Complete Guide to Designers of Fine Handbags and Purses
List of the top handbag designers of the day with histories, images of their purses and the fashion trends they set in the handbag industry.
Coach
Coach is probably the most popular and hottest handbag designer
in the the United States. They have been around since 1914, making hot accessory items such as, handbags, shoes, wallets, outdoor coats, hats, and other fashion accessories. Coach purses are one of the, if not the best seller of handbags in the US. Coach bags are a favorite among women for their extraordinary style, style and design that fulfills to the greatest extent what ladies desire in a fine designer bag. They often include a signature Coach design or pattern on the leather as seen in the image above.
Coach is not just popular in the US, but also in the world, where their products, and especially the handbags have enjoyed true popularity in the marketplace. It's a fact that a Coach purse is definite status symbol, which is one of the reasons that many women clamor to have one.
Gucci
Who has not heard of Gucci? Whoever hasn't must have been
living under a rock because it is one of the oldest and most renowned fashion houses of all time. The Gucci handbag is a common feature of the upper class ladie's closet and is still considered to be top of the line in fine designer handbags. The House of Gucci, better known just as Gucci is a Florentine fashion and leather goods label, a division the Gucci Group, that is owned by French company Pinault- Printemps- Redoute. Gucci was founded by Guccio Gucci(1869 – 1953) in Florence in 1921.
Gucci made around 2. 2 billion worldwide of revenue in 2008 according to BusinessWeek magazine. Gucci is also the biggest- selling Italian brand in the world. If you really want to own a classic handbag, then toting a Gucci would definitely qualify.
Prada
Prada is an Italian fashion label created by Mario Prada,
specializing in luxury products for people including, handbags, accessories, shoes, luggage and hats. The label is really a status symbol. The corporation was commenced by Fratelli Prada and by Mario Prada with a shop that procured leather items in Milan, Italy. After Fratelli's died in the 50's and Mario's son had aboslutely no interest in the fashion business, Mario's daughter-in- law took over the Prada line and has nurtured it for over 20 years.
Her daughter, Miuccia Prada, joined the company in 1970. Miuccia's creating of the waterproof backpack started Prada's ascent into the high-fashion world. Miuccia came into the company in 1978 at which time sales were big, upto $450,000. She had made Patrizio Bertelli, another leathergood designer and made him her business manager and Miuccia was permitted time to put into play her creativity in fashion design.
She would continue to incorporate her plans into the house of Prada that would alter it forever. She unveiled her first set of backpacks and totes in 1979. They were constructed from a tough military spec black nylon. Popularity however was not instant, as they were difficult to sell as a result of lack of advertising and their high-prices, however the lines would later prove to turn into her first big market commercial hit. Next, Miuccia and Bertelli sought after wholesale accounts for the bags in premium department stores and boutiques across the world.
The following year, Prada unveiled its nylon tote. That same year, the house of Prada started expansion throughout continental Europe by starting locations in prominent shopping areas inside of
Florence, Paris, Madrid, and New York City. Prada introduced its women's collection in 1989, and the designs came to be recognized for their dropped waistlines and narrow belts. Prada's popularity skyrocketed when the fashion world took notice of its clean lines, opulent fabrics, and basic colors. It would be identified with wealthier working ladies who held challenging employment. The logo for the label, the Prada silver- and black triangle, wasn't as apparent a design component as those on bags from other popular luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. And its initial appeal for the clothing and handbags was its image of "anti- status" or "reverse snobbery. "
Today the Prada handbag is still one of the most popular brands in women's purse. A classic that is sure to enjoy ongoing popularity and appeal.
Hermes
Can you say expensive, exclusive and did I mention expensive?
The retail price tag of any Hermes product is big, where a wallet
costs about $1200, a little pink agenda cover is $300 and the finest handbags can run as high as $7,000!Hermes is most famous for the Kelly bag and the Birkin bag. Today the Birkin continues to have the longest waiting list of any luxury accessory, it is approximately six years.
The Kelly bag debuted in 1956 after Grace Kelly used a large crocodile purse to hide her pregnancy. Actress Jane Birkin swapped out her old straw purse with a leather Hermès number in 1984, and started the rage that's the Birkin bag. (image: Hermes Crocodile Lindy Bag)
The renowned French luxury goods house of Hermes started as a harness workshop in Paris in 1837. By the 20's, Hermès owned the patent for the zipper in France, and presented the 1st ladies’ bags with zip closures, and in 1937, the 1st Hermès silk scarves were born. Incidentally it is reported that today a scarf is sold every twenty seconds.
Hermes clients include, Madonna, Oprah, Martha Stewart, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman and many more.
Louis Vuitton
Another classic and timeless handbag designer who has an interesting history and is truly the leader of the handbag fashion industry. A very long time mark of prominence and wealth, this company commands among the highest prices in the worldwide fashion industry for its goods, including handbags.
Louis Vuitton Malletier, usually called Louis Vuitton is an international French fashion house specializing in trunks, leather
goods, ready- to- wear, shoes, watches, jewelery, accessories, sunglasses, and books. Known the globe over because of its iconic LV monogram and logo, Louis Vuitton is among the most identifiable brands on this planet. Having started in 1854, Louis Vuitton isn't just among the earliest, but also among the most renowned houses of fashion on the planet. It offers its items solely via its own shops, little boutiques in high- end department stores, and on the internet via its web site. Louis Vuitton competes directly with such luxury brands as Versace, Hermès, Gucci, Dolce& Gabbana, Burberry, Dior, Chanel, Fendi, Armani, and Prada. (image: Vuitton Bowling Bag)
Louis Vuitton handbags started in France when in the beginning of the nineteenth century, the emperor of France, Napoleon III, wanted somebody to handle the bags of Empress Eugene.
In today's world, Louis Vuitton handbags have grown to be monuments of class and comfort. This contributes to allowing the Vuitton handbags to be the industry leader. With famous designers
like Stephen Sprouse and Marc Jacobs so in awe that they revealed a limited edition graffiti LV monogram in 2001, which was available to just a special list of recipients chosen by the designers. At first a carrying case for 5 bottles of champagne, the Louis Vuitton Noe handbag evolved into a phenomenon once upper class ladies took notice and transformed it into the essential handbag that it is today. (image: Vuitton Aquarelle Bag)
Juicy Couture
Juicy Couture is probably the most fasinating story of handbag and
On the Juicy Couture website on the About page all you will see is a an image of a kings marquee with the message that says:
Once upon a time in a land far far away called Pacoima, there were two nice girls who liked stuff. Juicy Couture swept the land and they lived happily ever after.
Pretty cool! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Juicy is known for their signature velour tracksuits but they're also renowned for creating the coolest and most original handbags on the market today.
The line called "Juicy Couture, " was to feature different athletic and casual wear, particularly the velour tracksuit that landed Juicy Couture a lot of popularity. Taylor and Levy didn’t have a lot funds with which to start their label, thus leading to painstaking start- up for this company. In 1996, after starting their business and seeking to have the brand within the public eye, the ladies sent their accomplished designs to celebrities. Madonna, credited with turning the velour tracksuit into a trend, was sent a track suit. Madonna was witnessed wearing the tracksuit, and the rest as they say is history! Around 2004, Juicy Couture became a worldwide known brand.
But since it's success the label was purchased by Liz Claiborne and it is reported to have sold$ 258 million worth of Juicy Couture merchandise in the first six months of 2008 in spite of the nearly worldwide recession. Not bad for two young girls from Pacoima!
Fendi
Fendi is a very well known and world renowned designer of handbags. It is most popular for craftsmanship and super fine design. The bag has amazing style and great fashion and it is one of the most popular fashion accessories for several celebrities and elite people.
In term of quality, Fendi purses are the cream of the crop in quality designer bags. The bags are manufactured from super fine Italian leathers with inventive patterns and fine stitching. The quality of the bags comes from paying close attention to details that Fendi is famous for.
Fendi has been manufacturing handbags for more than 75 years. The company was originally from Rome, Italy and became one of the most well known manufacturers in Italy. That’s why the price is always very expensive. If you want to buy a high quality designer bag, you should definitely consider buying the authentic Fendi bag, still a true classic today and will no doubt continue to be.
Dooney and Bourke
Dooney and Bourke have been designing handbags for over 30 years and continue to be a favorite among women because their ags have a traditional style but are still trendy and modern. They use very high quality materials for the handbags and use a fresh and unique design. One of the hottest handbags from Dooney and Bourke is the “All Weather Leather”, which are made with 100% animal skin.
Marc Jacobs
A definite presence on the runways, Marc Jacobs creations won him popularity in all facets of fashion, including his handbags that are popular and gorgeous!
Marc Jacobs, was born April 9, 1963 in New York City and is a renowned American fashion designer. He's the head designer for
Marc Jacobs, and the diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jacobs is also presently the Creative Director of the respected French design house Louis Vuitton. Jacobs is really a marked fixture in the New York City celebrity scene, having developed into something of a celebrity himself. The crowd for his fashion shows usually consists of celebrities like Kim Gordon and Vincent Gallo. A majority of his fashion collections follow the fashion trends of past decades from the forties to the eighties. (image: Marc Jacobs Small Cecilia bag)