| The realm of handbags has many producers, some | | | | fine-leather handbags. Two years later, in 1983, |
| made in Italy or France and more recently several US | | | | Dooney & Bourke introduced All-Weather Leather |
| companies have entered the fray. Three of the most | | | | (AWL), which was a 100% waterproof cowhide and |
| prominent makers of handbags in the US are Botkier, | | | | this became the standard for all their leather purses. |
| Dooney & Bourke, and Kooba. | | | | The waterproofing of a leather purse along with the |
| The Botkier label was launched in New York City by | | | | minimal care that went with it, made Dooney & |
| fashion photographer, Monica Botkier. Looking for a | | | | Bourke purses the most popular designer handbag |
| bag she could carry her equipment in and still look | | | | produced in the United States. |
| stylish among the crowd she photographed, Botkier | | | | Today, Dooney and Bourke handbags are available in |
| began to design her own handbags. Her first bag, the | | | | more than twenty different lines of purses. The styles |
| Trigger, impressed her friends, co-workers, and | | | | range from crocodile leather to canvas totes and |
| clientele so much that she was inspired to try her hand | | | | cowhide leather bags with zebra patterns to their |
| in the competitive world of designer handbags. With a | | | | most popular line, the Dooney & Bourke Alto |
| professional's eye for detail and artistry, Botkier | | | | handbag, with its classic lines and styling. |
| launched her first collection in 2003. With that success, | | | | The leading designer of modern-vintage handbags is |
| the label has grown and expanded to include such lines | | | | Kooba. Started in 1998 by a mother and daughter |
| as Black Rose, Bryant, Cairo, and their most popular | | | | team, Bonnie and Abbe Held, the Kooba label quickly |
| line, the Botkier Bianca bags. | | | | became a popular accessory used by fashion houses |
| The Dooney & Bourke label was launched in | | | | in their runway modeling shows. The material and |
| South Norwalk, Connecticut in 1975 by Peter Dooney | | | | hardware use in Kooba bags is always high-quality, the |
| and Frederic Bourke. Their first products were | | | | handbag designs are stylish but not trendy, and Kooba |
| surcingle belts and braces, sometimes called | | | | handbags complement any outfit in a wardrobe. |
| suspenders, The belts and braces were released in | | | | With so many fine luxury handbags available, you |
| many colors and patterns which made them an instant | | | | needn't limit yourself to the maker you see advertising |
| hit at department stores. In 1981, the Dooney & | | | | the most in your favorite fashion magazine or talked |
| Bourke company expanded their product line with | | | | about in your favorite forum or chat group. |