Womanista Exclusive: Designer Rebecca Minkoff Talks Multitasking, Motherhood and Fashion

 

If there’s one person synonymous with keeping up with the fast fashion times of today, it’s New York based designer Rebecca Minkoff.

What started out as a handbag business has grown into a full-fledged fashion empire, complete with ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, handbags and even tech items.

She has the unique ability to mix “downtown” cool with “uptown” sleek and chic, and the fashion world is better for it.

With six storefronts and points of purchase in over 900 stores worldwide,

it’s safe to say that Rebecca Minkoff is not only a fashion business icon, but one that totally understands the changing landscapes of today’s world.

She’s been at the forefront of fusing together technology and fashion, designing fashion wearables and items that speak to a modern woman, such as a bag with a charger embedded inside it.

Womanista sat down with the busy mom of adorable daughter and son Luca and Bowie to discuss how she’s achieved international fashion domination a short 11 years after designing her first handbag.

 

Womanista:
You started your business on bags -- what’s one bag style that a woman must absolutely own?

Rebecca Minkoff:
I think every woman needs a bag that can transition from day to night like the Unlined Feed Bag

from my Spring 2016 collection.

It is a little longer, so you can wear it as a cross body. It’s definitely both, functional and fashionable which is great since I am always on the go and can throw so much inside.

Womanista:
What are your thoughts on athleisure dressing?

Rebecca Minkoff:
I think it’s great. I really started noticing that our customer wanted to have an even more casual approach to dressing, mixing that feeling of relaxed,but still keeping it chic and elevated.

They’re your everyday clothes. As a lifestyle brand, our goal is to have our girl want to wear us for all of her events and experiences.

Womanista:
What's hot for summer in ready to wear and accessories for you?

Rebecca Minkoff:
Leather jackets are my go to so I love the new Brutus Jacket from my Pre-Fall 2016 collection.

It is a more relaxed and oversized fit but still super edgy.

You can throw it over a dress or jeans and a t-shirt. I have also been carrying the Sofia Crossbody from my Spring 2016 collection.

It’s easy and just goes with everything.I love carrying bags that can easily transition from day to night which is important, especially when I have a last minute event or dinner to attend and don’t have time to change.

Womanista:
As a busy mom, how do you balance it all? Any tips for how to give as much of yourself as possible to all your endeavors without falling over? 

Rebecca Minkoff:
It really is all about balance and prioritizing. I have a great personal assistant that understands my busy schedule.

She usually makes appointments for me during the work day so I don’t miss out on time with my kids which is very precious to me. My approach to achieving the balance is varied,

but I will sometimes opt to come in late to the office so I can have breakfast with my family, or only commit to going to work events two or three times a weeto ensure I am spending as much time as possible with my kids.

My traveling has decreased a lot but the good news is I’ve learned to become a great multitasker!

Womanista:
You've always been at the forefront of joining technology and fashion. Why is this important to you?

Rebecca Minkoff:
Technology has always fascinated me. Early on, I saw the power in it while creating my brand from the ground up and recognized how I was able to use technology to speak to my customer directly.

Through technology, I am able to create things that are more than just a want in my customer’s life, but an absolute need that she can benefit from in so many ways. Also, female millennials are our customers.

They are digital natives and have grown up online, so technology is innate for them. 

By using our in-store technology, our customer is directly telling us what she wants every time she walks in the door.

Womanista:
Do you have anything coming up for you personally or professionally in Fall 2016 that you can share?

Rebecca Minkoff:
We will be continuing with the See Buy Wear runway show concept for fall 2016.

We had such a great reaction from our consumers last season and are happy to keep the ball rolling.

We have some more exciting projects lined up but I don’t want to give away much just yet!

Check out Rebecca Minkoff's complete Womanista Approved list of fashion favorites with product details and where to buy!

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren Finney        

Fashion & Style Writer

Drawing on years of experience in both fast and luxury fashion, Lauren brings her editorial eye to any project she’s working on from fashion writing, photo shoots, market work, social media, styling, blogging, 
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