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Catching on to the wave of the beaded bags renaissance are Nigerian fashion brands who are changing the common Nigerian narrative of beaded bags being boring, limited in variety, and old-fashioned. Before, beaded bags were not paid much attention in Nigeria. They had long fallen out of fashion to be replaced by bags made with leather and other flexible fabrics which could be easily fashioned into bag designs of choice. In addition to this, there were limited ideas on how to create a design with beads, hence the boring designs.
The last appearance made by beaded bags as a trend on the fashion scene was in the '90s. Since their resurgence – a wave which began in 2018 – they have been seen in a variety of designs, sizes, and colours. There has also been a conspicuous shift from the 90s’ version of the accessory.
These fashion brands are daringly bringing all their creativity to the fore. They are stringing different bead types together to produce exquisite and classic collections of bags in different shapes, sizes, colours. All this while making room for the luxury of choice in styling coupled with special attention to durability and encouraging slow fashion.
1. Jumz Shakara Bead Bag
Founded by Olajumoke Jimoh, Jumz Accessories is a New York-based sister brand to leather bags and purses brand, Wura NYC. Jumz collections, from their designs and names – many coined from the Yoruba root of the founder – are designed for the modern trendy lady.
The Ajoke bags are simple pearl handbags designed to be timeless. Made with faceted crystal beads and embellished with teardrop crystal beads, the Shakara bags live to their name which means 'to flaunt'. Each handbag is handmade by local female artisans who are based in Lagos, Nigeria.
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2. Mairachamp White Snim Bag
For Aisha Mustapha, the goal for introducing beaded bags to Mairachamp in 2020 was to champion the movement of giving women a fashion accessory that stands out. The brand prides itself in pioneering the innovation of jaw-dropping designs that blend beads of various types, shapes, sizes, colours, into multipurpose bags.
The bags are handmade in Ogun state, Nigeria, by local artisans who pay attention to the brand's rule of longevity and strength by ensuring that the thread used for each bag is suited for the bead size, type, and its hole.
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3. Lisa Folawiyo Gong Bag
The eponymous womenswear and accessories luxury fashion brand, Lisa Folawiyo, is one of the brands housed by Jewel by Lisa which was founded in 2005. The brand is predominantly known for making women's clothing with Ankara. The latest beaded bag collection are the Bijoux bags which are designed with single-coloured faceted crystal beads.
The Gong bag, which is two bags connected with a strap long enough to be slung over the shoulder, is also perfect for making a statement. Lisa Folawiyo bags are also a source of empowerment for skilled local female artisans who hand craft them in Lagos, Nigeria.
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4. Perade Blanc Savvy Bag
Perade is an accessory brand that seeks to capture the beauty of African culture through timeless pieces. Founded in 2015, the brand was initially invested in showcasing African culture through trendy clothing and accessories.
The Zita collection are neutral-coloured bags that crown a casual outfit with matching beaded bucket hats that come with them. The Blanc Savvy crossbody bag which doubles as a wine carrier bag will serve if you're grabbing a bottle of wine along the way to your girls' hangout.
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5. Esthersy Nova Bag
Esthersy is inspired by the aim to be a symbol of creativity in fostering the bond between traditional heritage and modern fashion. Founded by UK-based Omotayo Titilope, the brand was launched in 2021. Depending on the bead types, some of the raw materials are sourced from local markets in Nigeria while some are imported from Turkey.
Each bag is designed and handcrafted to represent the brand's dedication to elegance rooted in slow fashion. If you want a bag that makes an impression, the Nova and Candy bags are a sure bet.
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