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.

Style Snaps : ONE OF THOSE DAYS!

Seize sur Vingt on Green St.

Ever have one of THOSE days, where you just want to blend in with the furniture, slink back into bed or hide from the world? With so many channels of information and updates to be made, sensory overload engages early on in the week! As a full time corporate employee, I find it exhausting to work (via remote office, email, IM, soft phone, SharePoint, LiveMeeting), blog, tweet, read, post, follow, update...and ENJOY LIFE sans cyberspace. Where some may emphasize prioritization, I feel that the balance lies somewhere between time management and necessity. The question is: Is it necessary to have, follow or religiously update a blog, facebook page, instagram account, tumblr page, pinterest board, twitter account, google+ profile AND flickr album? For commercial retailers with paid staff, it makes sense to have a different outlets for selling, inspiring, announcing and advertising. But what about the average individual--where do you draw the line between social media and socializing?