THE HISTORY - EST. 1931
Founded in New York City in 1931 by Herbert Bienen and Edwin Davis, Bienen Davis merged American design with Italian craftsmanship and soon found their bags on the sets of movies and televisions shows, worn by some of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, and included in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The revived Bienen Davis is the creation of Richard K. Bienen, the fourth generation scion of the Bienen family. Having been raised in the bag-making business with his father, Richard H. Bienen, and influenced by the design spirit of his mother, Pat Mori, a former model who worked alongside famed designer Roy Halston, Bienen was inspired to re-establish the renowned brand. Today, Bienen Davis continues to work with the same Italian artisans credited for creating their celebrated past collections.
1892 - 1894
Bienen Family
Patriarchs of the Bienen family arrive in New York as purse makers working on Manhattan's Lower East Side
1931
Bienen Davis is Established
An early advertisement for the Bienen Davis line founded by Herbert Bienen and Edwin Davis
1942
Corporal Richard H. Bienen
Corporal Richard H. Bienen, son of Bienen Davis founder Herbert Bienen, during World War II prior to joining the family business
1950
Film & Television
Bienen Davis handbags appear in iconic films and television shows such as "I Love Lucy"
February, 1952
American Vogue
The Bienen Davis Ronay bag appears on the cover of American Vogue
1953
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
An original Bienen Davis bag that is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's permanent collection
March, 1953
American Vogue
Bienen Davis advertisement
1953
Richard H. Bienen on a sourcing trip in Venice, Italy
1961
A telegram from Cary Grant to Richard H. Bienen
1962
Model, Roy Halston muse and wife of Richard H. Bienen, Patricia "Pat" Mori
1962
Cary Grant and Richard H. Bienen
1962
Cary Grant and Doris Day
1962
Dorris Day
Doris Day with an original Bienen Davis bag featured in the film "That Touch of Mink"
1969
Richard H. Bienen and Pat Mori's son, Richard K. Bienen in Acapulco, Mexico
1973
Pat Mori and Roy Halston at Halston's NYC design studio
1975
Pat Mori as a Halston Rabbit-ette
Pictured on the arm of Joe Eula, Pat Mori attends the Magic, Dreams, and Fantasy Ball, as one of Halston's Rabbit-ettes. Hosted by Halston (also pictured) the fundraiser for the Skowhegan School of the Arts, at New York's Park Avenue Armory was an infamous party.
1977
Pat Mori by artist Joseph Eula
1977
Pat Mori by artist Joseph Eula
1979
Liza Minnelli and Pat Mori
1980
Richard H. Bienen obtains the license for Christian Dior handbags
1981
Pat Mori, Richard K. Bienen and Richard H. Bienen
1983
Richard H. Bienen in Italy
1994
Richard H. Bienen in Florence, Italy
October, 2017
American Vogue
Bienen Davis relaunch story in Vogue Magazine
2017
Paris Fashion Week - Autumn / Winter 2018
Bienen Davis owners, Richard K. Bienen, Meredith German and Wendell German at Richard H. Bienen's favorite Parisian bistro, Chez André.
2018
Met Gala
Sarah Jessica Parker with the Bienen Davis Kit bag at the Met Gala
2019 September
Beyoncé with the Swarovski crystal-embellished Kit bag
Beyoncé carries the Kit Bracelet Bag in black suede with Swarovski crystals to the Homecoming Private Viewing Party.
Images release September 22, 2019 from Your B at 37 on beyonce.com
2020 January
Lizzo with her bespoke Mori clutch
Lizzo carries her bespoke Swarovski embellished Mori clutch to the 2020 Spotify Best New Artist Grammy event.
October 2021
Jennifer Aniston with the Angel Top Handle Bag
Jennifer Aniston makes a graceful entrance with the black leather Angel Top Handle Bag
May 2022
Billie Eilish with the Kit Bracelet Bag Pouch
Billie Eilish carries her black velvet Kit Bracelet Bag Pouch with Tassel at the 2022 Met Gala.