STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Black Designers Partner with Jean-Michel Basquiat Estate to Create Unique Accessories

The limited-edition items use rarely-seen Basquiat art for one-of-a-kind handbags, jewelry, and more. '

Fashion organization Black Fashion Fair has partnered with the estate of legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat to create an extraordinary collection of bags featuring never-before-seen art.

Ten designers were given "unprecedented access" to the “King Pleasure” exhibition, according to Complex, including Homage Year which created several unique handbags. Black Fashion Fair challenged the designers to create one-on-one looks, ready-to-wear and accessories based on Basquiat's work and life.

"This project is contributing to our practice by meeting one of our main missions, which is paying homage and further immortalizing those who have come before us.” — Antoine Manning, Creative Director of Homage Year.

The bags are available in three sizes: classic, mini, and mini mini. They feature an oval shape with a curved handle and offer one or two external pockets, silk-lined interiors, and one slip-in and one zipped pocket. They come with an adjustable, detachable strap that can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. The bags also feature the iconic Basquiat crown as a charm on the external zipper. The prices range from $200 - $375, and the handbags are currently available at blackfashionfair.org.

A handbag and business card holder by Brandon Blackwood has already sold out.

Other designers contributing to the collection include Advisry, Johnny Nelson, and Theophilio.

Black Fashion Fair is a conceptual, educational, and cultural experience aimed toward supporting Black designers and Black-Owned brands: Past, Present, and Future.

Black Fashion Fair seeks to become a leading voice in the scholarship on Black design and a promoter of new pathways for Black artists. Fair Fashion Foundation was founded with the mission to discover, support, and further Black designers and the communities they inspire.

In 2022, the Fair Fashion Foundation launched the Jean-Michel Basquiat Emerging Designer Grant in partnership with the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.