Women's
Rebecca Minkoff: Beyond Handbags
Rebecca Minkoff wears her "Becky" jacket inside her NYC studio.
In 2005 Rebecca Minkoff‘s “Morning After” bag crashed the fashion world. Almost overnight the M.A.B., as it’s called for short, earned a reputation of being the ultimate partner-in-crime for the work-hard-play-hard girls of New York City. Seven years and a six-month-old baby later, Minkoff’s name-stamped goods are bigger than ever, and although you might expect this new mom to drag around a decked-out diaper bag, like her “Knocked Up” carryall, she sticks with her roots, even if her days of being out ’til dawn are long over.
M.A.B. Mini Handle Tote
“I’ve been switching off recently between the East West Skull tote and the M.A.B.!” she says about her everyday go-tos that for now double as diaper bags. “The M.A.B. is the very first bag I designed and it’s still a staple for my personal wardrobe.”
Minkoff's 6-month-old, Luca.
Luckily for Minkoff (and other cool moms) her pre-baby designs are most definitely mom-friendly. From clutches to totes, nearly all are equipped with adjustable, multi-functional straps, a necessity when your free hands are preoccupied juggling a baby and a business.
Studded Chain-Strap Wallet
Even with her hands more full than ever, her label now encompasses everything from strappy sandals and casual-chic apparel to tech accessories and retro-inspired shades, Minkoff says style still is important. “I believe in not losing your style when you become a mom!” she says.
Fairy Tale Raffia-Leather Clutch
The new mom is already filling voids in the mommy market.
“I’m really excited for the Luca Pouch that I designed,” she says of her signature pouch’s coming-soon evolution that’s inspired and named after her little one. “It’s basically a diaper bag insert so you can still wear your everyday bag.”
Minkoff watching her Fall 2012 collection hit the runway at New York Fashion Week.
Minkoff keeps customers in the loop of what’s new with her handbags and family, with social media, particularly an app called Instagram. She shares candid snapshots of her adorable baby and hip lifestyle with her 14,750 Instagram followers.
“Right from the start I wanted to talk to my consumers and know what they wanted—what they liked about my bags and what needed adjusting,” she says. “I’ve built a very loyal online fan base, so it’s pretty natural for me to share with them all my new exciting life accomplishments, like beautiful, always-giggling baby Luca!”
Minkoff shares an Instagram snapshot of her husband Garvin and baby Luca.
The designer’s functional yet fashionable designs have also been wildly embraced by another sect in the online style community, fashion bloggers. Bright colors, on-trend prints and innovative shapes have made her handbags, especially her Morning After clutch, street style superstars.
“The M.A.C. is really such a great bag – it comes in neutrals for easy wearing, brights to add punch to your wardrobe and it also can be a clutch, shoulder or cross-body – it’s very versatile!” she says.
MInkoff's Mini M.A.C. Chain-Strap Bag featured on the popular blog Fashion Chalet.
Shop Rebecca Minkoff at Neiman Marcus stores and on NeimanMarcus.com.
