Chatting with Monica Botkier

by Kimberly Marney Mar 26, 2011 Pin It

My love of handbags is more than just being attracted to “pretty bags”. The designers creativity, intent, design and fabrication are all fascinating to me. That’s why my personal interview with Monica Botkier is so special.

The Botkier office space is clean and well organized with lots of white walls, glass and white sofa inviting visitors to sit down. It’s the perfect blank canvas to be creative. Monica war warm, energetic and ever so easy to talk to about how she started Botkier, her vision for the company and of course, the bags!

After a tour of Fall 2011, we talked about how the line has evolved and changed since 2003. Botkier still carries the popular Sasha bags while occasionally bringing bag my original favorite, the Bianca. The edgy and rocker chic styles that launched the company are evolving to more structured vintage inspired with sleek and sophisticated design. It’s a natural evolution as a the company matures.

Monica originally pioneered a brand at a niche price point that simply wasn’t being done previously. The goal was to achieve a custom high-end look with beautiful hardware with quality leathers. She was not trying to do fast contemporary but build an attainable designer American label with a price point under $600.

As the company has grown and achieved buying power, Botkier has been able to source higher quality leathers at price points that will help maintain that price guideline. Sometimes it’s unavoidable to go higher – like the amazing black python Bianca in the Fall collection. It literally took my breath away when I saw the shot.

Since her innovative launch, there have been dozens of labels that have attempted to achieve success as a mid-priced line. Some have been successful. Many have failed. Botkier prevails!

Here’s just a taste of what’s to come in Fall 2011!

Monica is wearing the Brinks bag with a money-clip inspired tab closure. $425