Crediting Mom for a Successful Career: An Interview With Rebecca Minkoff

Randi Zuckerberg
Tue, 18 May 2021 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

Who doesn't know and love fashion designer extraordinaire Rebecca Minkoff? She is a wonderful woman, is a hardworking entrepreneur and has an amazing eye for the female form.

That's why I support this woman's work.

Rebecca Minkoff is an industry leader in accessible luxury handbags, accessories, footwear and apparel. Her playful and subtly edgy designs can be spotted around the world on the young trendsetter next door and celebrities alike.
Updated: Tue May 18, 2021

Who doesn't know and love fashion designer extraordinaire Rebecca Minkoff? She is a wonderful woman, is a hardworking entrepreneur and has an amazing eye for the female form.

That's why I support this woman's work.

Rebecca Minkoff is an industry leader in accessible luxury handbags, accessories, footwear and apparel. Her playful and subtly edgy designs can be spotted around the world on the young trendsetter next door and celebrities alike.

1) What or who inspired you to get into fashion design?

My mom. When I was 13 years old, I saw a dress that I wanted to wear for my bat mitzvah, and I begged my mom to buy it for me. Despite my best negotiating skills, this battle was a loss. Being the resourceful woman that she is, she challenged me to make the dress myself. She said, "I'm not going to buy it for you, but I'll teach you how to sew." At the time, I was upset, but moms do have their special way of teaching life lessons without you even realizing it. So I did it. It wasn't perfect, but it was my own. My idea. My design. My work. I felt like my best self on that day.

2) How would you describe your personal style?

I dress very similarly to the way I dressed in high school! I've always had a relaxed, tomboy style consisting of relaxed tees and ripped jeans that were oversized and slouchy. My style is also very similar to the Rebecca Minkoff customer. I try to design for her and how she would dress but what I would want to wear, too.

3) Where do you see the intersection of tech and fashion going?

Through technology, I have been able to create many things that are more than just a want in my customer's life but a need that she can benefit from in so many ways. The intersection of fashion and tech is constantly evolving, and you have to be willing to take risks.

4) How do you wind down after a fashion week?

Sitting at home with my family! It's perfect.

5) Is there any sort of way to know what trends will work and which won't?

I don't think that there is a way to ensure that something is going to work, but for me, it's making sure to keep things fresh every season, and then you just have to cross your fingers and hope it works. But I love looking to Europe to see what's happening there; the trends that happen there are usually followed here. Other times, determining new trends is just a feeling, and sometimes you're right and sometimes you're wrong.