I think the reason RM is so hot `right now is for several reasons: (1) The Moderators made a trip to NY recently and interviewed Rebeeca Minkoff. The interview was posted on The Purse Blog and was very insightful, (2) Rebecca Minkoff hosted a Sample Sale with prices around 30-35% off retail. Unlike most designers that do sample sales, RM took pre-orders via telephone & email so buyers all over the US could get bags and not just residents of NY, (3) Nordstroms recently marked down their RM bags 50%. Once people heard 1/2 off, they scurried for the bags, (4) The bags have recently been featured in several mags & online pics on the arms of Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan and Hayden Penattiere. It was even one of Life & Styles' Top 10 Items of what's Hot last week.
RM bags have actually been around for a while. It only seems that recently they've become "must have." Between the creation of the new Matinee style (which seems to be a great hit!) and all the recent press, I imagine she will be rather popular for a while.