MEET REBECCA MINKOFF, MAKER OF THE M.A.B

Rebecca Minkoff, photo by Danielle Kosann courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff

With an edgy rock-chic style and a healthy appetite for layered hardware, Rebecca Minkoff's disarming smile resonates the personal nature of her business and the success that is built from connecting with customers. A San Diego native, Minkoff moved to NYC after graduating from an arts-focused high school and the Rebecca Minkoff brand took root in 2001. Three years later, Minkoff had depleted her savings and looked to her brother, Uri for a loan to continue. Minkoff's big break came by the way of an "I Love New York" tee (included in her first capsule collection) that became an instant sensation when Jen Elfmann wore it on Jay Leno. Soon after, the Morning After Bag (M.A.B) was born and--many iterations later--remains one of the most popular handbag styles in the US. 2009 marked the debut of Minkoff's first ready-to-wear collection and 2010 was the year Minkoff became a member of the CFDA. The $60 million revenue in 2012 ($35.7 million the prior year), 185K followers on Twitter to date and steadily increasing number of storefronts bear no hint to the humble beginnings of the Rebecca Minkoff brand. Keep reading for a brief Q&A with the designer.

MINKNOFF + MAB + Making Things @ STORY

Rebecca Minkoff and a STORY employee prepping a grey MAB for laser printing

Rebecca Minkoff is taller than I imagined… Or maybe it was just the sky high snakeskin cage heels she paired with black skinny jeans and a soft white blazer at STORY in Chelsea this evening. Out to support GE Garages’ Making Things, Minkoff and fashion-minded spectators watch as a laser printing machine etches a grey MAB. A lucky onlooker gets to keep the MAB with a newly imprinted cheetah print.