Gucci handbags are world renowned

Gucci handbags are world renowned for their high quality materials. In addition, they feature classic timeless looks without giving up functionality. A quick visit to their Web site reveals a branding sensibility that captures haute couture sensibility with upscale personality.

There are a number of Gucci bags to get the sophisticated lady for ever occasion. If you're going out for a night on the town, then look for an evening bag. If you will be doing some shopping, consider shoulder bags or totes. Gucci also features a line of exotics for those on the cutting edge of fashion. Perhaps the most famous icon of this house of fashion is the Jackie O. shoulder bag which was worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis when she was the wife of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. This piece featured the famous GG logo as it rose to prominence.

Not long after the Jackie O. bag symbolized Gucci's rise to success in the 60s, fake handbags using the Gucci name flooded the market and cheapened the product. Even today, knockoffs can be found in the streets of Italy. Entrepreneurs sell handbags using the famous names of many fashion labels in the major piazzas with aggressive sales tactics that target tourists. Occasionally local Italian police ask them (in a not so polite tone) to close up shop, but the vendors simply move on to another square.

Now knockoff Gucci bags have become so popular that they are sold over the internet. Some consumers swear that they cannot tell the difference and that the savings are worth it. The risk of purchasing a knockoff bag is that someone with a keen fashion sense will call you out in high society. Of course, and brand name loses valuable brand power when counterfeit bags are sold. As a response, Gucci make sure their original bags are seen being worn by members of the world's glitterati-even if it means they have to give some bags away for free. If one of Hollywood's elite is seen with the original handbags and insists that only the original will do, then fans will save up money to purchase the genuine article.

If you own Gucci handbags you are part of a worldwide fashion powerhouse. Guccio Gucci's company has come a long way since its founding in the mid-19th Century. It was named European Company of the year in 1998 by the European business press Federation and has world offices and headquarters in Florence, Paris, London and New york. In addition, the company (now part of a giant conglomerate) has achieved such status that it is frequently referred to in popular culture. It has been named in top 40 songs since the 1970s and is frequently mentioned in hip-hop music where material goods make or break status. In fact, in 2003 only two other brands were mentioned more times in the Billboard top 20. Fashion Tv shows and movies such as "The Devil Wears Prada" and ABC's "Ugly Betty" frequently mention the name.

Gucci handbags are carried by high-end retailers throughout the United states. In fact, one could even take a trip to the most fashionable cities in America simply following a map listing the flagship stores which include locations in New york, New york; Beverly Hills, California; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; and San Francisco, California.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on fashion handbags, visit Designer Handbags, supplier of discount designer handbags.