fashion B

Badgley Mischka
US-based fashion house founded by Mark Badgley and James Mischka in 1988. The line has expanded into something of a lifestyle brand, but is still “most famous for their exquisitely wrought dresses with elaborate handiwork, which have an Old World elegance inspired by early Hollywood movies” (Miami Herald, 3/13/2007). The label was acquired by Escada in 1992 and is currently owned by The Iconix Group (formerly Candie’s). The fragrance license is held by Elizabeth Arden.
Balenciaga
Fashion house established in Spain by Cristobal Balenciaga (d. 1972) in 1918; the flagship store in Paris opened in 1937. Balenciaga is often called the most important designer of the 20th century, and during his lifetime was known as the “couturier of couturiers”. The house of Balenciaga is currently owned by the Gucci Group. The fragrance license is held by Coty.
Banana Republic
Casual clothing chain owned by Gap, Inc.
Benetton
Clothing brand established in Italy in 1965.
Betsey Johnson
American fashion designer who opened her first boutique in 1969.
Boucheron
French jewelry firm established by Frédéric Boucheron in 1858. As of early 2008, the Boucheron fragrance license was held by L’Oreal.
Burberry
Clothing line established in the UK in 1856 by Thomas Burberry. Burberry invented gabardine fabric; today, the company is best known for their trench coats and the famous Burberry check pattern, which adorns everything from umbrellas to dog leashes.
Bvlgari
Roman jewelry line founded by Greek immigrant Sotirios Voulgaris in 1884. The ‘v’ in the name is simply the Roman rendering of the letter ‘u’, so the name is really “Bulgari”.
Byblos
Italian fashion brand established in 1973; the early designs were by Gianni Versace. The Byblos Blu line is geared towards younger consumers.