Botkier vs Rebecca Minkoff

[Gimmethebag]

Originally Posted by MONICABOTKIER

Hey Guys! Thanks for paying attention to the details... Please let me clear up the confusion. Bianca always had suede lining and anytime we bring her out of retirement she will have suede lining. (The Crosby styles also had suede). That said we usually stay away from suede these days because it really does add unnecessary weight to the bag. We like sticking to our simple and clean logo fabric linings which are also easier to clean should you happen to get it dirty with makeup, pens, or a forgotten Hershey's Kiss:) Hope this helps xoxo Monica

That's funny that you mention a forgotten Hershey's Kiss... That happened to me with my first Marc Jacobs Collection bag the first week I got it. Fortunately, I keep Tide pens with me at all times but after my initial heart attack, I kept thinking to myself that only I would trash a brand new bag because I had to keep meltable candy in my purse.

[tonij2000]

Originally Posted by MONICABOTKIER

Hey Guys! Thanks for paying attention to the details... Please let me clear up the confusion. Bianca always had suede lining and anytime we bring her out of retirement she will have suede lining. (The Crosby styles also had suede). That said we usually stay away from suede these days because it really does add unnecessary weight to the bag. We like sticking to our simple and clean logo fabric linings which are also easier to clean should you happen to get it dirty with makeup, pens, or a forgotten Hershey's Kiss:) Hope this helps xoxo Monica

Thanks for clearing that up for us Monica!

[minimamak]

I'm noticing a lot of cross-over and bag love between Botkier, Rebecca Minkoff and Hayden-Harnett in the Forums. I personally love all these bags and covet multiple items from these lines always. Maybe I need to branch out? It's kind of cool, but kind of creepy.

[Loquita]

Fascinating thread!! You know, I have been a major admirer of Botkier bags for some years now -- the Sasha, Trigger, and Clyde in particular are iconic bags, IMO, and have definitely influenced designers like RM...but I have never pulled the trigger on one, except for a gorgeous Moto Clutch that I fell in love with and then returned because I am stooooooopid. (Don't ask).

I have however owned several RMs, mostly from ca. 2007 or so. The bags that came out after that (the signature hardware bags, and the summer 2008-spring 2009 lines) really disappointed me in terms of their design, CS, and overall quality. starkfan's impressions of RM IMO are right on. I became so disgusted with the company that I sold all of my bags, in fact...some of which which were very rare. I don't regret it, but in all fairness have noticed that RM's fall 2009 designs and CS have in fact improved, and I have purchased a 2 RM bags this week (but NOT paid retail -- I can't bring myself to do that with RM!!!)

Let's see how it goes...

My impressions of the Botkiers that I have seen IRL are extremely positive -- the bags are better finished in general than most RMs, the hardware is superior, and the leather feels amazing. I am dying to purchase a medium Sasha, another Moto Clutch, and a Venice Hobo, in fact. But I agree with the critiques about the need to balance the support for certain popular styles (Trigger, Clyde, Sasha, Bianca, etc.) with new designs and more colors. Monica Botkie is clearly very, very talented.

BTW...My dream Botkier? = a caramel medium Sasha. (And I don't normally even like brown bags!!!!)


Sorry for the looooong post!!!!

[brianarose]

Originally Posted by minimamak

I'm noticing a lot of cross-over and bag love between Botkier, Rebecca Minkoff and Hayden-Harnett in the Forums. I personally love all these bags and covet multiple items from these lines always. Maybe I need to branch out? It's kind of cool, but kind of creepy.

i second that.


and i don't think it's creepy

[misslola]

I bought a Botkier (forget the style) a few years ago, and it was the nicest bag I owned. I gave it to my daughter because it has a top flap which I don't like, and she loves it as well. I bought a Trigger on sale this month, and this too is the nicest bag I own. It is just beautiful, classic, perfect size, just very nice. I had a RM bag in which the lining bled, the pocket-stitching came undone, and my clothes where staining it. I returned it and will never buy another. I too can't believe the amount of people willing to spend 500+ on a bag and then be "grateful" that the company sometimes will fix the problem. What a needless hassle IMO. If I have a bag that has problems, I will never buy another. And I realize things happen, but I just don't want to be bothered.

[bombie]

Personally I can't stand RM. I see a lot people here like the sea green color, but there are tons of them lying around in off Saks, and ugh! The MAB is just a bulky heavy leather box with nothing interesting, plus the weird green color, I don't understand what's the fuss?

On the other hand, LOOOOOOOVE Bokier! I have the clyde in black. It is just such a well rounded cool easy to use bag. I think RM is so boring and not even comfy to carry.

[pigalle74]

I love both RM and Botkier. I think they both have nice fall bags, I bought an Uma in ash which is fabulous and also bought a RM Envy Nikki- the color it TDF. It's too bad that RM had serious quality issues with her bag- at least it seems like the quality is improving and she is addressing it accordingly. RM has many different colors and she introduced some nice looking new bags this Fall. There are so many mid-priced designers bags these days, there is really no reason to stick with one brand- I own RMs, Botkiers, Hayden Harnetts, Treesjes, Linea Pelles and Grysons- and certainly I do have preference - I love them all for different reasons.

[BgaHolic]

OMG! I was just wandering through the sites and this post caught my eye. I was so impressed to find Monica Botkier reads TPF!!!!!! That is so wonderful that a woman as busy as she is or someone who works closely with her has the time to read feedback from her customers. That impressed me enough to go take a look at some of her bags and see if I could find a lightweight lambskin! Wow! I am soooo impressed!

[tonij2000]

RM continues to have quality issues, brand new bags of a certain color and the dye stains everything in its path, bags delivered with the feet found in the plastic bag. I recently sent my leaf MAC back to her as the hw faded. I do love the MAC and MAB but RM quality is pretty poor.

[doppelganger]

RM does special orders from time to time and I really wish Botkier would do this too.
I deadly want an old-style Trigger with pebbled leather.

[HitchcockBlonde]

I collected Minkoff for a long time and still appreciate her leathers and designs...but the quality of Botkier is FAR superior for the price. I still have almost ALL my Botkiers from as early as 2001 and all are still in amazing condition. Sadly, I definitely can't say the same for the RMs I've had since 2005.

[ziggykat]

Wow, and there I was JUST about to buy a MAM. I have a Botkier Sasha medium in black leather and the quality is very impressive. After reading this thread I think I'll stick to my other lemming, the Logan Satchel!

[sgw135]

I have been a long time admirer of Botkier although I haven't worked up the courage to take the plunge and purchase one (although I have come very close over the past few years) I think her bags are just stunning and so well made and absolutely beautiful. I just recently bought my first RM because I saw one IRL and just loved it (the MAC and also the price was easier to digest as a fresh college grad that doesnt start work until January - which is when I may finally purchase my first Botkier) I think both bags are stunning and well made but look entirely different so I think that the right bad depends on your own personal style/taste ... I personally like both but certainly lean HEAVILY towards Botkier (even though I don't own one yet) since i have had a few years of *drooling* over her bags. but thats just mho