Brand Highlight: Brandon Blackwood

Jamaican-Chinese designer Brandon Blackwood came to prominence this summer, with celebrities toting his signature purses and trunks all over Instagram. Blackwood’s growing reputation has not only inspired him to make waves in the fashion world; he has become an increasingly influential and vocal proponent of equal justice following the protests surrounding police brutality this summer. Who is this innovative designer, and how has he pioneered the synthesis of social justice and fashion?

The Covid-19 pandemic had a disproportionate effect on Black-owned businesses, which were about twice as likely to shut down or struggle to stay afloat than other small businesses. According to Forbes, “Black businesses experienced the most acute decline, with a 41% drop.” Although Blackwood’s brand has reported exponential growth, he plans to give back to the community through the sales of his designs. In an interview with Forbes, Blackwood recounts details from his life growing up in Brooklyn. He remembers designing and sewing bags and clothes since middle school, working with sincere dedication and love of the craft to get to where he is today. Blackwood is honest about his experience as a Black designer and all the systemic difficulties that come with it. From subliminal conditioning to Eurocentric beauty standards to complaints decrying his “too niche” demographic, he has stayed true to his mission and dedicates his brand to the “[celebration] of Black people and POCs.”

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The first rotation of Blackwood’s brand on its way to social media stardom was rumored to have begun with Kim Kardashian, who posed with his signature “ESR Tote” on Instagram. The ESR tote had gone viral shortly before Kim has posted, but the image had fans and activists alike hunting for the creative behind the bag. Blackwood had spoken to Kim about the tote before due to her involvement with criminal justice reform and the law. He is “thankful for Kim for giving the bag the recognition it deserves and using her platform to forward the message and mission.” Since the release of the signature canvas mini tote bag, Blackwood has created many different versions, with alternate colors and various materials, such as satin. All of these bags have some things in common: clean, minimal design, high-quality stitching, and a timeless quality.

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In his interview, Blackwood discusses one of the most lethal aspects of brand activism. He explains, “the only downside to finally getting that recognition is shifting business ventures that seem to only want you as a token Black designer. There is a lot of performative allyship going on with companies in today’s climate.” He remains committed to promoting effective activism, donating a part of his proceeds for the ESR tote to the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which focuses on advancing diversity in the legal field and beyond. Blackwood wants not only to give back to his community but to imbue value into Black-owned businesses, products, and creatives.

Since the launch of his ESR totes, Blackwood has also come out with a myriad of other styles and designs. Each one of his creations is unique, trendy, and high-quality. His leather Portmore is the perfect shoulder bag for a casual day out, complete with microsuede lining and excellent stitching. His Kendrick trunks come in a variety of colors and textures, the most unique being his pony hair leather line. Altogether, his designs are not only impactful but elegant and versatile as well.

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Luxury items are assigned a perception of timelessness and exclusivity, exalted with publicly-decided permanence. Blackwood has developed an impactful message through his creative direction and design; by etching his message and vision onto his products, he has not only introduced inclusivity into the fashion world but has imbued racial equity and justice with a sense of permanence.

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