nothing is more empowering than walking around with the stone of heaven in the palm of our hand.

Naghedi

Recognize these signature woven bags? They’re elegantly timeless with a purpose: designer Sara Naghedi was tired of the cyclical nature of fashion and aspired to break the mold with a collection of seasonless favorites. If you’re looking for a high-quality, everyday bag to elevate your look, Naghedi’s collections are the perfect choice.

 

Songmont

Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia catapulted to cult status in 2016 with Designer Jasmin Larian Hekmat’s iconic Ark bag. Renowned for producing timeless heirloom pieces, Hekmat is no stranger to the fashion scene—drawing inspiration from her sculptor and fashion designer mother, and from her father who ran the Bratz dolls company where Hekmat designed the fashion collections for the dolls. While studying fashion design at FIT in New York, she started a successful handmade flower crown business, evolving into the iconic Cult Gaia brand that we know today. Cult Gaia handbags are portable art, and you’ll have to experience it in person to fully appreciate its sculptural features.

 

MLB

The monogram aesthetic we know and love will always be a classic, and thanks to MLB Korea we don’t need to break the bank with the hefty price tags of European fashion houses. Giving us a fresh interpretation by bridging iconic styles with modern sports fashion, the Korean brand is under the ownership of F&F Group through a franchise agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB). Since 1997, the brand has proven itself to be a leading streetwear brand, reimagining Major League baseball apparel into stylish designs that you’ll spot on major Korean celebrities. If you’re looking for playful and edgy additions to your wardrobe, MLB Korea is the one.

 

SobDeall

When we stumbled upon Sobdeall’s vibrant and high-quality hand bags, we were instantly captivated by the attention to detail that made an impact through look and feel. Founded by Taiwanese designer He Weixin, Sobdeall stands as a beacon of enduring style through championing quality craftsmanship in every impeccably crafted piece. Weixin’s journey from crafting leather goods as a child, to studying and exchanging crafting techniques in Italy, resulted in the establishment of the Sobdeall brand in 1993. Weixin remains true to his roots, ensuring that every piece is manufactured in Taiwan, by Taiwanese artisans. If you’re looking for the warmth and charm of leather bags, consider the number one brand of leather goods in Taiwan.