Dooney and Bourke Handbags

[UPDATE : Dooney and Bourke is offering a number of 'specials' on its site - nice-looking Dooney and Bourke handbags at 40% off - you might wish to check them out - Dooney Specials - a good way fo saving some money onyour Christmas presents!]

Dooney & Bourke is a company that specializes in many diferent kinds of fashion accessories not just handbags, such as - bracelets, watches, iPod cases, luggage, briefcases, and also jackets, sweaters, shoes, and scarves.

Most Dooney and Bourke products are designed for women, but there are some - e.g. sweaters, belts, wallets, briefcases, and shoes that are made for men.

The Dooney & Bourke company was founded in 1975 in South Norwalk, Connecticut by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke, so it is still relatively young in the designer fashion world (Louis Vuitton bags was founded back in 1854 in Paris). Dooney and Burke sells products in all price ranges - costing from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Their handbags are perhaps not quite so well-known as their more famous competitors such as Coach bags, Louis Vuitton, Gucci etc... but they nevertheless are very popular as they provide high quality but affordable products for people on a budget.

I suspect in these credit crunching times that their sales are improving, although I am not privy to their data. In 1981, Dooney & Bourke started making handbags and launched the Tack Case and Equestrian Bag, bags which are made from bridle leather.

Currently the day to day operations are handled by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke has no further involvement in the running of the company. Frederic Bourke is however currently involved in a court case as he faces international bribery charges, it was also reported on May 8 that Bourke believed business partner Peter Dooney was secretly injecting him with a “harmful substance.”

Mr Dooney laughed when told of Bourke’s alleged fear.

“I haven’t seen the guy in years and years,” Dooney said “No secret injections. Categorically denied.”

Their products sell throughout the USA, notably in Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, they also opened The Dooney and Bourke Company Store in Norwalk, Connecticut.

The famous All-Weather Leather (AWL) bag, was first created in 1983, the first of these bags featured a duck logo and a russet leather trim. The AWL bag is made from waterproof cowhide, water just rolls off it. It also requires only minimal care. Difficult stains can be removed using just water and a bar of mild soap, e.g. saddle or Ivory soap.

Care must be taken when using creams to condition or clean the bags as the oils can soften the leather and open up the pores, which would mean that your bag would no longer be waterproof ! Dooney and Bourke Flagship Store 20 E. 60th St. between Madison and Park Aves. New York, NY 10022 212 223-7444