About Dooney and Bourke Handbags

Dooney & Bourke handbags have become a fashion and style phenomenon and are priced at a medium price point for the budget-conscious consumer.
Dooney & Bourke handbags are available in several high-end retail stores, online at Dooney.com, and through QVC, a television and online shopping network. In addition to handbags, Dooney & Bourke makes signature, designer-inspired accessories such as wallets, wristlets, apparel and gift items.

History

Dooney & Bourke handbags are just one of several fashion accessories available from the Dooney & Bourke company. Dooney & Bourke was founded in 1975 by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke in South Norwalk, Connecticut.
The founders launched the company by selling surcingle belts, but established the handbag line in 1981.
Dooney & Bourke handbags were soon found at high-end retailers including Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, but were also available through the Dooney & Bourke Company store in Connecticut.

Types

Dooney & Bourke soared to popularity after the release of the All-Weather Leather (AWL) bag in 1983. The bag was a simple messenger-style purse made of pebbled leather and a smooth leather trim. The original duck tag logo was sewn in front. The main collections include the Signature; Leather; Grafica; Fabric and Exclusive collection.
Dooney & Bourke Signature bags include the Quilt Bag, Crossword, Girly and Linear DB. Dooney & Bourke Leather bags are available in several colors and styles including suede, leopard print, patent leather, exotic skins and classic nubuck leather.
Grafica bags are made with several eye-catching colors and unique printed designs. Dooney & Bourke Fabric bags are made with canvas and light leather: these are popular during the spring and summer season.
The Exclusive collection of handbags include large roll-up totes, pocket hobos and crocodile shopper bags.

Features

Dooney & Bourke handbags are available in several styles including the classic tote; baby satchel; domed satchel; East/West slouch, and the bucket bag. Each design is inspired by British and European designers with a neo-American twist. The handles of authentic Dooney & Bourke bags are made with real British leather.

Identification

Dooney & Bourke bags are designed with the signature D&B logo and/or monogram. Some Dooney & Bourke handbags also feature a key fob with the original duck emblem. Original Dooney and Bourke handbags are made only with British tan leather handles and checking the handles is one of the easiest ways to determine if the bag is genuine or fake.
Real Dooney & Bourke handbags are also accented only with brass hardware, not silver plates or gold studs. Another signature feature of the Dooney & Bourke handbag is the visible red, white and blue registration number sewn under a leather seam on the inside of the bag.

Misconceptions

Dooney & Bourke bags featuring the Murakami Monogram Multicolore designs were no longer manufactured after May 30, 2008 when Louis Vuitton won a lawsuit against Dooney & Bourke for infringing on the unique design. The lawsuit only affected this collection, and Dooney & Bourke has created several other collections since. In the handbag market, Dooney & Bourke is not considered to be a luxury designer bag, but is priced for the budget-conscious and stylish consumer and priced at a moderate price.

Resources

• How to Spot Fake Dooney & Bourke Handbags
• Dooney & Bourke Handbags on QVC