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.

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Windows honoring Dries Van Noten at Barney's 60th St. and Madison Ave. / "Cycle"

"I wanted to bring the concept of the garden into the museum, but you can't bring any plants or living organisms, except humans, into a museum," exclaims Dries Van Noten Tuesday in an interview with WWD [source]. Mission accomplished, as Paris' Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents Dries Van Noten: Inspirations, an exhibition of flora-inspired colors, patterns and garments by the designer. As a showcase sponsor, Barneys NY brings a taste of Paris to NYC. This weeks widows at Barney's display archival garments by Van Noten, film shorts by Andrew Zuckerman and naturistic visual displays by Dennis Freedman, Barney's Creative Director.