In most major cities in the world, there is an active and highly profitable shadow economy in phony consumer goods that generates (in some estimates) upwards of 500 billion dollars a year. If have ever been down to “Counterfeit Alley” in midtown Manhattan, you have seen one of the biggest counterfeit marketplaces in the world.
While many of us spend our waking hours lusting after the latest fashion designs from our favorite designers, there are a lot of people out there who purchase knock-off or phony items without fully appreciating the consequences.

I recently read a book called “Knockoff”, written by a fellow named Tim Phillips. It was an insightful read, with a number of interesting and often disturbing ideas presented. I was particularly interested in the section he devoted to the trade in phony luxury items such as designer handbags. These days, it seems I can’t go anywhere without seeing somebody carrying a fake Prada or Gucci purse. Personally, I have always resisted the urge to purchase a counterfeit purse. I have avoided the temptation mainly because such an action only undermines an industry I have grown to love. When one considers the price of some of the higher-end purses, it should come as no surprise that some people purchase fakes.
Read the rest of this entry »

The Brighton handbag was added to the Brighton line of stylish accessories in 1993. Each Brighton handbag goes through 20 steps during its creation. Upon completion of the process a leather patch, embossed with Brighton’s statement of quality and an individual serial number is added. As you can see they really do put their heart into every product they make. It is for this reason the company is known for its heart logo. Components for some of the handbags are manufactured internationally in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.

Brighton handbags are handcrafted in California. At no time are there more than ten being made at a time. There is an attention to detail followed as a rule by Brighton craftsmen that is an exception in this industry. For example there is no tag explaining that the ‘marks’ and ‘scars’ are your “guarantee” of genuine leather-they painstakingly cut around the scars- to offer you, a flawless leather handbag. Each handbag is individually numbered, and is registered by its owner. Once registered, they are guaranteed. The leathers selected are the best from all over the world, and the hardware all originally created by Brighton artists and craftsmen, sterling silver finished, and protected from oxidation for everyday use.

The Brighton name has become to mean one-of-a-kind jewelry and fine Italian leather articles that are adorned with exquisite silver-plated ornamentation. Brighton’s heart logo fits the company philosophy that the difference in products is a true attention to detail. Most of the items in the Brighton collection have some unique detail, a message engraved on a bracelet or a Brighton handbag with a favorite photograph, that gives them special meaning to the owner. This then leaves a lasting memory to cherish for a lifetime. This has also led to many women having their own Brighton collection.

Brighton handbags are available in nearly 6,000 specialty stores nationwide and 50 all-Brighton stores from coast to coast. Brighton handbags are not sold in department stores or on the Internet. This is keeping with the owner/president policy to only do business with stores with world class customer service. This is reinforced with a 2 year warranty against any manufacturer defects.

A few of the more sought after Brighton handbags are:

Millie Organizer Handbag
Millie – Style #H90613 Black, #H90619 Chocolate

This lush Brighton handbag classic collection features opulent etched plaques, polished buttons and spinning hearts. It features a 12″ hand laced shoulder strap, front zip organizer, contoured pocket as front detail. An interior pocket system with striped lining completes the handbag. Measures 11 x 8 x 5 and MSR is $240.00. Making this a favorite among discerning women.

Jodi Reversible Tote
Jodi – Style # H6028R
This Brighton handbag got its idea from Historical American Citrus labels. The casual styling is accented with enameled floral charms and sparkles. This is a colorful and fun collection. The features include 5.5″ handles, reversible, inside zippered pocket and a magnetic closure. Dimensions are 9.5″W x 7″H x 3.5″D with a suggested retail price of $145.00.
Read the rest of this entry »

Today fashion represents not only clothes but the jewelry and other accessories also. Ladies handbags is one of the major accessories of today’s fashion world. Trendy bags are used both by the ladies and the teens to complete todays crazy fashion beauty concept. Fashion hand bags work brilliantly with both the formal and casual dresses and for every occasiion. Ladies fashion bags are available in innumerable styles and design that is bound to suit the distinct taste of the buyers. The selection of fashion handbags include bright colored casual bags, to hand bags that are really fantastic for holidays and multi-pocket shoulder bags in gorgeous shades. A unique look is given to each fashion bag by mix and matching materials to metal latches, padlocks and heavy-duty chain straps etc. These include beach bags, sports bags, shopping bags, tote bags, travel bags, wine bags, jewelry bags, drawstring bags, shoulder bags, evening bags etc. These bags reflects a great variety of design, size and color. The various designs of fashion bags are inspired from the combination of art, fashion and the confluence of modern and traditional cultures. Embroidery work, beaded work, totally handcrafted work, mirror work, sequin work etc are used to add more elegency to these ladies handbags. Fashion hand bags are crafted with elegant pattern in incredible, rich colors. Fashion hand bags are mainly made from silk, jute, cotton and canvas. The manufacturer’s also customize these bags to match all the specifications and requirement of the buyers. Other fabrics used are nylon, plastic, denim, leather, polyester, vinyl, etc. Handbags are elegant functional creations as well as decorative objects. Designer handbags are used by all ages and their various designs and styles are suited to all tastes. Buyers can choose distinct handbags by style, uniqueness and unmatchable quality. The variety of designs of ladies fashion handbags are unique and exclusive. The various styles of handbags may include backpack, cosmetic bags, drawstring, duffel, evening bags, men’s bags, shopper bags, shoulder bags, etc. Effective use of a variety of techniques such as piecing, applique and embroidery is also done to impart a fashionable look to all these handbags. Diaper bags are one of the most useful bags; they are manufactured, more because of their functional utility. It holds any and every item one can need for the baby. It can also be called as the all-purpose baby bag. They are specially designed to carry baby things like travel wipes, diapers, bottles, toys etc. More and more embellishment are seen on evening bags in recent years. These are embellished with butterflies, feathers, motor bike straps, stabbed with decorative applied brooches and finished with shoulder chain straps. Evening bags are stitched over in Indian traditional designs that have roses or geometric mirror image as well as contemporary designs with beautiful prints. These bags can further be decorated with the help of beads and sequins. Designer shoulder bags are stylish, compact and extremely efficient. These store all the needed items without the worry of damaging or losing the belongings. They are available in distinct design and style. These are easy to carry and can be put to rigorous use. These bags have their shoulder strap going completely around bag and can be further facilitated with small handles. The shoulder straps are padded and may come with adjustable length. We manufacture these bags out of the best materials and hardware available. These are immaculately finished for years of regular use. Some of the popular material used are PVC, nylon, polyester, denim, jute, plastic, cotton, khaki twill, canvas and leather. Tote bags possess a particular beauty and charm of their own. Introduced in plenty of innovative designs and styles, these bags have plenty of room to carry everything one needs to carry. The tote bags have an enduring style, that are both easy to make and well suited to a wide variety of uses.
Read the rest of this entry »