Bebe

Bebe is a top women's retailer that first opened in San Francisco in 1976. The company's founder, Manny Mashouf, wanted to explore the tastes and styles of a hitherto 'unarticulated' generation of women. Mashouf wanted to make clothing for women who were slightly older than the Junior crowd but younger than the Bridge crowd. Through offbeat sensibilities, stylish design, and aggressive marketing, Bebe quickly garnered a loyal following.

All of Bebe's clothes, from tops and pants to tracksuits and dresses have a sexy sensibility, designed to complement curves rather than cover them up. The company has also developed an extensive line of accessories--their glamorous heels and branded jewelry are big sellers--and delicious fragrances.

The name Bebe is a made-up word, intended to explore the philosophical underpinnings of Hamlet's 'to be or not to be' soliloquy. Curiously, the name translates as the word 'woman' in the Turkish language and as 'queen' in the Persian language. Since the Bebe name is splashed liberally over the t-shirts, lounge wear, and pants of this sensual line (often in fun rhinestones), such elegant and empowering underpinnings are more than appropriate.

Bebe is also very well known for its large poster advertisements, which feature chic, young women dressed to the nines and posed provocatively. Although Bebe clothing is generally comfortable and professional, it also offers distinct sensual undertones. Recently, the Bebe O brand has seen lots of market success, particularly in urban centers among independent women who want to feel both sophisticated and sexy.