Is Dooney & Bourke A Luxury Brand? Here’s What You Need To Know

Is Dooney & Bourke a luxury brand, and does it compare with other big names like Louis Vuitton or Gucci? Here’s everything you need to know. Shopping these days can be slightly overwhelming between all of the trends, do’s and don’ts, and brand names. If you love adding unique and playful items to your wardrobe, you’re likely familiar with the brand Dooney & Bourke. The company designs super fashionable accessories like handbags, bracelets, briefcases, luggage, watches, and more.

Affordable luxury red bucket bag from Dooney & Bourke

After achieving mainstream success, the brand branched out and created a clothing line filled with sweaters, scarves, and jackets. It also added a footwear line so that its customers can dress in Dooney & Bourke from head to toe. Because the American company sells high-quality items that can be more on the expensive side, many people are left wondering if Dooney & Bourke is a luxury brand. We’ll address this and more in the article below!

The History Of Dooney & Bourke

Dooney & Bourke was founded in 1975 by Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke. When the brand first started, it specialized in trendy handbags and everyday bags that quickly gained a cult following. Dooney & Bourke felt inspired by America’s rich history in fine leather items, ranging from mail pouches and saddle bags, all the way to early military gear. The two founders worked together to create a distinct blend of classic and contemporary styles, which is the hallmark of every collection launched by the brand.

Brown leather satchel from Dooney and Bourke

Dooney & Bourke launched with the idea that they could make a difference in the leather goods industry. The brand is deeply committed to timeless versatility, durability, quality, and following the current styles and trends. Dooney & Bourke only uses the finest materials and leather craftsmanship to create one-of-a-kind handbags. With more than 40 years of experience, Dooney & Bourke have mastered the art of creating dazzling and long-lasting durable handbags that make their lucky owners stand out. In the early 2000s, Dooney & Bourke’s bags were highly adored by Hollywood’s most popular celebrities and young women like Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, and Emma Roberts. Mischa even acted as a Dooney & Bourke spokesmodel and posed for several of the brand’s campaigns. Well-known actress Hayden Panettiere even had the opportunity to design a unique line for Dooney & Bourke, called the “It Bags”, which flew off of the store’s shelves.

Dooney and Bourke leather satchel with top handle

Dooney & Bourke leather continental clutch

Over the past two decades, Dooney & Bourke has had some serious fun experimenting with graphics. For example, it’s partnered with Disney, using some of the most adorable Disney images on the handbags. The brand also mimicked Louis Vuitton and covered a few of its handbags with interlocking Ds and Bs. Like other high-quality brands, there are several counterfeit Dooney & Bourke bags floating around the internet so that people can enjoy its style without spending the big bucks on their expensive handbags. However, knockoff bags are missing many of the brand’s authenticating factors and fall apart quickly. Faux Dooney & Bourke bags have hardware features that are lighter in weight, have different trimming, and serial numbers. Plus, you know that if a leather bag is selling for under $100, it might be too good to be true.

Dooney & Bourke Price Point

Dooney & Bourke handbags range in price from $150 to $500, depending on the size and style. With this said, many of their best-sellers usually retail for $200-$300, but you can get them a little cheaper (30-50% off or so) around sale times. So, be sure to visit their website around Black Friday and after Christmas!