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tejava · May 2nd, 2009, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by 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!

I believe Botkier bags are made in Indonesia.

Lynzee · May 2nd, 2009, 10:34 AM

It is great to see that you are interested in what your customers have to say. The Sasha is my favorite out of all your bags due to it's versatility. The number of similar bags that have come out by other brands only confirm how good the design is. My Sasha is holding up beautifully!

Originally Posted by 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

dayday · May 2nd, 2009, 04:54 PM

Hey Monica.. do you know if the Trigger Turbo bag in dark purple is available ANYWHERE i love that bag and i know its older but i need to get my hands on it!!

mady · May 4th, 2009, 04:00 PM

I bought a Botkier in January, because of the posts on here. I would not buy another Botkier. I bought the Rex sachel from Bloomingdales. I have had Doonie and Bourkes that wore better and have a better resale value than a Botkier. I can not compare them to RM. but I will not buy another.

eye.bag · May 4th, 2009, 10:03 PM

I always thought they were made in USA but now i discovered my Sasha is made in Indonesia! Does anyone have botkiers made in US　and INdonesia and how do they compare in terms of quality? After using my Sasha for a week, I think the leather has not worn much. Does it become softer? Is RM's leather softer? (sorry for dumb questions but am a novice in these 2 brands)

tejava · May 4th, 2009, 11:47 PM

Personally I buy handbags because I like them and I enjoy carrying them, so I never care what their resale values are. Maybe Botkier handbags do not have such high resale values because whoever buys them, keeps them.

Gimmethebag · May 5th, 2009, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by tejava

Personally I buy handbags because I like them and I enjoy carrying them, so I never care what their resale values are. Maybe Botkier handbags do not have such high resale values because whoever buys them, keeps them.

That's the case with me. I'm on my 5th Botkier bag and I have no intention of re-selling.

I work in fashion and my favorite thing about Botkier is just how forward and urban the designs are. I'm not really into "classic" bags so much and I plan on a new bag or two each season, and Botkier bags definitely deliver a high-fashion look without shelling out $2k for a handbag. I also LOVE how the shoes look in person. I'll admit, they look kind of matronly online but they definitely look hot actually on foot.

The only bag that I'm mildly disappointed with is my latest: Rex satchel in black. The amount of pockets and compartments is amazing, but despite being such a soft, light and delicate leather... the bag feels heavy to me (undoubtedly, because of all the pockets and compartments and chain). The straps are also uncomfortable for shoulder carry... That said, It's very unique and it's actually one of my more conservative bags. It also looks way more expensive in person.

artlover · May 5th, 2009, 09:33 AM

I have the Botkier Zoe satchel and although it is from previous seasons' style, I still like the design and the amazing super soft leather. Definitely a good quality bag. I've seen both RM and Botkier bags and definitely I am for Botkier.

MONICABOTKIER · May 5th, 2009, 05:31 PM

Hey there,

We still produce occasional styles in New York, though we are extremely fortunate to be working with one of the world’s leading luxury goods factories with facilities in Indonesia and Hong Kong as well. All of Botkier’s designs are developed in our NYC studio, hardware is customized and the leathers are hand picked from Italy. Our quality standards are very high and that is very important to me. I couldn’t be more pleased with our manufacturers and our customers agree. Country of origin marks can only reflect where the goods are pieced together and today it is not surprising to find all the best labels producing globally. In fact, many Italian bags are basically made up in Asia or Eastern Europe and put together in Italy in order to wear that label. There are skilled artisans worldwide and I really stand behind our product.

Originally Posted by eye.bag

I always thought they were made in USA but now i discovered my Sasha is made in Indonesia! Does anyone have botkiers made in US　and INdonesia and how do they compare in terms of quality? After using my Sasha for a week, I think the leather has not worn much. Does it become softer? Is RM's leather softer? (sorry for dumb questions but am a novice in these 2 brands)

Antonia · May 5th, 2009, 06:55 PM

^^Thanks for sharing that information Monica. We hear about more and more companies outsourcing so it shouldn't come to anyone's surprise. As long as the bags are made well and you stand behind your product, that's all that really matters! :)

jellybebe · May 6th, 2009, 08:25 AM

I was lucky to get a medium bianca when the label first launched, and the leather is amazing and the inside is lined with suede. I definitely got my money's worth! With that being said, I have never had the chance to see a RM IRL although I think the MA and MAM are cute. Not sure if I would buy them though.

nekostar0412 · May 7th, 2009, 04:33 AM

Thanks for responding to tPFers' posts, Monica! It's always heart-warming to see a designer responding to her customers.

I'm way more a RM fan than a Botkier fan (never quite could pull the trigger on a Sasha, Gladiator Tote, or Trigger), so I choose RM. While the Botkier designs are nice, I feel like RM has more of a color selection every season and the linings are fabulous! Before owning a RM, I never really gave much thought/importance on the lining of a bag, but now I do. The brown Botkier lining inside the already dark (nero) Gladiator Tote & Clutch just didn't match the luxe-feeling of the leather outside of it. Call me spoiled by RM's linings, but I'm not sorry.

I'll still be keeping the Trigger bag in my thoughts, though. My only qualm with it, is that it's an open top, instead of a zip. I guess I could always get the Trigger Satchel, but I like the size of the Medium Trigger...guess you can't always have your cake and eat it too.

ReecesPieces · May 7th, 2009, 04:43 AM

i dont own any botkier bags but i have to say its probably my next purchase! i love RM but botkier is starting to pull me in with the cute shapes and styles!

kmroboto · May 7th, 2009, 03:07 PM

I have a Trigger and the Lulu Flower Hobo (thanks to a previous sample sale) and I love them both. What would entice me to buy more Botkier bags are two things: colors and weight.

I love the colors of RM bags as well as Marc by Marc Jacobs bags. It's a combination of color and style that makes a bag a "must-have" for me. I do with Botkier bags came in a wider variety of colors.

Also, weight is important. I've passed on some of the Botkier styles due to them being too heavy. Lots of designer bags have this problem and I've certainly made exceptions for certain bags. I know that the hardware is the biggest factor but there are styles that don't have obvious hardware and are still heavy.

Just my two cents!

manke · May 7th, 2009, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by JDubbs

I went to the Boktier sample sale this AM and I was at RM's on tuesday night and Botkier's was way better. The space is beautiful and the selection was amazing. I loved the outside of the space too- all these windows with Botkier campaign pics facing the street (houston). Its very fashion-Y. Did anyone fellow TPF'ers meet Monica there?

omg, i'm so jealous that you got to experience both sample sales. did you get anything? tell us all the details of amazing things you saw!

May 2nd, 2009, 04:54 PM	#33
dayday Member Joined: May 2009 Posts: 10	Hey Monica.. do you know if the Trigger Turbo bag in dark purple is available ANYWHERE i love that bag and i know its older but i need to get my hands on it!!
dayday Member Joined: May 2009 Posts: 10

May 4th, 2009, 10:03 PM	#35
eye.bag Member Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 268	I always thought they were made in USA but now i discovered my Sasha is made in Indonesia! Does anyone have botkiers made in US　and INdonesia and how do they compare in terms of quality? After using my Sasha for a week, I think the leather has not worn much. Does it become softer? Is RM's leather softer? (sorry for dumb questions but am a novice in these 2 brands)
eye.bag Member Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 268

May 4th, 2009, 11:47 PM	#36
tejava Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,065	Personally I buy handbags because I like them and I enjoy carrying them, so I never care what their resale values are. Maybe Botkier handbags do not have such high resale values because whoever buys them, keeps them.
tejava Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,065

May 5th, 2009, 06:55 PM	#40
Antonia Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,856	^^Thanks for sharing that information Monica. We hear about more and more companies outsourcing so it shouldn't come to anyone's surprise. As long as the bags are made well and you stand behind your product, that's all that really matters! :)
Antonia Member Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 3,856

May 7th, 2009, 04:33 AM	#42
nekostar0412 LVOE me some MJ Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,773	Thanks for responding to tPFers' posts, Monica! It's always heart-warming to see a designer responding to her customers. I'm way more a RM fan than a Botkier fan (never quite could pull the trigger on a Sasha, Gladiator Tote, or Trigger), so I choose RM. While the Botkier designs are nice, I feel like RM has more of a color selection every season and the linings are fabulous! Before owning a RM, I never really gave much thought/importance on the lining of a bag, but now I do. The brown Botkier lining inside the already dark (nero) Gladiator Tote & Clutch just didn't match the luxe-feeling of the leather outside of it. Call me spoiled by RM's linings, but I'm not sorry. I'll still be keeping the Trigger bag in my thoughts, though. My only qualm with it, is that it's an open top, instead of a zip. I guess I could always get the Trigger Satchel, but I like the size of the Medium Trigger...guess you can't always have your cake and eat it too.
	__________________ Trying to re-prioritize in life & get a job, while loving what I have at the moment WANTED [ ] MJ Blake in Bordeaux or Black [ ] LV Zippy in Vernis's Pomme d'Amour [ ] MJ F/W '09 Blue Zip Clutch or Stardust LZW [ ] RM WINE Nikki w/Signature Hardware

May 4th, 2009, 04:00 PM	#34
mady Member Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Sunbury, Ohio Posts: 6	I bought a Botkier in January, because of the posts on here. I would not buy another Botkier. I bought the Rex sachel from Bloomingdales. I have had Doonie and Bourkes that wore better and have a better resale value than a Botkier. I can not compare them to RM. but I will not buy another.

May 5th, 2009, 09:33 AM	#38
artlover Member Joined: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 58	I have the Botkier Zoe satchel and although it is from previous seasons' style, I still like the design and the amazing super soft leather. Definitely a good quality bag. I've seen both RM and Botkier bags and definitely I am for Botkier.

May 6th, 2009, 08:25 AM	#41
jellybebe loves pink!!! Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 8,018	I was lucky to get a medium bianca when the label first launched, and the leather is amazing and the inside is lined with suede. I definitely got my money's worth! With that being said, I have never had the chance to see a RM IRL although I think the MA and MAM are cute. Not sure if I would buy them though.

May 7th, 2009, 04:43 AM	#43
ReecesPieces Member Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Chicago IL / New Brunswick NJ Posts: 450	i dont own any botkier bags but i have to say its probably my next purchase! i love RM but botkier is starting to pull me in with the cute shapes and styles!

May 7th, 2009, 03:07 PM	#44
kmroboto Member Joined: Nov 2006 Location: nyc Posts: 2,418	I have a Trigger and the Lulu Flower Hobo (thanks to a previous sample sale) and I love them both. What would entice me to buy more Botkier bags are two things: colors and weight. I love the colors of RM bags as well as Marc by Marc Jacobs bags. It's a combination of color and style that makes a bag a "must-have" for me. I do with Botkier bags came in a wider variety of colors. Also, weight is important. I've passed on some of the Botkier styles due to them being too heavy. Lots of designer bags have this problem and I've certainly made exceptions for certain bags. I know that the hardware is the biggest factor but there are styles that don't have obvious hardware and are still heavy. Just my two cents!
	__________________ wishlist: embossed beat bag!

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