When talking about black-owned luxury handbags, be sure to add fashion designer Maya Winston to your list.
Originally from Jamaica, Maya Winston moved to the Bronx at the age of 11 and was raised by her mother, who was primarily a seamstress. Thanks to her sister, who was also a designer, Winston was destined for success in the fashion industry.
Before the Maya Winston brand was born, there was “Maya Lawrence,” an extension of Terry Winston, the brand previously worn by celebrity Teyana Taylor.
After the closing of Terry Winston, using her first name in honor of her late father, Maya decided to switch to designing a luxury handbag named “Maya Winston.”
With over 10 years of experience, Winston is still learning and growing in the fashion industry.in an exclusive interview with fashion bomb daily, Describing himself as more than just a luxury handbag brand, Winston expressed interest in creating a lifestyle brand that offers a black luxury experience. he said,
“When you think of Maya Winston, don’t just think of luxury handbags, think of a time of luxury,” said Winston. “I don’t want to be boxed when it comes to fashion or anything creative, because one day I might make a sofa. I just want to create extravagant pieces and experiences for culture,” he elaborated.
With luxury handbags worn by celebrities such as Angela Simmons and Draya Michelle, Winston pays close attention to detail.
As an avid learner, always seeking to improve her skill set and bag quality, Maya travels to Asia Pacific and the Middle East to create and select luxury products.
“Quality is very important to me and it makes my customers feel special,” says Winston. “When you receive an item from me, it will be wrapped as a gift with a token of appreciation, because I want my brand to have a classy feel to it.”
Winston has four different collections and a total of 17 handbags designed for his brand. Each collection has different styles, and the most popular design is the “Small Tote Bag” from “The OGs” collection, which retails for his $200.
Each small tote is crafted from leather and can be hand-held or worn cross-body. Along the front of the bag, Maya Winston’s ‘M’ logo is combined with gold or silver hardware his straps. A drawstring top is perfect for securing personal items, and this mini design is available in black, pink, red, tiger orange, berry pink, and sunshine yellow.
Not only that, but you can also buy a small crocodile tote bag for the same $200 price tag, which comes in an assortment of different colors including sterling silver, stone, cranberry red, lilac, and black.
Winston’s vision for the brand is to ultimately inspire black designers. “The only advice I can give to up-and-coming designers is don’t overthink it, just do it and be consistent,” he explained.
Winston wants to continue to change the story and pave the way for other black male designers. “My dream is to collaborate with Teyana Taylor and see Beyoncé wearing my handbag,” Winston exclaimed.
Photo Credit: IG/Reproduction
At first glance, why not splurge Maya Winston’s handbag?