Dooney and Bourke Bags and Purses

Dooney & Bourke purses came into existence in 1975 when two men, Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke launched their namesake business in South Norwalk, Connecticut.  The men started off with two introductory products, belts, in unique vibrant colors and stripes, and classic suspenders.  In 1981, Dooney & Bourke purses were introduced with the release of the Tack Case and the Equestrian Bag, both created from bridle leather.

In addition to their original distributors including Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers, and Saks Fifth Avenue, they opened The Company Store in Norwalk, Connecticut which sold among other things Dooney & Bourke purses.  In 1983, with the development of their famous All Weather Leather (AWL) Dooney & Bourke purse, the first AWL Dooney & Bourke purse collection was released featuring a duck logo with a russet leather trim.

 All Weather Leather is just what the name suggests – waterproof 100% cowhide – shedding water like   a duck’s back.  The process of producing AWL is a trade secret but a big part of it is shrinking the leather so that the pores of the leather are sealed.  Dooney & Bourke purses are in the affordable luxury market where they are recognized as a luxury product but are affordable to most women.

These early bags did not have the sewn in logo tag that Dooney & Bourke purses have today.  Before the AWL bags went into production, the Equestrian bags did not have the Duck Leather seal or the Brass Duck FOB as these signify All Weather Leather.  The Dooney & Bourke purses made in the early eighties had the Original Dooney & Bourke brass FOB with a stylized backward D and B. This is important for those who collect vintage Dooney & Bourke purses to know.

Dooney & Bourke purses made 1983-1990s will have solid brass hardware including all buckles, rivets, D-rings, and latches.  These AWL Dooney & Bourke purses have the oval duck logo on either the front or back depending on the style with a solid brass duck fob hanging from a leather tie.  The first sewn in tags were green rectangles with Dooney and Bourke on the tag, this has later changed to a sewn in red, white and blue fabric label inside the purse that says “Dooney & Bourke” Made in USA” on one side with a registration number on the other side.

The original style Dooney & Bourke purses are still available in the Signature AWL along with new designs in synthetic materials with the DB logo, such as the very popular Dooney & Bourke lunch bag. New for spring is the Large Cindy tote, in flowered fabric in designs such as Zinnia, Orchid, and Lily.  The Cindy bag is also available in Signature fabric with the D&B logo in multi colors.  Small Dooney and Bourke purses and wristlets in the Signature logo and in leather are also available in addition to the larger tote bags.