One thing’s for sure: Jamaican/Chinese designer Brandon Blackwood understands the celebrity effect! The NYC-based designer barely had hands to sell the End Systemic Racism (ESR) tote once beauty and fashion mogul Kim Kardashian promoted it on Instagram. Blackwood’s bags were already a sensation before Kardashian popularised them, but a nod from the celebrity certainly helped.

Since then Blackwood has leaned on celebs like Halle Berry and iconic British actress Dame Joan Collins to kick off his summer 2021 campaign.

But it was Jamaican-American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph’s 2022 Emmy ensemble that undisputably gave momentum to the recently released Brandon Blackwood Crystal Collection. Ralph debuted Blackwood’s first-ever gown on the 2022 Emmys red carpet. She accessorised the gown with the brand’s then-unreleased mini Kendrick trunk bag covered in mini crystals. It matched the coral shade of the gown’s lining, which was visible through its deep slit.

Blackwood since rolled out the collection of crystal-covered Kendricks days after Ralph’s epic Emmy win. The bags are available in 12 shades and are a sparkle-lover’s dream!