The Curation: 5 Black-Owned Accessories Brands to Know This Season
At The Folklore Connect, the celebration of Black history, talent and creativity is an ongoing movement that anchors our purpose to provide the industry’s next frontier of brands with access to opportunities that encourage scalability and fuels them to compete globally.
Over the past few months, we’ve been thrilled to see the number of accessories designers on our platform grow, and we’re excited to spotlight five of the Black-owned brands represented on Connect. From embracing sustainable practices to creating fun pieces that become daily essentials, get to know the brands putting their unique stamps on the accessories space while demonstrating the great diversity of their community.
V.BELLAN
Offering contemporary pieces that are designed to be everyday essentials, accessories brand V.BELLAN’s jewelry collections are inspired by clean lines and structural shapes. From signet rings and pearl-drop earrings to its signature paper-clip chains, each piece is crafted by hand using gold, brass or sterling silver, for a refined yet edgy look that is made to last. V.BELLAN also offers fine jewelry pieces finished with diamond studs as well as custom made-to-order designs that can be personalized.
Vavvoune
Founded by self-taught Haitian-born designer Valerie Blaise, New York-based brand Vavvoune creates leather bags and accessories that are made to capture emotions, moods and moments. Each bag is designed and handmade in New York’s Garment District, using Italian leather thoughtfully sourced from deadstock material left over by ultra luxury brands, which means sustainable practices such as upcycling are part of the Vavvoune’s DNA. Styles such as the geometric Efa are chic choices for daily use, designed to hold the essentials while the variety of hues will add a pop of color to any look.
Pamoja
Founded by Stephanie Evans in 2020, Pamoja is an accessories brand that was started to create timeless and seasonless pieces for a modern wardrobe. The brand sources its full-grain leather and handcrafts each piece in Spain to establish a high quality and durability for purses that develop a fine patina as they age. The signature Nia bag is endlessly versatile and comes in an array of color to complement any look.
Bôhten
The brainchild of co-founders Nana Boateng Osei and Nana Kwadwo Osei, eyewear brand Bôhten is built on safe eye care, sustainable design and social entrepreneurship. After noticing the difference in air quality in some parts of Kwahu in Ghana, the duo decided to create a range of eyeglasses that protect from harmful rays and pollution while remaining fashion-forward and stylish. The brand operates across Africa and supports environmental sustainability, eyecare, and youth employment by manufacturing locally, and creating a waste management initiative where individuals are educated on pollution.
Marté Egele
Uche Martha Egele established her namesake leather accessories brand in 2015, taking a conscious approach that blends vibrant African culture with global appeal. Inspired by the Art Deco era, Marté Egele’s handbag designs combine African culture with sleek geometry. Each piece is produced in limited quantities and handcrafted by artisans in Nigeria and Senegal using leather and exotic skins sourced from the founder’s home city in Lagos. The brand’s stylish, functional handbags are made with consideration of local communities, sustainability and social responsibility.
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