ThisNext Blog

After giving the world a whole new meaning to the Morning After, Rebecca Minkoff is one 26-year-old designer who’s bagging up style with some of the most fashionable creations in the handbag department, with designs quickly reaching most-coveted status in many a handbag lover’s wishlist.

Her sassy collection of versatile, luxurious, and must-be-touched bags are being snatched up by bag snobs from all over the world, with celebrity pickings that include the Nikki, Matinee, and No Strings Clutch. From glamorous evenings to weekend getaways, each bag is waiting to be touted along as the perfect sidekick. We found Ms. Minkoff gathering up a few finds on ThisNext, and scooped up a few Q&As: 

TN: How did you get into handbags, versus shoes or clothing in general?
RM: I started designing clothing at 18 and began my handbag line with my signature Morning After Bag in 2004. My friend, Jenna Elfman, was starring in a movie a few years ago, and she wanted me to design a bag for the film, and that’s how it began. Then, as the bag became more and more popular, I added the Morning After Mini and the Nikki bag. The bags just took off and now I have six collections and about 20 different styles.

TN: Tell me about your “Morning After” bag, and how you came up with the concept.
RM: My friend, Jenna Elfman, was starring in a movie a few years ago, and she wanted me to design a bag for the film, and that’s how it began. The name came about when my friend and I were playing with names and we didn’t just want to name it a girl’s name, so we chose to focus the brand, relating to girls’ experiences and what independent women encounter. I wanted a bag that could go from day to night and maybe fit in a sleepover, so that’s how the Morning After Bag was named!

TN: What do you see the Rebecca Minkoff girl stuffing her “Morning After” bag with?
RM: My girl is going to stuff her bag with an iPod, cell phone, Blackberry, heels for later, Nars lipgloss, Commes Des Garcon wallet and a bobby pin.

TN: What’s the one bag item you think every girl needs, that’ll get her through work and play?
RM: Gum!

TN: Any plans for expansion into other types of accessories?
RM: Yes, possibly belts and shoes!

TN: Any sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
RM: Yes! Look for the upcoming Rebecca Minkoff for Hello Kitty Capsule Collection coming out Nov. 1.

TN: Biggest response a product of yours has received from consumers?
RM: When we had a sample sale and for three days the phone was ringing off the hook for orders from out of town and girls were taking busses in from Boston to come to it.

TN: The product that’s had the biggest influence on your design?
RM: Vintage jackets!

TN: If you were a product, you’d be a ________.
RM: Handbag!!

TN: Your favorite product discovery in the last six months… Or something that inspired you?
RM: Clinical skin care! Out of this world, it has transformed my skin.

TN: Most prized possession?
RM: My David Yurman citrine and diamond ring. It’s a mix of classic and rock.

TN: A product love secret you’re too embarrassed to share?
RM: Passport Panties.

TN: Name an item under your bed?
RM: Vintage shoes for miles!

TN: Something in your closet that is not apparel, shoes, bags, etc.?
RM: Ugh???

TN: Fav trend for Fall?
RM: Grey and rich reds and high-waisted everything!

TN: Least fav trend for Fall?
RM: High-waisted everything!

TN: Can’t leave home without my______?
RM: Sidekick.

TN: City or suburbs?
RM: CITY.

TN: Loft or the perfect house with the white picket fence?
RM: Loft.

TN: Flip-flops or sneakers?
RM: Flip-flops.

TN: Coffee or tea?
RM: Tea.