My love for designer bags began with my mother. I remember how she would (and still does) compliment her outfits with her luxury bags. In the era where Nigerian mothers paired with their aso ebi with matching shoes and bags, I would just hover in the background and be fascinated by the intricate designs of her bags. Whether it was Michael Kors, Fendi or Gucci, I was always in awe. But then I grew up and learned that many designer brands are racist and ableist.
I’m sure that the entire world is aware how problematic the fashion industry can be, from its antiblackness to its unethical nature, discrimination and lack of sustainability, but I remember my 14 year old self being desperate to get a Gucci bag that was plastered around Tumblr. Thankfully I didn’t, but reflecting on this I can see the impact of consumerism on the youth and with increased social media access, it’s now common to see girls as young as 14 rocking designer products.
At 17, I started my luxury handbag collection and now, I’m 19 and the collection is growing. After seeing Gucci’s jumper which resembled blackface and a model who wore a noose for Burberry’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection for London Fashion Week, some of my designer fantasies have swiftly come to an end. I have been side-eyeing a lot of these brands, but I won’t lie and act like Gucci’s Dionysus bag didn’t catch my eye a couple of times.