Botkier vs Rebecca Minkoff

[tejava]

I own both brands and I can't say which I like more. I've experienced quality problems with both brands, but at the end I chose to fix them by myself because I don't live in the US and it was just too much hassle to deal with CS/repair.

I would say Botkier has better quality because the details such as workmanship and hardwares/zippers appear to be better than RM's. The reason I like RM, is exactly like what drew2007 said, personal attention from RM herself.

I've been buying many RM bags lately solely because of the reveals on the RM forum. That's a busy forum that keeps updating and you never get bored when you click into it. While I like Monica and her bags, I just can't pull the trigger to buy her bags as often because I can't seem to find many reveals here. I admit my purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by tpf, really.

[tonij2000]

While I'm not crazy about RM's MAM or Nikki, I do love that she introduces her bags in hot new colors each season and she's very activre on tpf. Monica just seems to post occasional random information on her thread here and when she was answering questions in the beginning, it was all jumbled up like she didn't really have the time. That's a turn off for me...

[manke]

i have one botkier and one rm so far (large sasha in black leather; mam in chocolate), and i like both very much. i looked for a long time before buying each of them. i think that they're comparable in quality, but i have noticed that my mam smells more "leathery" (if i put something inside the bag, it comes out smelling like leather, which doesn't happen for my sasha) and seems heavier but more fragile.

but i know that color makes a big difference in how the same bag is, so it's hard to generalize. all i know is that i'd buy again from either brand!

[rusararu]

I have bags of both brands, and I like them equally. I noticed the leather seemed a little more delicate on my Botkier bags (I had a Bianca and Bella Clutch and even with conditioning and as carefully as I treated them, the color seemed like it was fading and more prone to scratch a lot.) However, I have had other issues with my RM bags. I feel like half of it depends on what bag you actually get and can be hit or miss. One experience you have with one bag isn't necessarily indicative of the normal quality, ya know?

[xxluverxx]

I am a loyal customer to both brands but prefer RM more so because of the color/leather selection as well as the improved service provided. RM has worked extremely hard to shape her brand, taking into account the wants/likes/dislikes of her customers and simply just standing behind her brand for each and every bag that is created. So I guess having the piece of mind is important for me.

[MONICABOTKIER]

I am so excited for your first Botkier! Which one did you get? Can't wait to hear how you like it. Thanks for the support. xoxo Monica

Originally Posted by starkfan

I'm currently awaiting my first Botkier, so I can't do a direct comparison with my RM (a Matinee) yet, but I can definitely say that my RM has been my most disappointing purchase so far, out of the brands that I've bought (Jenny Yuen, Treesje, Linea Pelle and Foley + Corinna -- the last also disappointing, but not as bad as RM). My RM has a number of issues, some of which may have been caused by the store itself during the length of time it was there (dirt marks, a small scuff), but the others were clearly manufacturing-related: a number of needle or pin holes in the leather, two loose stitches that have since come undone (thankfully, not unravelling), and the worst, a patch of badly-pitted leather (and another few patches with less-pitted leather) that looks damaged. Even if the pitted leather is somehow natural, it's pretty poor manufacturing/QC, IMHO, to produce a bag using such sub-par leather on the main body of the bag itself. These are more minor issues compared to the common major QC problems with RM bags, yes, but I can hardly imagine the Botkier being any more disappointing than this (*knocks on wood*), so yeah, I'd say RM is definitely not all that good quality. If you've read the RM forums, there have definitely been some very serious QC issues with that brand over the years, which still have not been completely eradicated today, IMHO. These aren't just wear-and-tear problems, but actual defects that cause the affected part to break in rather short periods of time after use. The common ones include feet or other pieces of hardware falling off or breaking, handles not being attached properly or losing reinforcement over time (usually only in the older bags), and bleeding linings. Bags produced more recently seem to have fewer problems, but it could also just be that they haven't been found or reported yet. (Given the track record, I prefer to err on the side of caution.) CS is also problematic, and whilst they have a new CS rep who is apparently an improvement, I've yet to personally have a properly-satisfactory experience with her. Given that such rampant problems don't seem to crop up as often with Botkier bags in this subforum, QC and otherwise, that's definitely part of the reason why I think Botkier bags are regarded as better quality than RM. Just my two cents, and I'll definitely be able to give more input once I receive my first Botkier.

[MONICABOTKIER]

Hi Lynzee, good to hear your thoughts. My team and I at Botkier spend a lot of time picking and customizing our leathers. It is a personal joy and major part of the design process for me. We source amazing and unique Italian leathers. That said some leathers wear better than others and we try to keep it interesting each new season. For example cowhide is the amazing 'pass it down to your daughter' type leather that ages beautifully and is super durable BUT those leathers tend to be heavier. Botkier uses many distressed metallics that are meant to break down a bit and have a cool worn in feel. Lambskins are super soft and lightweight but can wear in faster as is the nature of more delicate skins. I LOVE LEATHER and it is an organic material that changes over time with, that's part of the beauty.
As for the lining we have a quiet logo jacquaird lining that comes in natural for light color bags and black for dark color bags. I hear you about the black hole but hands down the black lining just looks better with a darker bag that is why we have such an organized interior with keychain so to help navigate the inside. xoxo Monica

Originally Posted by Lynzee

I have bags from both brands and I generally prefer the leather of RM bags. They require a little more of a break in period, but I think they are a more durable leather than my botkier bags. This said, I still like my botkiers. I have heard of the many problems with RM QC but have luckily not experienced this myself. I was also spoiled by an old bag of mine that had light colored lining, so I don't really care for the dark lining in my botkiers. It makes the inside kind of like a black hole. For that reason, I like RM lining better. I agree that most of the spring RM colors were disappointing. My black MAM is my favorite bag.

[MONICABOTKIER]

Hi Antonia, Thanks for your support. I am so thrilled that Botkier has loyal fans and am thrilled to receive the emails and posts. As for the classic styles, Botkier has several. Of course Trigger, Bianca and Sasha for example. At this point my team and I design probably 100 new styles a year and feel our fans really expect us to bring newness, sex appeal and function to the handbag world. This is my passion and my favorite part of the job! Some of my new favorties and new classics are James, Venice and FW09 has some of my best styles to come. Look out for Logna, Uma and Taylor. xoxo Monica

Originally Posted by Antonia

I've often compared these two brands because I call these mid-priced bags....not too cheap but not out of reach. I don't own either at the moment but I've read a lot of the CS issues and QC issues on the RM forum. The RM forum is busier...lots of posting on there and I noticed that the Botkier forum is slow going and I really don't understand why that is. Maybe because RM's Morning After which is very popular and considered a 'classic' that keeps coming back in more colors each season. Botkier has brought back the Trigger, which I also consider a 'classic'. I think as long as Monica Botkier keeps making these classic style bags year after year she will get the same following as RM with the MAB.

[MONICABOTKIER]

Hi Drew, I think I wrote to you already but I really want to address some of your concerns. The Trigger came out in 2003 and the Clyde followed in 2004. The Trigger was the bag that 'launched the industry' but after awhile 3 or so years we gave them a bit of a rest. We introduced Bianca and Sasha which also had an amazing fan reaction and were the new superstars in the line. Spring/Fall 2008 we definitely went out on a limb and did some experimenting - not my favorite seasons but I am going to blame it on my pregnancy At this point SS09 we are doing some amazing styles like Venice and James, the response has been incredible and I am ecstatic and very inspired. Look out for Logan, Uma and Taylor for Fall 2009, the best is yet to come.

As I mentioned in my prior email I love TPF'ers and am trying to keep up with the blog world. Megs/Vlad are posting our sample sale info on Purse Blog Monday. If you have any questions further email Jinnie at info@botkier.com Thanks! Monica

Originally Posted by drew2007

I think part of the problem with botkier is their lack of response to their best customers! Despite demand, stopped the triggers and their brightly colored fun bags like Clyde and others of their better bags and began making some rather strange bags for a while --like hordes of patents and weird gold bags ---despite customers stating they wanted the botkier trigger back. So when they finally listen and bring back the trigger they pick yellow and green! They should have brought it back in a smaller size --in a magenta or hot pink or bright blue trigger --- RM also realizes her best customers are TPF and invites us to special sale previews. Botkier only allow publicists to her VIP nights which is a slap in the face to her many good customers on TPF and in NYC!

[MONICABOTKIER]

It's pretty insane running a company, raising 2 kids (one of which is only 5 mos old), designing 100 new styles a year... I try to keep up the best I can. You guys are really important to me and I feel blessed to do what I do. Thanks for taking the time and this is one to work on for me.
Best, Monica

Originally Posted by tonij2000

While I'm not crazy about RM's MAM or Nikki, I do love that she introduces her bags in hot new colors each season and she's very activre on tpf. Monica just seems to post occasional random information on her thread here and when she was answering questions in the beginning, it was all jumbled up like she didn't really have the time. That's a turn off for me...

[tonij2000]

Originally Posted by MONICABOTKIER

It's pretty insane running a company, raising 2 kids (one of which is only 5 mos old), designing 100 new styles a year... I try to keep up the best I can. You guys are really important to me and I feel blessed to do what I do. Thanks for taking the time and this is one to work on for me. Best, Monica

Thanks Monica! Btw, I have a Bianca, Sasha and large Bryant Hobo, they are fabulous and I absolutely love them!

[Antonia]

Monica, thank you...I'm honored that you replied to my post! I've been a fan of your bags for a long time. I remember the Trigger was featured in Lucky Magazine when it first came out. I'll never forget the first time I spotted someone in person with a black Trigger (which by the way is more gorgeous in person), I was like, 'OMG-that's a Trigger!!!' I'm excited to see what you have in store for fall 09!!

[boomie]

I wish Botkier offered more colors, and brighter colors like RM. From my sig, you can see I'm in love with the blues/greens, but I find Botkier lacking in these bright/vibrant colors. I did see a nylon blue Sasha and an electric blue and bright green Ziggy, but I'd love to see the Trigger in these colors, maybe a rich teal or turquoise. I have an old-school Trigger in brown, and the leather is absolutely wonderful, but I crave color!

[jennylovexo]

I am a loyal RM fan but thinking of expanding my collection to include other designers since there are serious QC issues going on with RM! Where are the botkier bags made? TIA!

[starkfan]

Originally Posted by MONICABOTKIER

I am so excited for your first Botkier! Which one did you get? Can't wait to hear how you like it. Thanks for the support. xoxo Monica

The James Hobo in purple! I can't wait to get it, and will definitely post a reveal/review of it here.

Thank you for all your responses here, Monica! I can't wait to see more from your company, especially if the classic styles like the Trigger, Bianca and Sasha will be brought back in future seasons too!