Brandon Blackwood - SYL & Kuei Handbag Review

Its been quite some time, but I figured now would be a great time to put this into the universe since I am always looking to read reviews before I make a purchase. And haven’t found much in print on these handbags….

Before I get started, just a bit about the brand: Brandon Blackwood was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He is of Jamaican and Chinese descent, spending most of his childhood traveling to and from New York and Tokyo. After majoring in Neuroscientific Psychology at Bard University, Blackwood quickly realized that he would rather work in Fashion and started the necessary steps to launch his first handbag line. (From brandonblackwood.com)

It has been one of my main goals in mind to make 2021 the year I support more small and BIPOC business. Today we will be taking an in-depth look into my Brandon Blackwood SYL and Kuei handbags that I recently acquired.

SYL

Purchased this in denim logo. I love a good denim handbag and this is no exception. The bag itself throws some serious Prada reissue vibes, while being a mini bag that packs a punch. Mid-toned and can pair with any shade of denim. I am sure this will be in rotation for a long time.

This is the first issue, which I paid up for on Stock X because I wasn’t sure it was going to come back (to be fair I got it for a good deal too, so I am not too mad). The current version on the website does have gold hardware. I am worried the zipper pull may fray over time. Can be carried on the crook of the arm or on shoulder. I do wish the handle drop was a bit longer for plus sized folks, which is my only gripe.

To give some idea what this carries for day to day - card case, sunglasses, keys, lip balm, face mask and my handy dandy knife. This will fit a standard iPhone as well. Soft, smushy and is classy yet fun.

She cute; she comes in a bunch of colors too and can still be purchased from the website in their restock (at time this is published).

Zipper pull, 1 interior slip pocket (which easily fits a card case) and 1 zip pocket. Brandon Blackwood interior leather patch.

Measurements: Handle Drop: 5.5" Height: 6" Width : 8" Depth: 3"

KUEI

Light colored bags are not usually what I gravitate towards, but I knew I wanted one just for the versatility in my collection. Meet the Medium KUEI in Cream Lizard. A structured vegan leather bag that has some Hermes Kelly influence, although much less stuffy.

First of all, the texture on the “leather” is so lovely and understated. I find the cream does pull slightly pink rather than yellow-based and I am here for it. The details are also very lux - branded silver zipper pulls, matching feet, D-ring attachments that are meticulously sewn into the bag. For $300 this bag is very well made. Only issues I can note is that the zipper on the front feels a bit lackluster and is slightly off centered. Not that I mind, as I will more than likely leave that part undone. I do wish the strap was just a bit thicker, but it matches the structured femininity of the bag.

This can be carried as a top handle, cross body or shoulder bag. I added a chunky acrylic strap in a green/cream marble for a shoulder strap option that I find a bit more comfortable (and an added pop of color and whimsy).

Like I said, I will be leaving this a bit more undone, so the top flap closure does nothing for me. It will magnetically close if the zipper band is closed, but that look isn’t for me.

What fits: card case and business cards (in front slip pocket), small Filofax pocket planner, sunglasses with case, small cosmetics bag, keys, phone, air pods with room. The interior zip pocket is very narrow - I don’t plan on storing anything in there.

This came packaged like a high end bag - sturdy storage box, dust bag, wrapped in tissue paper and a large air bubble for structure. Feet had protective caps as well (I wish I took photos but there’s so many unboxings online). Overall very impressed.

Front decorative and functional zipper pull, 1 interior slip pocket on front, 1 narrow zip pocket on back, microsuede liner in tan color, detachable shoulder strap, feet.

Measurements: 10” x 8” x 5”, 18” shoulder strap drop. You can find the Kuei collection here, which includes the jumbo and mini sizes as well.

For a mid range price point, I am very happy with the 2 bags I have. I currently have the Standard Sophia, Kendrick Trunk (standard size) and Neema Key Pouch. Also considering the Bamboo B Card Holder (serious Gucci vibes!) and Tristian Wallet in Green. Would highly recommend looking into his bags if you love luxury or handbags and want to support an up and coming BIPOC designer.

Until next time,

Jessika

*all links used go directly to brandon blackwood's website. no commission is made on this post. purchased all items with my own money. kuei bag was a gift for mother's day.