Dooney & Bourke may sound funny, but the numbers this company puts up every year is anything but hilarious. Dooney & Bourke, the odd name with the legit numbers produces anything from its famous handbags, to luggage, briefcases, watches, iPod cases, bracelets, and watches. Dooney & Bourke also offers a limited clothing line, including jackets, sweaters, scarves, and shoes. Dooney & Bourke caters to women but still offer men’s products including sweaters, belts, wallets, briefcases, and shoes.
Founded in 1975, Dooney & Bourke has carefully created an image of middle to upper class brand with several items that fit under any budget. Products start at $20 but may reach up to $650 for specific items.
Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke launched the company in 1975 in South Norwalk, Connecticut. At first, the company only offered two products: surcingle belts and classic suspenders.
In 1981, Dooney & Bourke introduced to handbags into the catalog. The brand’s original two handbags, “Tack Case” and “Equestrian Bag,” were both made from bridle leather. By 1983 the company offered the All-Weather Leather (AWL) bag which would instantly become one of their best-sellers. Today the bag is still highly popular.
In 2003, Dooney & Bourke hit the big-time by opening up a new outlet on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
In 2007, actress and star of Heroes, Hayden Panettiere designed a new bag for Dooney & Bourke and has since taken over the creation of her own line. Today you can find her “Hayden” bag and the patent leather “Chiarra” for sale.
Emma Roberts, niece of Julia Roberts, is also a representative for Dooney & Bourke and is behind the “Emma Bag,” a small oval sized handbag.
Other celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton (O.C.), and Michelle Trachtenberg have modeled in advertisements for Dooney & Bourke. Advertisements often appear in such fashion and style magazines as Vogue, Teen Vogue, ELLE, Vanity Fair, Lucky, InStyle, and W.
Customers of Dooney & Bourke receive a quarterly catalog through a mailing list that anyone can join through their web site.
Dooney & Bourke’s flagship store is located in New York City. Customers may also find Dooney & Bourke locations throughout the United States including, Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Honolulu. Dooney & Bourke also offers outlets in Costa Mesa, California and White Plains, New York. A single shop exists outside the U.S. in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Products are also offered and purchased online through the official Dooney & Bourke web site, eBay, department outlets, and off-price discount stores.
eBay has recently taken some heat from unsatisfied customers who claim that not all products on eBay advertised as “Dooney & Bourke” products are actually authentic.
Dooney & Bourke was also under national spotlight in April of 2004 when rival Louis Vuitton filed suit against Dooney & Bourke, stating that the company infringed its allegedly famous Murakami Monogram Mulicolore collection. In May of 2008, a district judge ruled in favor of Dooney & Bourke and dismissed the case.
Dooney & Bourke is currently offering free standard shipping on orders of $200 or more thanks to a “Back to School” special. For more information, visit www.dooney.com. The official web site also offers FAQ, Live Help, and Contact information for any questions or concerns. Customers may also sign up for the catalog, register a product, receive more information on product care/cleaning, as well as catch up on all the latest “DooneyNews.” Gift cards are also available as well as a store locator to find the nearest outlet.