DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: NNEKA HURLEY
Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Meet Nneka Hurley. This 28 year old graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and recent student at the Fashion Institute of Technology is already making moves in the fashion industry. Originally from Petersburg, Va, currently residing in New Jersey, she started ‘Nneka Hurley Handbags‘ in 2005. Currently Nneka creates limited numbers of each design, allowing customers to rock one-of-a-kind looks.
Her hand-made clutches and handbags are very popular among celebrities. People from Eve to Keyshia Cole have been seen rocking her original designs.
NNEKA ON HER INSPIRATION & HER HANDBAGS

I get my creative spirit and edge from my mother, we were always making things when I was a child. Funky prints and unique fabrics really inspire me. My handbags and clutches really speak to the trendsetting woman, the fashionista at heart!
Currently, I make everything by hand. Ultimately, I want my bags mass produced and available in boutiques and major department stores across the country.
CELEBS WITH THEIR NNEKA HURLEY HANDBAGS

Celebrities like Eve, Keyshia Cole, Vivica A. Fox, and Bre (America’s Next Top Model) have been seen with her bags and clutches.

Nneka’s handbags and clutches offer the perfect balance between fashion and function.
For more info & to make purchases:








111 Comments
1.
BEAUTY SCHOOL DROP OUT
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Her bags are fire…i would defnitely rock one…very different and unique…i luv it….i hope she makes it big…and it’s nice to see a lot of up and coming black designers doing it up in the industry
2.
BashyBoo
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
YEA ID DEFINETLY SUPPORT HER!!! THIS IS A GOOD LOOK!
3.
blk dds
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Oh those are on point!!!!!!!!!!!
4.
gimme gimme more
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Big ups to Miss Nneka! I love her clutches. Hand-made too? Now that’s talent. Shout out to concrete loop for supporting black designers and innovators.
5.
BEAUTY Q.T.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Cute! I especially like the one with all of the colors and swirls on it.
6.
lola
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
that girl is from nigeria…..go girl
7.
dreamstacy99
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I cant wait to get my manicured hands all over one of those bags! I am so sick of all those other “designers” that make knockoff bags (not mentioning any names). Okay Momma Knowles, Kimora, and whoever makes the babyphat knockoffs “babygirl”. Wow I had a lot of built up anger towards the handbag industry….
8.
YOU TOLD HARPO TO BEAT ME???
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
The bag Eve has is cute. The others are just ok.
9.
WOAH
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
cute.
10.
Tacara
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I am sooooo estatic that this sister is really making moves! I am even more proud that our black celebraties are supporting her and her business! I am even more elated that she is well eduated and is not waiting for things to come to her, but actually going out to get it ! In so many words, Nneka you go girl, you are truly an innovator,and I will surely be looking into getting my hands on one of these fabulous desinger bags…..
11.
Valennea NYC
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Damn, the bags looks good, I like the one Bre is rocking.
I wish there are m ore creatvie people that make nice,a fforsable and unique collections to rock. cause Baby phat sucks and make you just look as ghetto as hell ( at least for most items). House of dereon is not particular, I mean, their jeans, their bags but they have NICE shoes though.
But more creative people. I also like the collection of Alexis (kanye’s girlfriend ) but I do not have nay idea of the prices?!!
12.
kimwill02
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
nice bags, good luck Nneka!
13.
1prettyb
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
OOH OOh OHH!! Me being the fashinista of the dirty south I love handbags and clutches!!! I live in MS and it is rare to see women my age 25-30 carry clutches. This chic knows her fashion and trends. These bags look great and I cannot wait to purchase one for me and my BFF! This is a definite GOOD LOOK!!!!!!!
14.
kia
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
i love her bags! i featured her on my site as well! fabulous!
15.
Ms. Bmore
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
damn…this girl’s stuff is hot life fiyah!! A bag can make or break the outfit..which is why i kind of stopped carrying purses for while because I’ve seen a lot of wack purses in stores. And I hate wearing a designer logo on a purse…i.e. Louis Vuitton, Gucci…I think that shit is so tacky. Nneka has made me want to carry a purse again…this is so fresh and original. A purse should be work of art…not a ogo!!
16.
Ms. Bmore
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
whoops..typo..i meant a purse should be a work of art..NOT A ***LOGO
17.
Babydoll
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Yo, these bags are fire. Handmade and very fab! Check out her myspace and support her!!!! Thanks for shedding light on this talented sister!
VA stand up!
18.
Lori
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Okay I want one of each! Loving the designs, just my style
19.
ms. j
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
another woman of color making BIG moves! that’s what i like to see…keep pushin forward, mama!
20.
Ms. Bmore
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
ok..i just went to Nnekka’s myspace…and everything appears to be sold out!! Must be high in demand..
21.
Flochine
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
what an inspiration to me, another igbo girl out there making it, on day my designs will be known
22.
Staci
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Nneka has a great eye for mixing colors and patterns! It’s just a matter of time before a Nneka Hurley original is in every trendsetter’s closet!
23.
CapCityChick
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Another VA representer doing big things!!!! I love it!!!
24.
vinci
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
hot bags! many successful wishes, nek!
25.
SHA
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I have known Nneka growing up in the tri-city area in VA, and she has always been a trendsetter..I am so proud of her!!!!!!!!!! She will continue to do big things and stay reppin VA!!!!!
26.
Young Kanye
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I know Ms Hurley personally, and this spotlight is one well deserved because she is a hard working designer who takes time in perfecting each bag to ensure satisfaction! Congradulations on your hard work and achievments Neka, I see a empire in your future, and a shoe-line…..creatively directed by me of course… Louboutin better watch out!
27.
Malaikas Sense of Fashion
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I love her designs! They are unique and so classy! I cant wait to offer them to my clients in my boutique! True talent and a gift! Take care of those hands girl!! Keep us in style!
~Miss Angel of Malaikas Sense of Fashion
28.
Classy Kay
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Those bags are NICE!!! I’m checking out hr myspace right away!! I want one!! I love funky, unusual fabric bags!
29.
Birago
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the bags. They are so unique. Man, this is so creative. I NEED one (or more) in my wardrobe. Keep up the awesome work!
30.
Sha Butters
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I have the Kelis bag and I am very happy with my purchase!!! The bag is made of quality product and it is very well designed and put together!!! I will see you on the 17th chica!!!
31.
Z4U2NV
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I personally own one of the clutches and LOVE it!!! I cant wait to purchase another one!!
32.
Cattt
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I love all kinds of purses and totes and I would definitely buy from her.
33.
zee
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
wow ..her bags are reli nyce nd her name seems to indicate shes nigerian
34.
vexxed
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
too gaudy/ not for me.
35.
ENVIED
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
HOT!!!!!!!!!!
36.
charlee
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
those kinda purses really are not ma style…….but if they are cheap (like no more than 25 dollas) then yea i will rock it..other than that…NO!!
but do ur thing gurl!!
37.
charlee
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
how much do they cost?????
38.
whyaskwhy
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Nice to see black women doing big things!
39.
Dlayne
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I just got my Nneka Hurley clutch in the mail last week! (i know you’re jealous…) And I LOVE it! It’s great to see a black woman doing big things!
40.
natural mystique
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Good for Nneka! Though they are a bit flashy for my personal taste, she’ll definitely have a huge following. Her stuff looks very similar to Betsey Johnson’s.
41.
ThinkAboutIt
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Beautiful thing seeing this young sister get on design and Entrepreneur spirit on.
She’s very talented - I will have to check her out.
Good Look CL. Giving the sister some shine and introducing new things to the masses.
42.
KSH
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Good look for you girl! I LOVE those patterns on the bags. I will def cop one if it fits in my budget!
43.
LAY L
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
IT’S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE SPRUCED SOMETHING UP!
44.
Queen Tee
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Gurl make that money i’m all about paper chasing baby!! Do ur thang sista!!!
45.
THE BIG EASY
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
mADE MY ORDER ALREADY………….GOOD XMAS GIFTS FOR THE LADIES IN MY FAMILY…..GLAD I TOOK CARE OF THAT, THEY SHOULD DEFINTLY LOVE THEIR GIFTS THIS YEAR
46.
Jay
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Great pocket books!!! Wish you much success!!
47.
get_me_bodied
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
THIS WOMAN IS GOIN PLACES! SHE IS BRILLIANT AND BEAUTIFUL, COLLEGE GRAD AND ALL. BE INSPIRED, A MIND IS A VERY TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE. SHE MUST HAVE A GOOD MOTHER. I WILL DEFINATELY SUPPORT HER, THOSE BAGS ARE GENIUS! IF U CAN BUY LV, GUICCI, AND WHATEVA OTHER NAME BRAND BAG, THEN U SHOULD SUPPORT ONE OF UR OWN.
48.
Tonya
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
It’s refreshing to see a beautiful young black female doing her thing and reaching a successful status. It especially makes me smile to know that this talented young lady is reppin’ my hometown of VA.
I love her bags because they are UNIQUE and in VA you rarely see variety when it comes to ones personal style. So with that being said, I would definitely like to cop one of her bags just to stand out and have females say, “Wow where did you get that bag?” Lovely indeed.
49.
Such Magnificence
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I LOVE ‘em…pure hotness indeed. Lawd lemme get my hands on one before the prices are outta this world….well lets re-phrase that outta my world lol!
50.
atreyou82
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I’ll pobably cope a bag for my sister…she has all of these 5 ñ 6 hundred dollar bags… All white designer. She could use a hot bag by a sexy blk designer
51.
Reepee
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I love, love these clutches…..its so hard to find funky, originial chic accessories and these are definitely on point. I was on her myspace and some of the clutches actually fold out into larger bags….HOW FREAKIN HOT IS THAT!!!!!
52.
tybu
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Love them. I’ll wear them. They have this unique look similar to Sharif bags on HSN or QVC.
53.
n**ggaz who play too much and da' b*tches dat' luv em.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
gotta cop one, two, or three.they are cute.
54.
Angelita
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I love to see a fellow FIT graduate doing their thing!!!!
Keep up the good work!
55.
Kesh
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
The bags are HOT!!
56.
ladyloza
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Well done girl! Keep doin your thang! Can we get them in the uk???
57.
MS THANG
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
YUP ENUVA NIGERIAN DOIN IT BIG YUPYUP!! AINT DEY SOO CREATIVE ND BEAUTIFULL!
58.
Lihara
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
she looks like rihanna but she has brown eyes
her bags look HOT!!
59.
KiKi B.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
her bags are niceee, I like ‘em.
60.
Miss Tres Chic
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Absolutely Fabulous Darling….
61.
ijeoma
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
power to the nigerians! love your hustle, nneka.
those bags are cute.
62.
Dame it's my B-day lets party
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
The bag that Keyshia has is cute
63.
SAY WHAT:O
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Dayum those are hot, i liked every sinlge one of em. I want one
Oh, and her shirt is SupA cute!!
64.
Marques Bradley
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Talent will never go unoticed nor will be denied. I wish u the continued success u deserve!! I AM PROUD OF U
65.
REBEL
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
She is Beautiful I love that picture of her! She needs to bring those clutches to the hood! They’s sell like Hot Cakes LOL
66.
ANB
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
DO YOUR THING NEK MONEY!!!!
67.
kamsoundz
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
wow i really like those hands on the bags–they really compliment the bags–as a matter of fact -i love those hands–good bags nneka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
68.
kamsoundz
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
good muthafukinbaggs
69.
Tiffany
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
yeah, I have two of her handbags already and do believe they are HOT!!!! So make sure you support Nneka buy rockin one of her bags…..Keep doing your thang Neka
70.
Tish
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Nneka you did a great job on my Nneka Hurley Handbags. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE them. Your eye for detail is AMAZING!!! Everybody who saw my bags loved them. I can’t wait to purchase my next.
You have a remarkable and talented gift and I wish you the greatest success.
I will always be a VC!!
71.
tiffany
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
I love it and i love that she is representing petersburg,va which is also my hometown!
72.
ISI-yung naija girl-REPPIN NIGERIA ALWAIIZ
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Shes so pretty, luv the handbags, and shes NIGERIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done, Ms Nneka, ure doin well for your country
73.
Ms.Re_Re
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 /
Cute bags! I love a nice handbag,purse-etc.
The clutch with the multi -colored swirl is cute!
74.
audra
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
her handbags are so hot love them
75.
S.A.Y
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
Her bags are HOT!!! I have just orderd the Dannielle bag..Woow I just searching for a unique handbag. I cant wait to reserve it and rock it…….
76.
Erica
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
Congrats, Nneka! I know this woman personally! What an awesome combination - a black woman with divine spirituality, fashion sense, and a huge future ahead of her! She is a great person with a lot to look forward to! Best yet! - She gives God all the praise! Can’t get much better!
GO BUY A HANDBAG!
77.
dctrinigyal
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
HER CLUTCHES ARE OFF THE CHAIN….YOU GIRL GIRL. I MIGHT HAVE TO HIT HER UP BECAUSE I LOVE PURSES. I WONDER IF SHE COME TO DC….
78.
Birago
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
Nice to see us Africans doing the damn thing. Keep up the good work.
79.
dg1234
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
Those bags are hot!
80.
SHA
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
#77 I think she had a launch in DC a couple of weeks back…think she has another one in Philly coming up…Keep up the good work Nneka!!!!
81.
Stay Fly
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
I’m not feeling any of them bags. I wish her much success though. Keep doing your thing ma
82.
*Mz. OH--VA
Thursday, November 8, 2007 /
I currently own a clutch and a handbag, made by Ms.Nneka. I get great compliments on both bags. I can’t wait to see the new line……The fall line is absolutley wonderful. Great job Nneka……It won’t be long before I see The Nneka Hurley line in major department stores!!
83.
essa
Friday, November 9, 2007 /
Those bags are just tacky - bold pattern, too much gold and colorful design tend to not look tasteful — designers assume black Americans and Africans prefer this style - but not everyone does. When I noticed her first name is Nigerian too, I thought cool, then I saw those bags and was let down. Well, to each its own.
84.
realstateofmind
Friday, November 9, 2007 /
if anyone knows how do I order one of these bags please let me know, I am in Richmond VA about 30 miles north of Petersburg VA. I really want to support her.
85.
ANGEL
Friday, November 9, 2007 /
@ 84. At the end of the post I link her email as well as her myspace link. You can contact Nneka via those sources.
86.
Freeda
Friday, November 9, 2007 /
Go Girl! Representing for VCU!!! and VA!! We on the map!
87.
Dee
Friday, November 9, 2007 /
These are so rockin bags and VERY AFFORDABLE. I’m on list for Saran bag…can’t wait for it to arrive. Do your thang sista.
88.
Shelley Jackson
Friday, November 9, 2007 /
THE HANDBAGS ARE BEAUTIFUL AND WHAT AN INSPIRATION. I HAVE A DAUGHTER THAT IS 16 AND PLANS TO OPEN A SHOE AND HANDBAG STORE. ANYONE WILLING TO STOCK OUR UPCOMING STORE WITH YOUR BAGS AND SHOES. HIT US UP AT MASTERSPROFESSOR@YAHOO.COM.
THANKS!
89.
Fly As I want to be
Friday, November 9, 2007 /
These bags are HOT!! Oh and I know Nneka, she’s not Nigerian…she just has an African name!
Do ya thang Nek….dont worry about the HATERS!!!!
90.
jusreadthecomment
Saturday, November 10, 2007 /
she stole my name im like 10 yrs younger but still dam when i make it big wat am i gonna call myself. i mean thats my real name the same spelling and everything. but i love ur stuff keep it up.
91.
SHORTY YOU CAN HATE BUT YA MAN STEADY WATCHIN'
Sunday, November 11, 2007 /
FANCY is that you?!
92.
nessa
Sunday, November 11, 2007 /
nigeria stand up…………lol
93.
☆Megan☆
Sunday, November 11, 2007 /
Eeehh, she’s a fellow Hamptonian!! Go Pirates!
94.
uju
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 /
nice clutches.keep up the good work, my Nigerian sister .love designing too but am in medical school now so i do it as a hobby when ever i can.
95.
uju
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 /
hi Nneka ,
keep up the good work ,my Nigeria sister.i love to design to but in medical school now so i do it as a hobby whenever i can.lol.
96.
DIDI
Thursday, November 22, 2007 /
GOOD LUCK GIRL!!!!…My Igbo sister!!
97.
ChaCha
Saturday, December 1, 2007 /
Lovely Bags!
98.
The Most Beautiful Celebrites! » Blog Archive » CANDIDS: ME / EVE / JOY BRYANT / ALICIA KEYS / RUSSELL & DAUGHTERS / ERNIE HUDSON / JANET
Thursday, December 6, 2007 /
[...] Jam Donaldson of hotghettomess.com and Brian Marsh from Radar at the event. Fun times. Shout out to Nneka Hurley for the dope [...]
99.
Jfashionista
Wednesday, December 12, 2007 /
Nneka Hurley, you represent upcoming FRESH, ORIGINAL and aesthetically beautiful and artistic fashion!!! And the fact you rep VA!! My hometown!! Your bags are the bomb and the fabric and detail work are ON POINT!!! and FLY!!! Being a fashion designer as well, you have touched on a market that we need: ORIGINALITY!! Not, the same ‘ole designer patterns: BLAH!! blah, blah. . . I am so proud of you sista!. . . keep networking. Alicia Keys where’s ya bag at girl! from Nneka Hurley!!! All celebs get in line now!!! Support my girl from VA. I love all the fabrics. You put Nigeria on the fashion market!! Of course, you are the bomb yoursel!!. And a hard worker!! I’m proud of you!!! Why not make some belts to match!!! Keep smilin’ and be proud.. one fashionista to another, you are the FUTURE. . . Love it!! Keep up the sassy fly bags gurly girl!!! F.I.T. and Virginia Commonwealth Univ. has a WINNER!! Boutiques get your orders READY!! Contact Nneka Hurley!!! Good luck!!! And keep smilin’ BOLD and always THINK BIG and POSITIVE. . . all sistah!! support Nneka Hurley. . . I need a bag too!!!
100.
KeShaJo
Sunday, December 16, 2007 /
THAT’S MY DOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
101.
LuvsIt
Friday, December 21, 2007 /
I luvvv her bags!! I’ve been loooknig for this specific clutch that I saw on a episode Girlfriends and I see one of her bags are close to it. Yay!!
102.
DIDDY
Monday, January 7, 2008 /
WH@T5^ P0PPIN Y0U @LLR3@DY KN0W D@T 5^
103.
chris Brim
Friday, January 11, 2008 /
I like your bag Not
104.
nat
Friday, January 25, 2008 /
I’m not really feelin the bags - not my style. i still support and give one as a gift. but w/ her clientele - she ain’t missin my pennies! I’m SOOOO thrilled for this sista! Keep doin your thing, lady!
105.
DaBomb
Monday, January 28, 2008 /
http://www.myvideo.nl/watch/3194085
We need more votes please click on it nice video!!!
106.
T
Friday, February 1, 2008 /
I really like her bags, they are original and hopefully she will make a line of handbags that are affordable for the everyday woman!
107.
» DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT UPDATE: NNEKA HURLEY HANDBAG LAUNCH PARTY // 'CONCRETELOOP.COM' YOU BETTER ACT LIKE YOU KNOW!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 /
[...] sure many of you remember Nneka Hurley from the designer spotlight post we did on her late last year. The up and coming handbag designer had her 2008 Spring/Summer launch [...]
108.
TOMEKA
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 /
LOVE,LOVE YOUR HAND BAGS IF YOU TELL ME WHERE TO GET THEM IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA , I WILL YOUR HANDBAGS EVEN MOOOOORE!
109.
arbret jones
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 /
your stuff is fantastic……………..absolutly fantastic.
110.
arbret
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 /
your bags are so beautiful. please keep doing what you are doing.
111.
Theebaglady
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 /
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcJHTsDUawk
theebaglady.com