Meet the visionary behind Silver & Riley: Black luxury brand, raising bags, scarves and travel

For Lola Banjo, luxury is something all of us deserve.

The founder and creative director of Silver & Riley, a luxury bag and accessories, from the first day she knew that she desired to create products that looked good, lasting long.

Her journey from Brooklyn and Lagos to launch a globally recognized luxury brand is an affidavit to perseverance, creativity and unwavering involvement in quality.

A former management consultant who studied economics and earned MBA, Banjo traveled every week to work and in the future she found herself in a chilly cold flight, where she asked a flight attendant for a blanket, but refused. She was told that she was reserved for first -class passengers. This experience caused an idea.

These products will develop in the Silver & Riley brand, which produces high -quality bags and travel bags made in Italy, combining functionality with style. In the case of Banjo, once you keep Silver & Riley, whether in top quality or economy, you’re feeling increased.

Overcoming challenges

Banjo’s journey was not with none obstacles. As a black woman on the luxury market, she encountered hidden prejudices that undermine her brand’s progress. “People don’t expect you as a face in space,” she explained. “Every time I think about how difficult it is, I think about what my ancestors had to face – our ancestors had to face – 100 years ago.”

“Growing up, my mother had a Rolex watch, of which she was very proud. And you know, she has invested a lot of money in it. But it was something she wanted to tell me – explained Banjo. “I would like to be a part of such a generational history, creating songs that is usually a sentimental combination with someone and represent something that exceeds this moment.”

With this in mind, each Silver & Riley product reflects meticulous attention to detail and passion for quality. Bag New Yorker, one in every of the brand’s bestsellers, took 4 years. Banjo describes this as a “iconic bag” that represents “grit, beauty and diversity of the city.”

The power of black luxury

For Banjo, luxury is greater than a logo of status – it’s an announcement of value and strengthening. “We absolutely deserve luxury, because it is something that we have been excluded from so long,” she explained. “I also wanted to work on luxury, which was relatively available.” Silver & Riley holiday sale comprises such items Durban convertible and clutch for USD 295 and them RIO handle bag It’s USD 475.

Silver & Riley stands out on the luxury market not only in terms of top of the range products, but in addition for community involvement. “We are more than just a brand; We are a movement – explained Banjo. “Our” buy one, give five program and social initiatives reflect our commitment to giving and raising others, in which we give 5% of our revenues as subsidies for women of entrepreneurs. “

Because Banjo still introduces innovations and is growing, her vision stays clear.