Brooklyn-based Jamaican-Chinese designer Brandon Blackwood launched his first collection in spring 2015, not long after deciding to pursue his passion instead of a career in medicine using his degree in neuroscience from Bard College. His four-piece collection of contemporary handbags immediately captured the attention of the press and celebrities for their timeless silhouettes and high-quality details. Now, his namesake label is a full-blown accessories line with a steadily increasing consumer base and a large social media following.
This past July, the Bard College grad dropped his “End Systemic Racism (ESR)” tote in response to protests and riots surrounding the fight for equal justice. The tote went viral on social media, quickly becoming a favorite of influencers and fashion mavens. “When the ESR tote first went viral, before Kim posted, I was in shock!” Blackwood tells GRAZIA. “I wasn’t sure how my audience would respond and I didn’t expect the initial traction it received”
And that’s all before Kim Kardashian promoted the $70 mini tote on Instagram this past October. “Knowing Kim’s passion behind criminal justice and prison reform, I spoke with her about my tote and she was totally onboard,” the designer adds. “I’m so thankful for Kim for giving this bag the recognition it deserves and using her platform to forward the message and mission.” Blackwood’s since unveiled new colorways to keep up with demand for the bag.
“I don’t design just to design,” Blackwood told Bushwick Daily in 2017, ahead of his first NYFW presentation. “I have the quintessential New York Girl or Boy in mind. The pieces are timeless and work in all different environments. My pieces make sense on the girl wearing Gap Jeans and a Uniqlo shirt to the girl in head to toe Proenza Schouler. It doesn’t matter.”
This sentiment remains true in 2020, an era in which it’s more important than ever for designers, celebrities, and, well, everyone to use their voices as a catalyst for change. “I’ve stayed true to my vision, identity, and always put my customer before any stores or press, and it’s paid off,” Blackwood told Forbes in October 2020.
Since Blackwood doesn’t “design just to design,” his tote was born to make an impact. “I was stuck creatively and exhausted by the daily news,” Brandon tells Teen Vogue. “I had a pretty solid following and decided I would take this opportunity to make something that could have a direct impact against systemic oppression.”
That’s when the “ESR” bag was born. “I wanted to make a minimalistic elevated tote that could be worn as an everyday bag at an affordable price,” Blackwood tells us. “Simplistic and classic with a big message.”
A portion of proceeds for the “ESR” bag goes to funding pro bono legal assistance provided by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. This civil rights organization was founded in 1963 to secure equal justice for all, especially inequities confronting Black Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities. “I’m so proud of the money we’ve raised for them,” he told Forbes.
The designer also told the outlet that since the success of his “ESR” bag, retailers who turned him down as recently as two years ago are interested now. “I was a young brand with promise, but my branding was too ‘Black,’ the founder told Forbes. My imagery was predominantly Black. My aesthetic and content spoke to a Black audience. Buyers couldn’t connect or see the value in that.” Nevertheless, “Build your brand for yourself and they will eventually listen.”
Moving forward, Blackwood seeks to nurture and expand upon his label’s growth. “I think because of my personality and how involved I am with the brand, it is important that I incorporate things that are a part of my daily life,” he says. “I definitely want to venture into more lifestyle designing, such as candles, and clothing. I think this is a great way for my customers to get an insight into who I am and the brand’s identity.”
The vast majority of Blackwood’s bags are sold out, which isn’t exactly surprising, but the good news is that the gold mini tote is still available as of December 11, and new styles and a restock are coming on December 23. Similar to the likes of Telfar, it’s rare that you’ll find these bags in stock, so when you do, act fast.
