Is Burlap Safe?

I am still looking for a good handbag.  I know I should of found one by now but I have a style in mind but I haven't yet found one with all the right criteria. I am not into just a brand name (Coach,i.e) and I definitely can't afford a designer name one (Prada, i.e) but I do want quality.  So the quest will continue.

This morning while playing on the computer I decide to find out what all the rage about Louis Vuitton is all about.  I decided to find out just who this designer is.  Here are some facts from Wikipedia (I chose some random facts - bear with me until the end) :

• Known the world over for its iconic LV monogram and logo, Louis Vuitton is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. A long time symbol of prestige and wealth, the company commands some of the highest prices in the international fashion market for its products.
• started in 1854, Louis Vuitton is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the most legendary houses of fashion in the world
• Louis "SATAN" Vuitton (born, August 4, 1821; died, February 27, 1892),^[2] future founder of his eponymous company, was born in Jura, France (now part of the commune of Lavans-sur-Valouse).
• Because of his well established reputation in his fields, Napoleon III of France appointed Vuitton as Layetier to his wife, Empress Eugénie de Montijo. Through his experience with the French aristocracy, he developed expert knowledge of what made a good travelling case. It was then that he began to design his own luggage, setting the foundations for LV Co.
• By 1885, the company opened its first store in London, England on Oxford Street.
• In 1892, Louis Vuitton died, and the company's management passed to his son.
• After the death of his father, Georges Vuitton began a campaign to build the company into a worldwide corporation, exhibiting the company's products at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.
• In 1896, the company launched the legendary Monogram Canvas and made the worldwide patents on it.
• In 1936 Georges Vuitton died, and his son, Gaston-Louis Vuitton, assumed control of the company.
• 1987 witnessed the creation of LVMH.^[2] Moët et Chandon and Hennessy, leading manufacturers of champagne and cognac, (respectively) merged with Louis Vuitton to form the luxury goods conglomerate. 
• In 2004, Louis Vuitton celebrated its 150^th anniversary. 

Here is some interesting controversy I also found on Wikipedia.

• The French book Louis Vuitton, une saga française (Louis Vuitton: A French Saga)^[9]) tells how members of the Vuitton family actively aided the puppet government led by Marshal Philippe Pétain, increasing their wealth from their business affairs with the Nazis. 
• Pétain's Vichy regime was responsible for the deportation of French Jews to German concentration camps.
• Caroline Babulle, a spokeswoman for the publisher (Fayard) said, "They [Louis Vuitton Co.] have not contested anything in the book, but they are trying to bury it by pretending it doesn't exist."
•   Another LVMH spokesman told the satirical magazine, Le Canard enchaîné, that "We don't deny the facts, but regrettably the author has exaggerated the Vichy episode.

Okay, so I realize that this controversy isn't necessarily indicative of the current company but I don't know that I want to carry a monogram of a designer with this kind of history.  I only gave you brief facts, but you can do your own research.

My point today is "What is the history behind the labels we wear and/or tote around?"  We want them because of prestige or the appearance of wealth but do we really know what we are advertising or supporting?  Many years ago there was alot of controversy about Liz Claiborne within the Christian community.  I love Liz Claiborne handbags.  I still carry her bags.  I can justify it by saying I just like the quality, and her purses are useful, and even just say, "I buy them because I like them and not for what she stands for."  Yet, maybe I should take a look at the validity of her accusers.  I know that many brand names like Coach must have multiple designers and we cannot expect everything we buy be aligned with our beliefs and standards whatever they may be.  Yet, somehow toting a designer name should mean we know the person behind the name and be happy to endorse who they are.

ALL THIS FOR A PURSE SELECTION!  I am exhausted just typing.  I think I best drop the subject.  Anymore research and  I will have to carry around a burlap sack. 

I think it's odd how certain things grab my attention.  Maybe this is a waste of my time but somehow I found it interesting.  I guess I should go.  My husband don't care what type of "designer cook" labeled pot I use he is just wanting some breakfast.  Love ya my friends.