Style Admirer - Chicago Fashion Events: Chatting With Designer Rebecca Minkoff

Chatting With Designer Rebecca Minkoff

The Rebecca Minkoff name is synonymous with style, design, quality and wearability. The label’s clothing, accessories, and handbags–the latter being the most celebrated venture–are a favorite among celebrities and women around the world. Only 27 years old, Rebecca Minkoff (shown above with her Spring ’10 bags) has built quite the fashion empire in a very short time. In 2001, she started her namesake label as a women’s clothing line and didn’t branch into handbags until her friend, celebrity Jenna Elfman, asked her to design a bag for an upcoming movie. That bag was named the “Morning After,” and it’s still Rebecca’s most popular item. More importantly, it launched the emerging designer into handbag stardom.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca on Thursday night at CheekyChicago.com’s “Cheeky People of Style” in Saks Fifth Avenue. Whenever I meet a nationally recognized designer, there’s always that one looming question: Is he or she a diva? Chatting with her is like chatting with a girlfriend. She’s warm and kind, without an ounce of snobbery (Phew!). In our conversation, we talked about Rebecca’s Spring 2010 handbag collection, which was presented in a trunk show that evening. As her designs have done to me many times before, I was wowed. The buttery leathers, edgy hardware, must-have tie-dye prints (a personal fav), and many shapes and sizes came together in a versatile collection of classic and trendy bags and pouches.

Here’s how our chat went down:

SA: You’re known for your bag’s style, versatility and quality. What else should we know about a Rebecca Minkoff bag?
RM: I think it’s fun and not so serious. I think you know who the designer is without it being flashy and showy. One thing I hear about my bags over and over again no matter where I am is that women wearing my bag get stopped and asked where they got it. So, there’s an interest factor that other women are drawn to it.

SA: What was the inspiration behind the collection? You’ve got lots of amazing detail going on.
RM: There were three distinct groups. One was based on a motorcycle jacket. Then we have a group that has the studding I had been doing the year before, but this one [has] the multicolored studs. It can go with whatever jewelry you are wearing. It doesn’t matter; [your jewelry] will go with your bag! And the third group was more classic, more of the basic shapes. But those are some of my best-selling shapes and styles. So…I’m trying to make my line a one-stop shop for whomever you are.

SA: We love these tie-dyed cross-body bags. What was behind the print choice?
RM: It’s all hand-made in Ethiopia and hand tie-dyed. I just thought it was really beautiful. I thought I could put it on some fun new shapes!

SA: What’s personal to you about this collection?
RM: The overall theme was that the president of my company just lost her best friend, so I named the collection “Best Friends” in honor of her. And then we did a pouch in honor of that. You buy the set and give one away, and we did these cute [best friend] charms. The whole ad campaign is around two girls having a really great time.

SA: I’m noticing lots of small pouches and clutches.
RM: A year prior to this spring, we introduced small leather goods, so we have quite a wide range. We have wallets and card cases, and we also have bracelets and belts too.

SA: You design bags, jewelry and clothing. Where does your heart lie among these three divisions?
RM: It’s hard. I never thought I would be a bag designer. I have so much fun doing it, and the process is very easy for me…and freeing. And for me, clothing is always what I wanted to do, and I would say it’s the most challenging. It’s nice to have a challenge. If nothing was hard, you wouldn’t feel like you accomplished something in the end.

SA: So…are you doing any shopping while you’re here in Chicago?
RM: I’m trying not to, but I’m seeing lots of stuff I want here tonight!

SA: Do you come to Chicago often?
RM: I actually haven’t been in about two years, but my cousin lives here, amd I’m going to come back and visit her.

SA: Well, you’ll have to come back and explore some of Chicago’s amazing boutiques.
RM: I know! I love small boutiques, and Chicago has got some good ones.

Just because I enjoyed my conversation with Rebecca so much, I’m treating myself to that tie-dyed cross-body bag (in yellow!) I had my eye on all night. As if I really needed an excuse…

By Meghan Turner

Cover images courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

*You can find Rebecca’s designs at various retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue and shopbop.com

Tags: CheekyChicago.com, Chicago Fashion Events, Handbags, Rebecca Minkoff, Saks Fifth Avenue