Gucci may be one of the world’s most widespread and prestigious brands today, but when it got its beginnings in 1906 it was a much smaller enterprise. Founder Guccio Gucci opened a small saddlery shop in 1906. Living in Florence, Italy, Guccio paired his family-inherited leather making skills with his modern European design tendencies.

Initially, Guccio sold leather bags to the horsemen who needed a place for their travel essentials. As horse-drawn carriages gave way to more modern modes of transport, he began designing contemporary leather luggage pieces. In 1983, he opened the first official Gucci retail shop on the Via Condotti in Rome. A majority of the inventory at that first shop was made by Guccio.

Explosion of a Style Legend

In 1947, the famous Gucci handbag with its trademark bamboo handle hit the fashion world, eventually serving to represent the brand. The widely recognizable red striped webbing was soon to follow. Throughout the 1950s, the Gucci brand enjoyed widespread success and acclaim. It was during this decade that Guccio produced some of the age-old hallmark favorites that continue to generate international demand today. Although the focus was on Gucci handbags, he also made high-end luggage, shoes, jewelry, scarves, and other premier accessories.

When Guccio passed away in 1953, the Gucci family (namely, his sons) went on to open several high-end retail stores in Beverly Hills, Paris, Palm Beach, London, and Tokyo. Over the course of the next decade, the Gucci name was bolstered by the support of several big-name celebrities and figures, including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers, and Jackie Kennedy. The “Flora” foulard, designed especially for Grace Kelly by Rodolfo Gucci, was a famous custom piece. In the 1960s, the universally recognizable “GG” logo was launched, memorializing the company’s founder, Guccio Gucci. Today, the logo continues to serve as the trademark of the Gucci brand.

Family Upheaval

To all appearances, the Gucci brand was enjoying the ultimate in success and prosperity. But behind the scenes, family conflict and poor business management put the company in jeopardy. There are many accounts of fiery debates and flaring tempers, with business meetings often ending with furniture being thrown around the room. Bankruptcy was looming by the late 1970s and early 1980s. The besieged company was eventually sold to a holding company in 1993.

The Dawn of a New Era

With the appointment of Tom Ford as lead designer in the late 1990s, the Gucci brand began its ascent back to its previous lofty status. Ford launched a widely popular new line in 1995, which was bolstered by a sleek advertising campaign featuring endorsements by the likes of Madonna and Drew Barrymore, returning the brand to its original distinction. It was in that same year that Gucci was made a publicly traded company. Today, Gucci enjoys a consistent demand for its designer Gucci purses, luggage, wallets, sunglasses, apparel, colognes, and footwear.

High-Quality Replica Gucci Purses Offer Chic Value

In today’s struggling economy, not many of us can afford to fork over an entire paycheck for a Gucci handbag, Gucci wallet, or Gucci sunglasses. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up the dream of owning Gucci style. Replica Gucci purses have come a long way, with today’s versions made from many of the same premium materials and craftsmanship methods as the genuine article. At Top 1 Handbags, we craft each of our painstakingly simulated handbags to rigorous standards of quality and longevity.

Each year, approximately 600 lucky Louis Vuitton loyalists receive customized items created just for them. Below are some of the most outlandish requests Louis Vuitton has received and completed:

• For a Japanese Kabuki artist, the company once fashioned a standing makeup case with removable legs.

• Louis Vuitton created a custom travel trunk to meet the needs of a Saudi prince.

• For acclaimed designer Karl Lagerfeld, the designers at Louis Vuitton created two custom iPod cases.

• For high-end travel, clients have requested custom cases to house everything from backgammon sets to minibars.

• A Japanese customer once ordered a cushioned Louis Vuitton case to carry a cake into a special birthday party.

• In the late 19th century, an extra-long trunk was designed for an Italian explorer who was traveling on an expedition to Africa.

• For the maharaja of Baronda, Louis Vuitton once commissioned a custom tea case.

• In the 1920s, the iconic fashion house once created a custom driver bag that was designed to fit inside the center of a spare wheel.

Why go to such extremes to meet custom demands? According to Jade Hantouche, manager of special orders, it’s essential to cater to well-heeled Louis Vuitton customers as a means of perpetuating the brand’s elite reputation. Creating these “dream items” is also a great way to stir up new publicity for the long-standing fashion house, getting people talking and keeping the Louis Vuitton name in the headlines.

If a customer has enough money and clout, Louis Vuitton will create virtually any special-order item — as long as it remains true to the spirit of the company’s central product line. Every item manufactured by the luxury luggage house must serve some travel-related need: suitcases, garment bags, cosmetics bags, carry-on bags, jewelry cases, purses, wallets, and sunglasses all qualify. The company once had to turn down a request from a client who wanted a Louis Vuitton casket, as this did not meet the criteria of a travel item.

There’s virtually no limit to the custom travel pieces the fashion house can create. To put in a special order, simply stop into any Louis Vuitton store. You will be notified if your custom order is approved. Special orders can take up to six months to complete. Throughout the process, Louis Vuitton keeps custom clients apprised of their item’s status by sending frequent photographs. The items for each special-order customer are assigned a unique lock number. At the end of the construction process, the customer is given the option to come into the workshop to hammer the final nail into their creation.

Prices will vary for special orders, starting at around $2,900 and going up from there. With enough money, there’s virtually no limit to the level of luxury that can be yours. For example, if you’ve got around $21,000, you can order a luxury chest set crafted with inlaid wood, maple and ebony accents, and a genuine cowhide leather case.

It’s easy to see the appeal of owning a custom Louis Vuitton item. When the company manufactures a special request item, you’ll enjoy the prestige and distinction of carrying a truly one-of-a-kind Louis Vuitton handbag that was commissioned just for you.

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in 1883 and orphaned shortly thereafter. Nevertheless, defying the odds, she built a powerhouse of fashion that continues to evolve haute couture into the twenty first century.  The trademark “Coco” nickname was bestowed upon her during her singing days in a small Paris café. Coco used her woman’s intuition to choose several men who would help launch her success into the retail world. After opening her fist establishment in 1910, Coco quickly moved into the high-class Rue Cambon, graduating from selling women’s hats to sexy, fashion forward women’s garments. The Chanel clothing line revolutionized Paris fashion, and the way women around the world related to their bodies.

With the release of the little black dress, the House of Chanel exploded with fame. The simplistic design of Chanel’s haute couture was appealing to women who had been bound by corsets and stifled by uncomfortable fabrics. Her easy moving, jersey type garments introduced a casual feel to the most elegant suits and dresses. Coupling tradition with function, the “Chanel Suit” again rocked the industry when it was released in the early 1920’s. Following closely on the heels of these timeless articles, Chanel No. 5 made its debut in 1921, and in 1924 the company launched La Societe des Parfums Chanel.  Before the year’s end, Chanel costume jewelry would be lauded by Harpers Bazaar as “one of the most revolutionary designs of our time.”

In 1935, the renowned designer reached her peak, owning several buildings and employing over four thousand people all over France.  Closing the couture house and retiring in 1939, Chanel continued to sell perfumes and accessories in her boutiques.  “Mademoiselle” (a nickname given by those close to her) came out of retirement in 1955 and made her mark on the fashion world by releasing a revolutionary Chanel handbag. The Chanel 2.55 became her personal signature on the world, infused with many personal references from her life.  There was such a deluge of orders that the designer had to decline some of them due to the painstaking methods of construction they required. In 1957, a Fashion Oscar dubbed Coco Chanel as “the most influential designer of the twentieth century.”

The Chanel 2.55 has remained the “classic” Chanel purse throughout history.  Its design simplicity incorporates a chain strap woven with leather, and boasts the double C logo that made the brand famous.  A Reissue of the original 2.55 has slight differences, including the “mademoiselle lock” and a double-chain strap.

Below are some of the more popular Chanel handbags that are in demand among the movers and shakers of the fashion world:

• The Classic Flap: This classic Chanel purse is distinguished by quilted panels, a  leather woven chain strap, and a brass double C lock.

• The Clutch: This subtle, timeless Chanel handbag also makes use of the brand’s classic quilting and double C clasp.

• The Shopping Bag: Hit the city streets with this oversized bag, embellished with the double C icon logo and a chain strap interwoven with leather. Choose from leather and woven textiles. Some variations are equipped with comfort grip handles.

• The Tote: You can’t go wrong with the classic simplicity of this women’s tote. Design features include leather handles, a brass double C clasp, and simple closure. Generous proportions make it suitable for a laptop or work files.

• The Bowling Bag: This trend-setting Chanel purse is popular among young female consumers. It’s available in a spectrum of fashionable colors. Features include classic Chanel quilting, a handsome double C icon, and chain-accented leather strap handles.

Below are a few of the most in-demand Louis Vuitton handbags:

• The classic monogram canvas collection, marked by the fashion house’s timeless “LV” floral logo

• The dramatic Damier Canvas line, boasting a refined burgundy and beige checkerboard pattern

• The striped canvas collection, executed in contrasting red and beige tones

• The black and beige monogrammed drawstring Noe bag

• The distinctive Vernis handbags, covered in a contemporary patent calfskin with monogramming

Over the years, Louis Vuitton has offered several high-profile backpacks that have gained acclaim among regular consumers as well as today’s hottest celebrities. These modern city bags are a fresh alternative for contemporary career women (and men). Here are some of our favorites:

• Damier Canvas Soho Backpack: Pretty and petite, this trendy Louis Vuitton handbag artfully combines the classic Damier checkerboard design with smooth, solid leather accents. This is a great everyday bag, securing your essentials with a drawstring closure. Gleaming brass accents add a bit of “bling”.

• Montsouris GM Backpack: You’ll wonder how you ever got along without this perfectly sized backpack. Not too big and not too small, its classic monogram design and flap closure with solid leather strap make it appropriate for men and women alike.

• Christopher Backpack: This spacious stunner has been seen on the shoulders of Usher, Kanye West, and other noteworthy celebrities. One of the largest of Louis Vuitton’s backpacks, it accommodates enough items for a weekend trip. Plus, its classic monogram logo pattern pays homage to the origins of the esteemed designer.

• Sac a Dos PM Backpack: Delight in the double takes when you carry this unique vintage bag. Hand-dyed and stonewashed denim is patterned with LV’s classic monogram design, set off by smooth leather trim. Exuding casual comfort, this is a Louis Vuitton handbag you’ll want to carry day in and day out

• Bosphore Backpack: The classic Louis Vuitton monogram design enjoys a modern update in this head-turning backpack. With zippered pockets and a flap closure with strap, it’s the perfect bag for toting along on a day of errands or an impromptu overnight excursion.

If you’re like most modern consumers, you probably can’t afford to spend an entire paycheck on a Louis Vuitton handbag or backpack. For high fashion on a budget, turn to Top 1 Handbags. We specialize in meticulous replications of some of the most popular Louis Vuitton purses, wallets, sunglasses, and other accessories. Each replica is meticulously crafted to ensure years of reliable, handsome service.

In the economic recession, Hermes dose not offering anything on the runway that brought a new and wacky punch, but offering us a taste of refined style that they are known for in Fall 2008. Coats and jackets took precedence on the Paris runway, which were pulled together with oversized belts pulled tight at the waist. The color palette was monochromatic yet timeless. There was a sense of stability during the show, as the models gracefully made their way down the runway accessorized with knit caps and scarves. The handbags stayed true to Hermes, but added an urban chic touch with the reinterpreted Hermes Kelly worn as a messenger bag at the hip, named the Hermes Jypsiere. Many say Hermes played it safe, but it was more about being classic than safe to me. The Hermes Fall 2008 line is timeless, just as the brand itself.designer Handbags

Find a new feature on the Hermes US web site, called Les Ailes d’Hermes, the wings of Hermes. The animated micro site allows you to discover and travel the world of Hermes. You learn about the origins of box calf, the complex coloring of their iconic scarves, you see a glove crafter work the smooth leather, there’s mini-games and much more. The part that transformed me back to being a 6 year old was I want it, I’ll have it feature. It allows you to pick between 8 different Kelly motifs, download it as a PDF, print it at home and assemble your own mini-Kelly. How fun. If it only wasn’t for me being entirely finger challenged when it comes to fine crafting. Paper is quite delicate, which I learned the hard way. On my first attempt I miserably failed to follow the primitive instructions, folding where I was supposed to cut and vice versa. Eventually, I got her done and the result is displayed above. Click the thumb to enlarge the image. Good job me? A new sense of accomplishment fills my life.luxury bags

Check it out for yourself, it’s a fun little time waster and a great way to bridge the time that you spend waiting for your own, real life Hermes Kelly bag.