Brandon Blackwood creates bags that reflect the cultural moment. His designs are both politically bold, like the “End Systemic Racism” bag, and visually striking through rich textures, colors, patterns, and silhouettes, including the Quincy, Bouquet Clutch, Nia, and Olandria’s brown Vanity Kendrick Trunk.

What sets his work apart is how he transforms nostalgic staples, such as bamboo earrings, into luxury pieces like the Bamboo Tote, rooted in Blackness and womanhood. These elements were long dismissed by the fashion industry yet have always held deep meaning within Black communities.

Today, Brandon Blackwood bags symbolize ownership, visibility, and unapologetic presence within Black culture and contemporary luxury.

In conversation, Jenee’ Naylor, Nimay Ndolo, and Kalyn Rodriguez reflect on how these bags move through everyday life and moments of self-definition, signaling power, pride, and intention.

Your journey in fashion has involved ambition, visibility, and self-definition. How has carrying a Brandon Blackwood bag supported your confidence and affirmed your right to take up space within fashion and culture?

Jenee’ Naylor: “I started carrying Brandon Blackwood around 2020, as I entered fashion spaces where I faced real pushback and rarely saw people who looked like me; his bags became armor, giving me confidence and quietly affirming who I was and who I was becoming.”

Nimay Ndolo: “Brandon expanded despite the odds to build a strong brand for women. When I carry a Brandon Blackwood bag, I carry that ethos with me. As I’ve grown spiritually and professionally, the bag has grown with me.

Kalyn Rodriguez: “I’m Dominican, so taking up space has always been natural to me. We’re raised expressive and full of presence, even when fashion doesn’t welcome that energy. Carrying a Brandon Blackwood bag reflects my growth. It represents ownership of my voice, my style, and my place in the room. I no longer explain myself or make myself smaller. It’s intentional, and that’s how I move now.”

In conversation, Jenee’ Naylor, Nimay Ndolo, and Kalyn Rodriguez reflect on how these bags move through everyday life and moments of self-definition, signaling power, pride, and intention.

Your journey in fashion has involved ambition, visibility, and self-definition. How has carrying a Brandon Blackwood bag supported your confidence and affirmed your right to take up space within fashion and culture?

Jenee’ Naylor: “I started carrying Brandon Blackwood around 2020, as I entered fashion spaces where I faced real pushback and rarely saw people who looked like me; his bags became armor, giving me confidence and quietly affirming who I was and who I was becoming.”

Nimay Ndolo: “Brandon expanded despite the odds to build a strong brand for women. When I carry a Brandon Blackwood bag, I carry that ethos with me. As I’ve grown spiritually and professionally, the bag has grown with me.

Kalyn Rodriguez: “I’m Dominican, so taking up space has always been natural to me. We’re raised expressive and full of presence, even when fashion doesn’t welcome that energy. Carrying a Brandon Blackwood bag reflects my growth. It represents ownership of my voice, my style, and my place in the room. I no longer explain myself or make myself smaller. It’s intentional, and that’s how I move now.”

How do your lived experiences as a creative in America shape the way you move with the bag in demanding spaces?

Jenee’ Naylor: “My journey has made me intentional about who I support and who I uplift. When I wear something, I want it to come from someone who looks like me. With Brandon, it never feels gimmicky. It feels real, especially in how he respects Black women.”

Nimay Ndolo: “Brandon balances aesthetics and utility. I’ve traveled constantly with his bags, relying on them to carry everything I need. They’re practical and still beautiful, which matters when you’re always in motion.”

Kalyn Rodriguez: “Being a creative in America means navigating visibility with care. Carrying a Brandon Blackwood bag keeps me grounded. It carries culture and confidence without announcing itself. I don’t wear it as armor, I wear it as alignment. It lets me stay soft without being small.”

How does your visibility contribute to the cultural power and legacy of the brand?

Jenee’ Naylor: “Brandon’s journey shows you don’t have to dilute your message to succeed. That’s something I carry into my own work. Knowing who you serve and standing firmly in that is powerful.

Nimay Ndolo: “At CultureCon, seeing so many Brandon Blackwood bags in one place feels communal. Black creatives showing up for a brand that centers us feels warm and affirming.”

Kalyn Rodriguez: “I see success as something meant to circulate. Supporting Brandon Blackwood is about ownership, legacy, and community. When my clients carry the brand, it’s intentional. We’re choosing alignment over trends.”

In Bag Lady, Erykah Badu reminds us to release what weighs us down. What do you carry forward?

Jenee’ Naylor: “Lip balm. Lotion. Cuticle oil. A lip product, eyelash glue, my phone, sunglasses, a cleaning cloth, and my wallet. I don’t carry much, but I need all of it.”

Nimay Ndolo: “I carry a heavy battery pack everywhere, and Brandon’s bags hold it easily. I can stay productive and still feel pride carrying something beautiful.”

Kalyn Rodriguez: “I carry my digi camera to capture moments as they happen, extra rings to shift energy, pinchos for preparedness, and a mini perfume for grounding. These items reflect how I move now: intentional, adaptable, and light.”

A bag moves with you. It carries what matters, supports how you live, and shows up every day as part of your routine, protection, and self-expression.

In My Bag is a CFDA.com editorial series examining designer bags through the people who use them. Featuring Brandon Blackwood, Luar by Raul Lopez, and Coach under Stuart Vevers, the series includes voices from Sierra Rena, Alexis Wilkerson, Zoi Lerma, Joel Hilario, Rayvin Huger, Armiel Chandler, Jenee Naylor, Nimay Ndolo, and Kalyn Rodriguez. Each story connects style to real life, work, ambition, movement, and meaning.